Acura NSX Review: A Showcase Of The Future?
As a showcase of Acura's powertrain expertise and the brand's ability to create a properly emotive machine, the NSX sports car makes a fine impression in a segment filled with some of the world's most accomplished driver's cars. The Acura NSX is powered by a combination of a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter V6 engine and three electric motors to deliver a total system output of 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. The mid-engine NSX uses Acura's SH-AWD (Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive) system and a nine-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) to see off the 0-60 mph sprint in a rapid three-seconds dead on its way to a 191 mph top speed. While the NSX's performance credentials are unquestionable, the driving experience lacks the sheer drama of rivals like the Porsche 911 and the raucous, V10-engined Audi R8. More pressing is the NSX's cabin, which falls short of the craftsmanship expected of an exotic costing in excess of $150,000. Still, the NSX is lavishly equipped and remains a towering technical achievement.
What's the Price of the Acura NSX?
The 2019 NSX SH-AWD coupe is available in just one configuration at an MSRP of $157,500. The model uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 boosted by three electric motors, all-wheel-drive, and a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission. Pile on the options, however, and a fully-loaded NSX will quickly soar to $203,300, excluding the $1,800 destination charge and any licensing, tax, or registration fees applicable. It pays to shop around, however, as many dealers offer regional incentives that could see you walk away with an absolute bargain.
Specs and Trims: Acura NSX Models And Configurations
2022 Acura NSX Type S Coupe
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- NSX
- Model Year
- 2022 Acura NSX
- Year
- 2022
- MSRP
- $169,500
- Engine
- 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid
- Horsepower
- 600 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Torque
- 492 lb-ft
- Steering Type
- Rack-Pinion
- Turning Diameter
- 39.7 ft
- Front Suspension
- Double Wishbone
- Rear Suspension
- Multi-Link
- Wheels Type
- Aluminum Wheels
- Front Wheel Size
- 19" x 8.5"
- Rear Wheel Size
- 20" x 11"
- Front Tire
- P245/35YR19
- Rear Tire
- P305/30YR20
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Fuel Tank Capacity
- 15.6 gallons
- Cruising Range City
- 327.6 miles
- Cruising Range Highway
- 343.2 miles
- Battery Size
- 1.3 kWh
- Length
- 178.5 in
- Height
- 47.8 in
- Max Width
- 76.3 in
- Front Width
- 65.5 in
- Wheelbase
- 103.5 in
- Ground Clearance
- 3.8 in
- Curb Weight
- 3,878 lbs
- Seating Capacity
- 2 seater
- Front Seat Leg Room
- 42.9 in
- Front Seat Headroom
- 38.3 in
- Front Seat Shoulder Room
- 57.7 in
- Front Seat Hip Room
- 54.5 in
- HD Radio
- Standard
- Bluetooth Connection
- Standard
- Hard Disk Drive Media Storage
- Not Available
- Premium Sound System
- Standard
- Satellite Radio
- Optional
- Smart Device Integration
- Standard
- WiFi Hotspot
- Not Available
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Standard
- Entertainment System
- Not Available
- MP3 Player
- Standard
- Bucket Seats
- Standard
- Cloth Seats
- Not Available
- Leather Seats
- Standard
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Standard
- Premium Synthetic Seats
- Standard
- Vinyl Seats
- Not Available
- Woodgrain Interior Trim
- Not Available
- Sun/Moonroof
- Not Available
- Head-Up Display
- Not Available
- Navigation System
- Standard
- Steering Wheel Audio Controls
- Standard
- Power Liftgate
- Not Available
- Power Mirror(s)
- Standard
- A/C
- Standard
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Not Available
- Automatic Parking
- Not Available
- Climate Control
- Standard
- Cooled Front Seat(s)
- Not Available
- Cooled Rear Seat(s)
- Not Available
- Cruise Control
- Standard
- Hands-Free Liftgate
- Not Available
- Heated Front Seat(s)
- Standard
