The Return of the RSX: Ushering in a Bold and Electrifying New Era for Acura’s Legendary Performance Legacy

 When Acura unveiled the RSX Prototype at Monterey Car Week 2025, it wasn’t simply introducing another SUV to the crowded electric vehicle market—it was signaling a shift in the brand’s entire identity. Dressed in a bold “Propulsion Yellow Pearl” paint that seemed to glow under the California sun, the RSX stands as a bridge between Acura’s heritage of performance coupes and its future as a leader in electrified mobility. While the original RSX from the early 2000s was a two-door sport compact beloved by enthusiasts, this new incarnation is an entirely different beast: a performance-oriented electric crossover with a coupe-inspired fastback roofline, powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive, and an advanced software-defined architecture. More than just a design study, the RSX Prototype previews a production model arriving in the second half of 2026, riding on Honda’s first in-house developed EV platform and debuting a next-generation operating system called ASIMO OS. Unlike Acura’s first EV, the ZDX—developed in partnership with General Motors—this RSX is a purebred Honda creation, built at the new Honda EV Hub in Ohio alongside the Integra. It is a statement of intent: Acura is ready to take control of its electrified destiny.

Design Language: From Performance Concept to Road Reality

The RSX Prototype carries forward design cues from last year’s Acura Performance EV Concept, which stunned crowds at Monterey with its aerodynamic proportions and coupe-inspired silhouette. Translating that vision into a near-production SUV, Acura has leaned into its Precision Crafted Performance ethos, crafting a stance that is both athletic and elegant. The fastback roofline flows seamlessly into an integrated ducktail spoiler, lending the RSX a sense of perpetual motion even at a standstill. Its wide, flared wheel arches house intricate 21-inch multi-spoke wheels that frame bright red Brembo brake calipers, a clear nod to its performance ambitions. Flush-mounted door handles and sculpted side panels not only contribute to visual drama but also improve aerodynamic efficiency. At the front, Acura has evolved its Diamond Pentagon grille into a more futuristic form, highlighted by sharp, separated LED daytime running lights and a low-set headlamp arrangement. The illuminated Acura emblem acts as a centerpiece, giving the RSX a distinctive presence in the EV landscape. Around back, a full-width taillight pays homage to the second-generation NSX, while the bold “ACURA” lettering stretches proudly across the tailgate, signaling confidence in the brand’s new design direction.

Platform and Engineering: Honda’s First In-House EV Architecture

Beneath its striking exterior, the RSX is built on Honda’s all-new proprietary EV platform—a significant departure from the GM Ultium architecture underpinning the ZDX. This in-house platform not only showcases Honda’s engineering capabilities but also forms the foundation for upcoming models in the Honda 0 Series. For Acura, it represents the freedom to prioritize handling, performance, and packaging without compromise. The RSX’s long wheelbase and short overhangs are no accident; they maximize interior space while enhancing driving dynamics. A double wishbone front suspension, rarely seen in SUVs, promises sharp turn-in and precise cornering behavior, complemented by the low center of gravity inherent to EVs. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system ensures instant torque delivery to all four wheels, providing both traction and acceleration on demand. While Acura has yet to disclose output figures, early indications suggest performance will be a priority, not an afterthought. Vehicle-to-load capability is also standard, allowing the RSX to function as a mobile generator—whether powering camping equipment, tools on a worksite, or even providing emergency home backup electricity. This combination of high-performance engineering and practical utility positions the RSX as a uniquely versatile player in the EV space.

ASIMO OS: The Heart of the Software-Defined Vehicle

If the RSX’s chassis and powertrain form its body and muscles, then ASIMO OS is undoubtedly its brain. First revealed at CES 2025, this operating system takes its name from Honda’s famous humanoid robot, signaling an evolution from hardware-focused vehicles to software-defined machines. Unlike conventional infotainment systems, ASIMO OS is an integrated platform that manages not just media and navigation, but also driver assistance, automated driving functions, and even aspects of vehicle dynamics. What sets it apart is its learning capability—through machine learning, it adapts to the driver’s habits, from music preferences to throttle response patterns, tailoring the experience over time. Over-the-air (OTA) updates mean the RSX can grow more capable long after it leaves the showroom, gaining new features without a physical visit to a dealer. Acura envisions ASIMO OS as a central component of its future lineup, spanning both electric and gasoline-powered vehicles. For RSX owners, this means a vehicle that remains fresh, customizable, and deeply personal—part daily driver, part digital companion, and part evolving technology platform that keeps pace with the rapidly changing automotive world.

