2021 Acura NSX Test Drive Review: The Guided Hybrid Missile

With a 0-60 mph time of under three seconds, the ability to hit 100 mph in seven seconds, and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) distributing the power, the Acura NSX is an engineering and performance powerhouse. The 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine is mounted behind the driver and combines with three electric motors to deliver 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a lightning-fast dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and distributed by the SH-AWD system. When the corners arrive, and they arrive quickly, the taut and balanced chassis combine with the SH-AWD system to deliver a level of grip and handling usually reserved for high-end sports cars with European badges. The Acura NSX, however, is designed and built in the USA.

The NSX isn't perfect, though. While it delivers physical drama all day long, and with Acura reliability, it doesn't have the aural drama of many of its gasoline-only powered contemporaries like the Ferrari F8 Tributo. Acura is delivering a tremendous amount of car for the money, but some will be disappointed by the craftsmanship in the cabin of a car costing the best part of $160,000. It's also about to enter its fifth year of production for this generation, so the question is: Is the NSX still relevant in the world of the supercar?

What's the Price of the 2021 Acura NSX?

An MSRP of $157,500 will allow you access to Acura NSX ownership, a lofty sum of money that puts it into the same territory as the Audi R8 and the Porsche 911 Turbo, both of which start at around the $170,000 mark. The NSX's price excludes a destination/handling charge of $1,995, along with tax, registration, and licensing costs.

Handling and Driving Impressions

The NSX is blisteringly quick off the line and gets faster from there. No matter what mode is selected, mashing the throttle into the carpet results in instant torque from the electric motors propelling it forward while the turbos spool up. There's little drama as the SH-AWD system is impeccable at getting the grip down, and the twin-turbo V6 doesn't wail like a banshee. There's just an overwhelming sense of velocity, punctuated by being pressed firmly back into the comfortable bucket seats. The brakes are smooth to go on, but create the kind of stopping power needed for a car that can get you a night in jail in seven seconds flat. Corners are a physical sensation as there is so much grip available mid-corner, and the drivetrain is more than happy to spit you out the other side with aplomb. The steering is pinpoint precise, the chassis remains flat and calm, the tires grip like high-end summer rubber should, and the active vector system can manage power individually to each wheel to keep traction consistent. This means the NSX flatters the not so experienced driver, and an experienced driver has to push things extra hard to start finding the limits.

In the performance-orientated Sport modes, the NSX defies physics as a supercar should and inspires a sense of confidence they, perhaps, shouldn't in inexperienced hands. The NSX really separates itself from the competition when you drop into comfort mode and leave the back roads to enter civilization again. Through the suburbs and around town, the NSX is incredibly civilized. The steering lightens, the throttle becomes less sensitive, and the suspension is no less comfortable than a mildly sporty sedan. The amount of visibility around the cockpit comes into its own, although the engine behind the driver is an expected hindrance. The seats keep you in place when the car is trying to press your face against the side windows but are still comfortable enough for a long road trip. For a car that can dedicate itself to shaving tenths of a second off lap times, it's an incredibly civilized daily driver.

Verdict: Is the 2021 Acura NSX A Good car?

Should you buy the Accord? Yes or no, better value options, consider alternatives. Is this a good time to buy (e.g. approaching end of lifecycle so good deals to be had, first MY of the new generation may want to wait to see what problems the new car has before buying etc.)

The NSX is a stunning car and much underrated. However, it speaks to a certain type of supercar buyer. It doesn't have the drama of some of its contemporaries in dynamics and noise, but it does have breathtaking performance and an understated style about it. Its drivetrain was ahead of its time when the NSX came out but, although other automakers build hybrid supercars, the NSX still beats them on price and, therefore, accessibility. It also beats everyone out on the refinement of the powertrain, despite not being the new kid on the block anymore.

The NSX has been described as the Porsche 918 you can actually buy, and the statement still holds water. Acura's supercar is still a technological and performance marvel. It's also unique in that there are supercars that can be daily driven; however, the NSX is one you'll still want to daily drive three months into ownership.

What Acura NSX Model Should I Buy?

A single trim makes the buy decision a simple one, and then it boils down to how much you value carbon-fiber, then what wheel choice and paint color you like. The base MSRP is below the NSX's closest rivals, so even splashing out an extra $10,000 on the Carbon Fiber Exterior Sport Package doesn't feel over the top. We would have a long hard think about the carbon-fiber roof and hood if the car is going to get regular workouts at the track or back roads, but we don't believe any of it is a must.

2021 Acura NSX Comparisons

2021 Acura NSX vs Audi R8 Coupe

The Audi R8 is a more conventional supercar in the sense that it boasts a large-capacity, naturally-aspirated V10 screamer. With up to 602 horsepower but less torque at 413 lb-ft, the R8 isn't as quick to 60 mph, but the sheer aural theatrics from that V10 will make you think it is. It can also reach the magic 200-mph mark if that matters. Both cars stick to the road like glue yet are comfortable enough to live with every day. In the cabins, the R8 wins with superior materials and much better infotainment tech, whereas the NSX feels outdated in this area. Although the NSX's hybrid powertrain makes it the more efficient sports car, this same high-tech approach removes a layer of emotion with the Acura that is prevalent in the louder, brasher R8. The NSX is far from a boring machine, but it's the R8 that does a better job of stirring the soul.

2021 Acura NSX vs BMW i8 Coupe

Although discontinued, the BMW i8 also offered a revolutionary hybrid powertrain, but a comparatively meek 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo motor and just one electric motor means that it isn't as powerful or quick as the NSX. However, as a plug-in hybrid, the i8 is far more efficient and has a combined MPGe rating of 69. Both of these cars handle well, but neither is as awe-inspiring to drive as conventionally powered sports cars at similar prices. The i8 perhaps looked even more breathtaking and has a well-designed cabin plus extra packing space via two small rear seats. There are also a few more safety features available to the i8. If it comes down to a secondhand purchase between these two, we recommend a drive in each to determine which is best. The NSX is a better performance car, but the i8 is an even more alluring machine to look at and can be genuinely thrifty. Both are thoroughly unique offerings in this segment.