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- Highs Athletic handling, compliant ride, comfortable cabin.
- Lows Not as quick as some rivals, storage space is sparse, shares too many interior parts with less exotic Acura models.
- Verdict If you're looking for a supercar that can double as a daily driver, the NSX is up to the task.
Overview
The Acura NSX intends to fill a niche that barely exists, but for those who seek a daily-driver supercar—with some hybrid cred, no less—this is your ride. The original NSX, which was phased out of production in 2005, provided easy, day-to-day livability minus the green: exotic looks, otherworldly performance, a compliant ride, and comfortable space for two adults and a reasonable amount of cargo. Aside from the original’s generous cargo space, the reborn NSX checks all the same boxes and kicks things up a notch with above-average fuel economy thanks to its hybrid powertrain and electric-only driving capabilities. It certainly looks the part of a supercar, but it doesn’t quite hit the exotic mark on the inside, where evidence of parts sharing with lesser Acuras casts a decidedly downmarket shadow.
What's New for 2018?
Nothing. Acura says there’s not a single change to the NSX for 2018; not even a single new color or interior option differentiates it from the 2017 model. Acura also has kept the NSX’s base price even with last year’s model at $157,800.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- NSX Coupe: $157,800
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
While it will certainly satiate your need for speed, the NSX can’t outpace some key rivals. The NSX’s hybrid-electric powertrain combines a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 with three electric motors for maximum totals of 573 horsepower 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 and from zero to 100 mph in 7.0 seconds, the NSX is far from slow. Among supercars, it’s not as quick as the non-hybrid competition, such as the McLaren 570S, nor is it as fuel efficient as the BMW i8. Because of its electric motors, the NSX can cruise silently for short distances in Electric mode. With electric motors on board, we expected instant acceleration, but in our NSX test car, we noted a delayed response to throttle inputs. In Quiet and Sport modes, the steering is direct and accurate but light to the touch, which we think is an attempt to make the NSX feel maneuverable on a day-to-day basis. Such a setup, however, feels out of place on such a performance-oriented vehicle. In Sport Plus and Track modes, the electric-power-steering system dials in more weight, which is appropriate. Regardless of the setting, the steering is crisp, and the car responds smartly to small wheel inputs. Razor-sharp handling is expected from a supercar, and the NSX delivers while adding a better 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; strong, fade-free brakes inspire confidence on the road and on the track.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the Compare Side-by-Side tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Getting in and out of the NSX is a challenge—as is the case with most supercars—because of its low seating height and wide doorsills. Once inside, though, the driving position is agreeable, and the cabin ergonomics are first rate. While the seats are comfortable, we’d prefer more thigh support, and enthusiastic drivers will likely desire more side bolstering, as well. A driver-facing 4.2-inch digital gauge cluster provides vehicle information such as speed, engine rpm, coolant temperature, and fuel level, and it also changes color depending on which drive mode you select. Yet another annoyance are the cupholders that seem like a total afterthought; their unit is put in place by inserting a plastic tab into a slot located on the side of the center console. This reduces the passenger’s knee room and dominates the glove compartment when not in use. For something marketed as the everyday supercar, the NSX’s interior storage cubbies aren’t especially commodious. Its smallish trunk is located right behind the engine, which might be problematic for hauling your Häagen-Dazs home.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated navigation comes standard and is hooked up to an eight-speaker audio system; an ELS Studio nine-speaker setup is optional, as is SiriusXM satellite radio. Bluetooth phone and audio streaming is standard, and the quality of both is good, although callers will certainly hear the NSX’s turbocharged engine if the driver is being liberal with the throttle pedal. Two USB ports (one inside the glovebox and one behind the console) provide opportunities for charging smartphones and linking devices to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which are standard. As with some other interior parts, the touchscreen system is taken from lesser Acuras and Hondas, and the same complaints we have about them apply here, too. The system’s interface already looks outdated, and we found the menu setup to be unintuitive. To make matters worse, its lack of redundant buttons and the odd touch-sensitive volume slider, which makes precise adjustments difficult, add an extra layer of complexity.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Acura NSX's Model 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.