Performance Promise: Precision Crafted for Driving Enthusiasts

While many electric SUVs focus on straight-line acceleration, Acura is making it clear that the RSX is designed to deliver a complete driving experience. The dual-motor setup provides not only all-weather traction but also torque vectoring capabilities, enhancing agility in corners. The standard sport-tuned double wishbone front suspension is a nod to Acura’s performance heritage, allowing each front wheel to react independently to road imperfections, improving both grip and ride quality. Brembo brakes—visible behind those 21-inch wheels—promise strong, fade-resistant stopping power, essential for spirited driving. Combined with the low-mounted battery pack that lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, the RSX should offer confident handling that encourages drivers to seek out winding roads rather than avoid them. Acura has been tight-lipped about acceleration figures and range estimates, but given the platform’s capabilities and the brand’s stated focus on performance, it’s reasonable to expect competitive specs. The RSX is shaping up to be more than just an electric alternative—it aims to be a driver’s SUV, capable of delivering excitement without sacrificing the refinement expected in a premium vehicle.

Interior Philosophy: Technology Meets Timeless Design

Acura has kept the RSX Prototype’s interior under wraps, with heavily tinted windows shielding it from public view during its Monterey debut. However, based on the brand’s recent design direction and the promises surrounding ASIMO OS, we can piece together a vision of what’s to come. Expect a driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials and minimal clutter, allowing the software interface to take center stage. Physical controls will likely be retained for essential functions, while secondary features may be accessed through a large central touchscreen running the ASIMO OS interface. Customizable digital displays could present performance data, navigation, or driver-assist visuals depending on the mode selected. Premium touches such as ambient lighting, upscale upholstery, and precision-machined trim elements will likely coexist with advanced features like augmented-reality navigation and AI-driven suggestions for route planning or charging stops. Given the RSX’s role as a halo EV for Acura, we can expect the interior to set a new standard for the brand, blending the “timeless beauty” Acura’s design team aspires to with the cutting-edge tech demanded by modern EV buyers.

Heritage and Nameplate Resurrection

The decision to revive the RSX name for an electric SUV was bound to stir debate among enthusiasts. The original RSX, introduced in 2001, was a sleek two-door hatchback coupe that replaced the Integra in North America. It became a cult favorite for its sharp handling, high-revving engines, and tuner-friendly platform. By contrast, the 2027 RSX is a four-door crossover that trades lightweight agility for electric performance and high-tech capability. Acura, however, has already proven with the modern Integra that a nameplate revival can coexist with new priorities—especially when performance DNA is preserved in spirit, if not in exact form. In fact, the RSX’s coupe-like profile, focus on driving engagement, and meticulous engineering are arguably truer to the original car’s ethos than a simple retro rehash would be. By reintroducing the RSX alongside the Integra in showrooms, Acura is creating a nostalgic yet forward-looking lineup, connecting past and future while appealing to a broader customer base. For purists, the change may be jarring; for Acura, it’s a bold bet that performance and innovation can evolve together.

Market Positioning and Pricing Strategy

When the production RSX arrives in 2026 as a 2027 model, pricing is expected to start around $55,000—placing it in the sweet spot between mainstream EVs and the more expensive European premium crossovers. This strategic positioning allows Acura to compete with models like the BMW iX3, Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, and Tesla Model Y Performance, while potentially undercutting them on price without compromising features. Standard dual-motor AWD, advanced driver assistance systems, and ASIMO OS integration will make even the base RSX feel well-equipped. Higher trims may add extended-range battery options, upgraded interior materials, and enhanced performance modes. By offering performance credibility, premium features, and competitive pricing, Acura is aiming to attract both tech-savvy early adopters and loyal brand enthusiasts transitioning to EVs. This approach mirrors Acura’s historical strength—offering luxury and performance without the inflated price tag—while aligning with modern expectations for electrified mobility. If the RSX delivers on its promises, it could be a pivotal model that not only boosts Acura’s EV credibility but also redefines its role in the competitive premium SUV market.

The Road Ahead: RSX’s Role in Acura’s EV Future

The RSX’s significance goes far beyond its own sales potential. As the first Acura built on Honda’s proprietary EV platform, it sets the engineering and design template for future models. Its successful integration of ASIMO OS will serve as a testbed for rolling out software-defined capabilities across the brand’s lineup, from compact sedans to larger SUVs. By proving that a performance-oriented EV can still embody the soul of Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance ethos, the RSX could help the brand stand out in a market where many electric crossovers are blending into one another. Moreover, its production at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio demonstrates the company’s commitment to domestic manufacturing and supply chain resilience. With its combination of striking design, advanced technology, and dynamic promise, the RSX is poised to become more than just a new model—it’s the opening chapter in Acura’s next era. If it can capture both the hearts of driving enthusiasts and the interest of tech-focused consumers, the RSX may well be remembered as the car that brought Acura fully into the electric age.