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- Highs Athletic looks, supercar handling, comfortable interior.
- Lows Not at quick as some rivals, bargain-basement interior features, storage shortage.
- Verdict The Acura NSX doesn't quite match the performance of some of its supercar rivals, but it's comfortable enough to be a daily driver.
Overview
The legendary NSX, touted as a supercar that’s easy to live with on a daily basis, is reborn for 2017 with a new hybrid powertrain. Don’t confuse this low-slung car with a hyper-miler—it has serious performance chops, though it can’t quite hang with similarly priced non-hybrids from McLaren and Porsche. The twin-turbo V-6 sings when pushed hard, and it can be shut off to allow the NSX to tiptoe on electric power alone. The cabin is comfortable for two, but a dearth of storage space counters Acura’s daily-driver claim.
What's New for 2017?
To say that the second-generation NSX shares nothing with the first generation, production of which ended in 2005, would be an understatement. From its carbon-fiber and aluminum-intensive construction to its all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain, the NSX is completely reimagined for 2017. Despite being modernized, the NSX draws inspiration from the original with its performance, easygoing nature, and excellent outward visibility.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $156,940
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The NSX’s hybrid-electric powertrain combines a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 with three electric motors for a total of 573 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque. The V-6, the nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and one of the electric motors work as a team to power the rear wheels. The other two electric motors operate independently to drive the front wheels, effectively making the NSX all-wheel drive. With acceleration from zero to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, the NSX is far from slow, but it’s not as quick as the non-hybrid competition. Razor-sharp handling is expected from a supercar, and the NSX delivers, while adding a more compliant ride quality than some of its rivals. Adaptive dampers and adjustable electric power steering give it a variety of driving modes to fit a range of situations. In Quiet and Sport modes, the steering is direct and accurate but light to the touch, which makes the NSX feel maneuverable on a day-to-day basis.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Touted as the everyday supercar, the NSX is certainly comfortable and intuitive enough for use as a daily driver. But its cabin doesn’t have the premium feel and luxurious amenities one expects from an Acura, let alone one that is meant to compete with the best from England and Germany. That the steering column is manually adjustable is a disappointment, as are the buttons, switchgear, and an infotainment screen that have been gratuitously cribbed from the Honda parts bin. The cupholders seem like an afterthought, and the NSX’s interior storage cubbies aren’t especially commodious. Cargo capacity is very limited. There’s a four-cubic-foot area at the back of the car that’s so small it can hold just one carry-on suitcase.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Like some other interior parts, the touchscreen system is taken from lesser Acuras and Hondas. The system’s interface already looks outdated, and we found the menu setup to be complex and unintuitive. A 7.0-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation is standard, as are Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, an auxiliary input, and eight-speaker audio. Options include a premium ELS Studio audio system with nine speakers and SiriusXM satellite radio
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Acura NSX’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