- Heated Rear Seat(s)
- Not Available
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Not Available
- Keyless Entry
- Standard
- Multi-Zone A/C
- Standard
- Power Driver Seat
- Standard
- Power Passenger Seat
- Standard
- Remote Engine Start
- Not Available
- Remote Trunk Release
- Standard
- Seat Memory
- Standard
- Universal Garage Door Opener
- Standard
- Seat-Massage
- Not Available
- Rear A/C
- Not Available
- Keyless Start
- Standard
- Navigation from Telematics
- Not Available
- Telematics
- Standard
2021 Acura NSX SH-AWD Coupe
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- NSX
- Model Year
- 2021 Acura NSX
- Year
- 2021
- MSRP
- $157,500
- Engine
- 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid
- Horsepower
- 500 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Torque
- 406 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
- Steering Type
- Rack-Pinion
- Turning Diameter
- 39.7 ft
- Front Suspension
- Double Wishbone
- Rear Suspension
- Multi-Link
- Wheels Type
- Aluminum Wheels
- Front Wheel Size
- 19" x 8.5"
- Rear Wheel Size
- 20" x 11"
- Front Tire
- P245/35YR19
- Rear Tire
- P305/30YR20
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Fuel Tank Capacity
- 15.6 gallons
- Cruising Range City
- 327.6 miles
- Cruising Range Highway
- 343.2 miles
- Battery Size
- 1.3 kWh
- Length
- 176.1 in
- Height
- 47.8 in
- Max Width
- 76.3 in
- Front Width
- 65.2 in
- Wheelbase
- 103.5 in
- Ground Clearance
- 3.8 in
- Curb Weight
- 3,878 lbs
- Seating Capacity
- 2 seater
- Front Seat Leg Room
- 42.9 in
- Front Seat Headroom
- 38.3 in
- Front Seat Shoulder Room
- 57.7 in
- Front Seat Hip Room
- 54.5 in
- HD Radio
- Standard
- Bluetooth Connection
- Standard
- Hard Disk Drive Media Storage
- Not Available
- Premium Sound System
- Standard
- Satellite Radio
- Optional
- Smart Device Integration
- Standard
- WiFi Hotspot
- Not Available
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Standard
- Entertainment System
- Not Available
- MP3 Player
- Standard
- Bucket Seats
- Standard
- Cloth Seats
- Not Available
- Leather Seats
- Standard
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Standard
- Premium Synthetic Seats
- Standard
- Vinyl Seats
- Not Available
- Woodgrain Interior Trim
- Not Available
- Sun/Moonroof
- Not Available
- Head-Up Display
- Not Available
- Navigation System
- Standard
- Steering Wheel Audio Controls
- Standard
- Power Liftgate
- Not Available
- Power Mirror(s)
- Standard
- A/C
- Standard
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Not Available
- Automatic Parking
- Not Available
- Climate Control
- Standard
- Cooled Front Seat(s)
- Not Available
- Cooled Rear Seat(s)
- Not Available
- Cruise Control
- Standard
- Hands-Free Liftgate
- Not Available
- Heated Front Seat(s)
- Standard
- Heated Rear Seat(s)
- Not Available
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Not Available
- Keyless Entry
- Standard
- Multi-Zone A/C
- Standard
- Power Driver Seat
- Standard
- Power Passenger Seat
- Standard
- Remote Engine Start
- Not Available
- Remote Trunk Release
- Standard
- Seat Memory
- Standard
- Universal Garage Door Opener
- Standard
- Seat-Massage
- Not Available
- Rear A/C
- Not Available
- Keyless Start
- Standard
- Navigation from Telematics
- Not Available
- Telematics
- Standard
2020 NSX Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 176.0 in | 103.5 in | 47.8 in | 76.3 in | 65.2 in | 63.7 in | 3,878.0 lbs |
2020 NSX Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
A number of suspension tweaks have further improved the dynamics of the already accomplished NSX. Feeding power to all four wheels, the hybrid system sees the NSX rocket out of corners at astounding speeds with unflappable stability and poise. An Active Vectoring System can control the power or braking sent to individual wheels, making for superb grip when taking corners at speed. Body roll is virtually non-existent, and the new tires not only offer improved grip but are longer lasting following repeated laps around a track.
