The 2020 Acura NSX: A Refined Super-Hybrid Worth Its Price Tag

Putting the words “hybrid” and “supercar” together seemed like a contradiction in 2010, perhaps even an oxymoron mocking the perceived dullness of hybrid vehicles. However, by the mid-decade, the Porsche 918 transformed the concept of a “hybrid-supercar” from a fantasy reserved for the ultra-rich into a reality. The 2020 Acura NSX, heir to an iconic nameplate, proves this formula is thriving today, but at a significantly more accessible price point – potentially less than a quarter of what a 918 commanded. For those seeking information about the 2020 Nsx Acura, this iteration represents a mature evolution of the breed.

My initial experience driving an NSX earlier this year, a 2019 model, was limited to just one afternoon. My first impression? It was undeniably quick. This wasn’t surprising given that its 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine combined with three electric motors produces a formidable 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. When I mentioned driving a supercar to friends and family that evening, their immediate question was, “How fast is it?” I suspected they really meant “quick.” At the time, MotorTrend hadn’t tested the refreshed NSX, so I could only reference older figures. According to our previous tests, a 2017 NSX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds at 123.6 mph. My initial quickness impression was certainly validated by the numbers. Finding a competitive acura nsx 2020 price point was a key factor in its appeal then, and remains so for the 2020 model.

Fast forward to December, and what appeared at MotorTrend’s front door was none other than a brand-new Acura NSX, specifically a 2020 model, resplendent in Indy Yellow Pearl paint. It seems these cars just keep finding me. This time, it was booked for comprehensive testing, and I would be the custodian of this $164,695 super-hybrid for much longer than a mere few hours.

The first order of business was the obligatory trip to the test track. During the 40-mile drive there, I half-expected to be subjected to the common supercar compromises: a punishingly stiff ride and an irritating engine drone. However, the 2020 Acura NSX displayed neither. The ride, while firm, was no harsher than a 911 Carrera S set to its Comfort mode. Road imperfections resulted in only minor rattles, and the NSX remained composed on most surfaces.

2020 Acura NSX front three-quarters view

Leaving the car in its Quiet mode renders the V-6 almost silent, acting merely as ballast. In its most docile setting, the NSX was capable of cruising at speeds up to 55 mph purely on electric power. Talk about effortless urban driving. Eventually, it was time for a little more drama, so I turned the drive mode dial to Sport+ to unleash the exhaust note. The engine instantly burst to life with a deep yowl. Mashing the accelerator pedal produced a satisfying whoosh of intake gurgle filling the cabin. The crisp shifts of the nine-speed dual-clutch transmission made it easy to experience the engine’s song repeatedly. Is it sonorous? Not exactly. Is it satisfying? Absolutely.

The post-refresh 2020 NSX incorporates several key updates: stiffer toe-link bushings, larger front and rear anti-roll bars for improved handling dynamics, a body-colored front beak replacing the previous chrome one for a cleaner look, and perhaps most significantly, new standard tires. The default rubber is the new Continental SportContact 6, specifically tailored for the NSX, sized 245/35ZR19 at the front and 305/30ZR20 at the rear. Aggressive Pirelli P Zero Trofeo Rs remain an optional upgrade for track enthusiasts. Looking for a 2020 acura nsx used often involves checking which options, like tire packages or carbon fiber, were originally selected.

The specific options equipped on our test car didn’t exactly enhance performance, however. It featured a $3,000 carbon-fiber rear wing, $700 red brake calipers, and a $500 satellite radio package – which I honestly never used. Notably absent were performance upgrades like carbon ceramic brakes or the Trofeo R tires. The base 2020 acura nsx price of $159,495 rises quickly with such additions.

2020 Acura NSX rear three-quarter view

At the test track, it was time to see if Acura’s revisions translated into measurable improvements. Launching the NSX is, frankly, incredibly easy. Simply twist the drive mode selector knob all the way to the right and hold for a few seconds to engage Track mode, depress both the brake and accelerator pedals momentarily, and then release your left foot from the brake. Bang. You’re off. Road test editor and acceleration expert Chris Walton commented, “Quicker than I remember it being, and more thrilling, too.” The 2020 model we tested charged from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.0 seconds flat and completed the quarter mile in just 11.2 seconds at 124.0 mph.

