HondaLink, AcuraLink, and Honda DriveMode are different products designed for connected car services, but they serve distinct purposes. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. HondaLink
HondaLink is a connected car service for Honda vehicles, providing access to remote control, vehicle diagnostics, navigation, and real-time information through a mobile app. It’s designed to enhance the ownership experience and keep drivers connected with their cars.
HondaLink Key Features:
- Remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle finder
- Real-time vehicle diagnostics and maintenance reminders
- Fuel status, battery health (for EVs), and driving history
- Emergency and roadside assistance
- Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Use Case:
A Honda CR-V owner uses HondaLink to check their battery level and tire pressure, start the car remotely, and schedule a maintenance appointment.
Target Vehicles: Honda models (Civic, CR-V, Accord, etc.)
2. AcuraLink
AcuraLink is similar to HondaLink but is customized for Acura’s luxury vehicles, offering enhanced premium services like personal concierge support, advanced navigation, and live-agent assistance. AcuraLink focuses more on providing a luxury, high-end experience.
AcuraLink Exclusive Features:
- Personal Concierge: 24/7 live agents for navigation, reservations, and more
- Advanced real-time traffic and weather updates
- Collision notification and theft recovery support
- Enhanced maintenance notifications and diagnostics
Use Case:
An Acura MDX owner uses AcuraLink to access live-agent concierge for trip planning and hotel reservations, while checking the vehicle’s service status through the mobile app.
Target Vehicles: Acura models (MDX, TLX, RDX, etc.)
3. Honda DriveMode
Honda DriveMode is a driver safety app designed to reduce distracted driving by managing smartphone usage while driving. Unlike HondaLink or AcuraLink, it is not a connected car service, but a mobile app focused on phone control.
Honda DriveMode Key Features:
- Auto-activates when the vehicle is in motion
- Blocks incoming calls, texts, and notifications while driving
- Allows emergency calls and access to selected contacts
- Voice-command support for hands-free interaction
Use Case:
A teen driver uses Honda DriveMode to prevent distractions by silencing calls and texts while driving their Honda Fit.
Target Audience: Any driver who wants to reduce distractions (especially useful for teens or fleet drivers)
Comparison Table: HondaLink vs AcuraLink vs Honda DriveMode
| Feature | HondaLink | AcuraLink | Honda DriveMode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Connected car services for Honda | Connected car services for Acura (luxury) | Driver safety app to reduce distractions |
| Target Audience | Mainstream Honda owners | Acura (luxury) vehicle owners | All drivers (especially teens) |
| Remote Control | Yes | Yes | No |
| Diagnostics & Maintenance | Yes | Yes | No |
| Concierge Services | No | Yes | No |
| Collision Notification | Yes | Yes | No |
| Distracted Driving Prevention | No | No | Yes |
| Navigation Integration | Yes (standard) | Yes (advanced with real-time updates) | No |
In Summary:
- HondaLink and AcuraLink are connected car services, with AcuraLink offering premium features for luxury models.
- Honda DriveMode is a driver safety app, completely separate from HondaLink and AcuraLink, and its primary purpose is to reduce distractions while driving.
HondaLink, AcuraLink, and DriveMode are all connected vehicle technologies, but they serve different purposes and target different brands or functionalities.
HondaLink
- A connected service for Honda vehicles.
- Offers features like remote start/stop, lock/unlock, vehicle location, maintenance reminders, and driving behavior feedback through the Driver Feedback feature[3][4].
- Designed to enhance convenience and safety for Honda vehicle owners.
AcuraLink
- A similar connected service tailored for Acura vehicles, Honda’s luxury brand.
- Includes features like remote commands, geofencing, stolen vehicle tracking, and premium options like concierge services[2].
- Also integrates the Driver Feedback feature for improving driving habits[3][4].
- Positioned as a more advanced system with added luxury-oriented features compared to HondaLink[5].
DriveMode
- Refers to a driving mode selector in some vehicles (e.g., Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD) that allows drivers to switch between modes like Sport, Normal, or Eco for tailored performance and efficiency[1].
- It is unrelated to the connected services (HondaLink or AcuraLink) and focuses on physical driving dynamics rather than connectivity.
Key Differences
- Brand-Specific: HondaLink is for Honda vehicles, while AcuraLink is designed for Acura’s luxury lineup.
- Features: AcuraLink often includes premium features like concierge services and advanced security options that are not typically found in HondaLink.
- Functionality: Both systems share core functionalities (e.g., remote access, Driver Feedback), but AcuraLink emphasizes luxury and additional subscription-based services[2][5].
While HondaLink and AcuraLink are similar in their core purpose of enhancing connectivity, they cater to different customer bases with varying levels of sophistication. DriveMode, on the other hand, is a separate feature related to driving performance rather than connectivity.