Of course, sports cars at this price level are fully expected to deliver performance thrills and bend the laws of physics. What they often don't do is deliver a palatable driving experience around town. Here, the NSX remains a joy to pilot. The ride quality is genuinely excellent considering the performance on offer, with surface changes, rough patches of road, and even long distances all being dealt with easily. In traffic, and with Quiet driving mode selected, the NSX offers perhaps the smoothest, most refined experience you're likely to find in a supercar. In either Quiet or Sport Mode, the steering feels surprisingly light and makes the NSX an effortless daily driver. Sport Plus and Track Modes add some more heft, but the car always responds quickly and precisely to even marginal inputs from the driver.
Overall, the NSX may not be the most riveting drive in the segment, but it sure makes a strong case for itself as the most effective.
2020 NSX Interior
2020 NSX Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the Acura NSX A Good car?
A tremendous powertrain, exceptional dynamics, and a stunning design are all highlights of the NSX package. While the current model continues to battle with the weight of expectation that came with the much-loved first-generation NSX, it does enough things very well to carve out a unique niche for itself in the high-end sports car segment. No rival can really match the NSX's powertrain refinement and ease of use as a daily driver, although whether these characteristics should be considered priorities for high-performance machines is up for debate. Still, the mix of power delivery and relative efficiency of the sport hybrid setup is admirable, and the NSX's ability to maintain its composure in a variety of conditions makes it truly versatile. The cabin doesn't match the mechanicals, though, with the NSX's dated infotainment system and average materials slightly diminishing the experience from behind the wheel. Rivals also offer more sonic thrills. It's still a phenomenally capable supercar and more than worthy of a place on your shortlist.
What Acura NSX Model Should I Buy?
With only one model to choose from, only the options list gives you some choice to create your unique NSX. By keeping options below the $170,000-mark, the NSX's value proposition over key competitors is maintained. Adding on one of the premium colors, the decklid spoiler in gloss carbon fiber, the carbon fiber interior sport package, and the exclusive interwoven wheels are relatively affordable ways to enhance the look and feel of the NSX, giving it a true sense of being an exotic without breaking the bank too much.
2020 Acura NSX Comparisons
2020 Acura NSX vs Audi R8 Coupe
The R8 continues to be a success story for Audi, with the second-generation model introduced in 2015. Like the NSX, the pricier R8 offers a similar ability to provide driving thrills at the limit while also being perfectly capable as a comfortable daily driver. Performance is similar, the NSX getting to 60 mph a tad faster than the R8, but the R8's V10 engine does provide a more inspirational driving experience. The Acura's wider track means it is the even gripper car in the corners. Inside, the R8 outclasses the NSX for material quality and technology, with Audi's infotainment system being much easier to use and nicer to look at. The R8 also feels like it has a more focused, racier cabin. Overall, the R8 offers the more old-school driving experience with its huge V10, whereas the NSX feels like the smarter, more refined, but less visceral machine. Crucially though, the R8 elicits more emotion with its wailing V10, and aren't supercars supposed to be about emotion?
2020 Acura NSX vs Nissan GT-R
These two Japanese supercars are vastly different beasts. In Nismo form, the GT-R is all about extreme performance, noise, a stiff suspension tuned for cornering, and a colossal 600 horsepower from its 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged engine. While the handling and feedback are even more electric than the NSX's, the GT-R isn't nearly as refined and comfortable when you aren't pushing the limits. Road noise is also more prevalent in the GT-R, making it a more taxing machine to operate. Although offering four seats (in a 2+2 configuration) to the NSX's two, the GT-R's rear seats are only really suitable for children. Inside and out, the Nissan screams aggression but appears dated alongside the sleek and futuristic Acura. If ultimate performance is the goal, the Nissan gets the nod, but the NSX is the more rounded sports car for the forward-thinking enthusiast.