In 2017, an NSX equipped with the optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo Rs and carbon ceramic brakes achieved a world-class stopping distance from 60 mph in just 95 feet. The 2020 car we tested lacked both the expensive brakes and the track-oriented tires. Its 101-foot stop from 60 mph was still good by conventional standards, but it was noticeably off the mark compared to competitors like a 992 generation Porsche 911 Carrera S, which stopped in just 94 feet (and can be acquired for considerably less money). Despite the numerical difference in braking distance, the brake-by-wire system in the NSX effectively eliminated any odd pedal feel sometimes associated with carbon-ceramic setups. The orange 2019 car I drove in July, equipped with ceramics, had a brake pedal feel identical to that of the yellow 2020 test car fitted with standard steel brakes. For those considering purchasing, investigating the options included is essential when checking the 2020 acura nsx for sale listings.

2020 Acura NSX front view on track

While the brake pedal might lack some absolute feel under maximum braking force, it demonstrates beautifully linear progression all the way into the ABS threshold. When driving hard on a demanding road, the stopping power feels consistently available high up on the pedal, and the brakes are easy to modulate with precision – more pedal pressure yields more braking force, exactly as it should.

Around the figure-eight test, the new NSX posted a lap time of 23.8 seconds, which was six-tenths slower than the 2017 car (though remember the older car had racy tires). It also pulled 1.00 g of average lateral acceleration around the figure eight, three-hundredths down from our previous test. Testing director Kim Reynolds noted some abrupt brake fade during his runs, suggesting the ceramic option might have been beneficial for track work. However, he also praised its dynamics, saying, “Good power, though, and shifting is really great. This car used to have an overwhelming video game quality to its handling, but now it’s genuinely authentic and fun.”

Despite feeling less like a video game, some of the NSX’s longstanding interior quirks persist. The flimsy cupholder, which feels like it was borrowed from a Honda Insight economy car, almost guarantees you’ll spill your coffee all over the Ivory leather interior – as I managed to do, twice. There’s still no convenient place to store sunglasses, and the trunk space is so minimal it’s borderline useless for anything beyond a small overnight bag.

2020 Acura NSX interior cockpit

The inclusion of Honda’s previous-generation infotainment system is nearly inexcusable at the 2020 NSX’s price point; thankfully, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration make it somewhat bearable. Looking into the driver’s-side footwell reveals exposed wiring looms and less-than-premium carpeting. The interior quality simply doesn’t align with a $160,000+ price tag. You can find significantly nicer interiors for the same money from competitors (@AudiR8, @Porsche911, @AMGanything). Furthermore, the fuel economy hardly screams “hybrid,” as we averaged just 17 mpg during our time with the car. Fortunately, the driving experience largely compensates for these interior and efficiency shortcomings. If you’re looking to buy acura nsx 2020, be prepared to prioritize performance over passenger convenience features.

Despite the persistent quirks and the interior’s unfinished feel in places, the NSX remains incredibly engaging to drive. The moment you settle into the low-slung seat and your hands grip the cool leather steering wheel, the NSX seems to know its purpose. Gas mileage and cupholders be damned; the focus shifts to going fast and cornering hard. After carefully driving the NSX to the test track and impressing my girlfriend, her parents, and my own parents with its presence, I decided the showing off was sufficient. It was time to determine if the refreshed 2020 Nsx Acura drove as sharply as it looked.

2020 Acura NSX side profile

On a challenging road, the NSX isn’t just quick; it’s a dominant force. The two electric motors positioned upfront relentlessly claw at the asphalt, constantly searching for extra grip. The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system strategically overdrives the outside front wheel, an effect that essentially enhances turn-in response and agility. The NSX is remarkably easy to push to its limits, even if your driving skills aren’t professional-grade. As features editor Christian Seabaugh observed, it possesses a truly staggering amount of mid-corner grip.

While it may feel like it’s bullying the road into submission, the NSX is consistently forgiving and friendly to its driver. Perhaps its best characteristic is that you are rarely penalized harshly for making a mistake on the road. Overshooting a slow corner doesn’t result in frustrating understeer. Being overly aggressive with the throttle application won’t trigger a dramatic slide or worse. Instead, the NSX calmly signals you to give the road and the car your full attention, guiding you back onto the intended line. This level of driver-friendliness is a significant asset.

When we first test drove the NSX back in 2015, we remarked that Acura had let us drive the car a few years too early – it felt unrefined in places. Now, after those years have passed and with the updates implemented for the 2020 model year, we are finally presented with the car we initially hoped for. Even if the interior ergonomics remain a challenge and the fuel economy is still disappointing for a hybrid, the changes Acura made to the 2020 NSX genuinely transform it into a $160,000 super-hybrid that feels truly worth its price tag for the driving experience it delivers. And let’s not forget, your competitor R8 can’t cruise around silently in EV mode, can it?