Expanding the Acura Portfolio
According to recent industry reports, Acura is gearing up to challenge rivals like Lexus by entering the full-size, three-row SUV segment. While the premium division of Honda has long offered upscale SUVs, it has yet to field a true full-size model with three rows of seating. Sources familiar with the manufacturer's roadmap suggest that a flagship three-row vehicle, internally referred to as the Acura XL, could join the lineup by 2029.
Technical Specifications and Production Plans
The upcoming SUV is expected to be built on a new large-vehicle hybrid architecture. Production is slated to begin in September 2029 at Honda’s manufacturing facility in Lincoln, Alabama, with an estimated annual output of 40,000 units. This volume would place the new model in direct competition with Acura’s current bestseller, the MDX. While the MDX does feature a third row, it lacks the expansive dimensions found in dedicated full-size competitors such as the Volvo XC90 and the Lexus TX.
Strategic Market Positioning
As Acura sunsets certain nameplates and shifts its focus away from pure electric vehicles, the introduction of a fresh model is seen as vital for maintaining the brand's momentum. Acura recently secured its position as the fourth-largest luxury brand in the United States, outperforming competitors like Audi and Cadillac during the first half of the year.
The decision to pursue a large premium crossover is driven by the significant growth of this segment over the past three years. In addition to the market-leading Lexus TX, the Acura XL will face stiff competition from established luxury icons, including:
- Mercedes-Benz GLS
- BMW X7
- Audi Q9
This isn't the first time Acura has explored the full-size space; in the mid-2000s, the brand teased a V-8-powered flagship, though those plans were ultimately abandoned during the Great Recession.