Testing the 2020 Acura NSX: Performance, Price, and Review

Putting the words “hybrid” and “supercar” next to each other in 2010 would have seemed absurd, perhaps even an oxymoron reflecting the perceived dullness of hybrid vehicles at the time. Fast forward to the middle of that decade, however, and the Porsche 918 Spyder transformed the concept of a “hybrid-supercar” from irony into an aspirational reality—albeit one reserved for those with immense wealth. The Nsx Acura 2020, the modern successor to an automotive icon, stands as compelling proof that the groundbreaking formula pioneered by cars like the 918 is not only thriving today but is now available at a fraction of the price.

My initial encounter with the NSX earlier this year involved a 2019 model, and my time behind the wheel was limited to a single afternoon. My dominant first impression was clear: it was Quick, with a capital Q. This wasn’t surprising given the powertrain—a combination of a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and three electric motors, collectively producing a robust 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque.

Upon returning home that evening and sharing the news that I had driven a supercar, the inevitable first question from friends and family was, “How fast is it?” While they likely meant “quick,” not “fast,” at the time, I could only relay older performance figures as MotorTrend hadn’t yet tested a refreshed NSX. According to our previous tests, a 2017 NSX could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and cover the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds at 123.6 mph. My initial impression of quickness was certainly confirmed by the numbers. For potential buyers, understanding the acura nsx 2020 price is crucial alongside its performance capabilities.

Fast-forward to December, and what arrives at MotorTrend’s doorstep? None other than a brand-new Acura NSX, this time a 2020 model, gleaming in stunning Indy Yellow Pearl paint. It seems these incredible machines keep finding their way to me. Crucially, this one was here for a full battery of tests, and I was assigned the role of custodian for the $164,695 super-hybrid for significantly longer than just a few hours. For those considering a used option, researching the 2020 acura nsx used market might be worthwhile.

2020 Acura NSX front three-quarters viewMy first order of business was the requisite pilgrimage to the test track. During the 40-mile drive there, I braced myself for the usual supercar compromises: a jarringly stiff ride and an intrusive engine drone. However, the NSX displayed neither. Its ride, while undoubtedly firm, is no harsher than a Porsche 911 Carrera S set to Comfort mode. Road imperfections translate into minor rattles rather than jarring impacts, and the NSX remained largely composed over bumps.

Left in Quiet mode, the potent V-6 engine becomes little more than passive ballast. When restricted to its most docile setting, the NSX effortlessly cruised along at speeds up to 55 mph purely on electric power. This level of ease is truly remarkable. Eventually, the desire for a bit of automotive theater took over, so I twisted the dial into Sport+ mode, opening up the exhaust valves. The engine instantly awakens with a deep, guttural yowl. Mash the accelerator, and a satisfying whoosh of intake gurgle fills the cabin. The crisp, rapid shifts of the nine-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) make it incredibly easy to repeatedly experience the engine’s spirited song. Is it sonorous? Perhaps not in the traditional sense. Satisfying? Absolutely.

The post-refresh NSX benefits from several key updates. These include stiffer toe-link bushings, larger front and rear anti-roll bars for enhanced handling, a body-colored front beak replacing the previous chrome piece for a cleaner look, and perhaps most significantly, new tires. The standard rubber is now the new Continental SportContact 6, specifically designed for the NSX, with staggered sizes of 245/35ZR19 up front and 305/30ZR20 out back. Pirelli P Zero Trofeo Rs remain an available track-focused option. When looking at the 2020 acura nsx price, understanding these standard and optional features is important.

2020 Acura NSX rear three-quarter viewThe options fitted to our specific test car were not exactly performance-enhancing. It featured a $3,000 carbon-fiber rear wing, $700 red brake calipers, and a $500 satellite radio package—which, frankly, I never used. Notably absent were ceramic brakes or the grippier Trofeo R tires.

At the test track, it was time to determine if the modifications Acura had made to the 2020 nsx acura would translate into tangible improvements in performance. Launching the NSX is, quite simply, remarkably easy. Twist the drive mode selector knob all the way to the right and hold it for a few seconds to engage Track mode, simultaneously depress both the brake and accelerator pedals for a moment, then simply lift your left foot off the brake. Bang. You’re off.

“Quicker than I remember it being, and more thrilling, too,” remarked our road test editor and resident acceleration expert, Chris Walton. The updated NSX now rockets to 60 mph in a blistering 3.0 seconds flat and covers the quarter mile in just 11.2 seconds at 124.0 mph. These numbers represent a slight but meaningful improvement over the pre-refresh car.

In 2017, an NSX equipped with the optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo Rs and ceramic brakes achieved a world-class 60-0 mph stopping distance of just 95 feet. The 2020 car we tested, lacking both the high-performance brakes and the track-focused tires, stopped from 60 mph in 101 feet. While still a respectable distance, it falls considerably short of the stopping power demonstrated by rivals like a 992 generation Porsche 911 Carrera S, which stopped from the same speed in just 94 feet (and can be acquired for a substantially lower 2020 acura nsx price).

2020 Acura NSX front viewWhile a brake-by-wire system can sometimes feel artificial, in the NSX, it effectively eliminates the common pedal weirdness often associated with carbon-ceramic brakes. The orange 2019 car I drove in July had the ceramic option, and the pedal feel was remarkably similar, if not identical, to the yellow 2020 test car equipped with standard steel brakes. The braking system is beautifully linear right up to the point the anti-lock braking system (ABS) engages. When driving hard on a good piece of road, stopping power is readily available at the top of the pedal travel and is easy to modulate precisely. The more pressure you apply to the pedal, the more braking force you get – a crucial characteristic for spirited driving. For those seeking a 2020 acura nsx for sale, evaluating the brake options is key.

Around our figure-eight test, the new NSX posted a lap time of 23.8 seconds, six-tenths slower than the 2017 car’s best—a difference largely attributable to the older car’s significantly more aggressive tires. It also pulled an average of 1.00 g of lateral acceleration around the figure eight, three-hundredths less than our previous test result. However, testing director Kim Reynolds did note some abrupt brake fade during the figure-eight session.

“I had to bail out of a couple of corners because I couldn’t stop soon enough,” Reynolds commented, suggesting the ceramic brakes might indeed be a worthwhile consideration for track use. He added, “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 the advancements in driving dynamics, the NSX retains its share of peculiar quirks. The flimsy cupholder, which feels like it might have been repurposed from an economy Honda Insight, guarantees you’ll spill your drink all over the Ivory leather interior—an unfortunate experience I had twice. There’s still no convenient place to store sunglasses, and the trunk space is so minimal it borders on being practically useless for anything beyond a small bag.

2020 Acura NSX interior viewThe inclusion of Honda’s previous-generation infotainment system is almost inexcusable at this price point, though we were thankful for the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which bypasses some of the system’s clunkiness. Peering into the driver’s-side footwell reveals exposed wiring looms and somewhat frayed carpeting, suggesting that interior quality simply doesn’t align with the $160,000+ price tag. Significantly nicer interiors can be found in similarly priced competitors like the Audi R8, Porsche 911, and various AMG models. Furthermore, the fuel economy figures don’t exactly scream “hybrid”; we averaged just 17 mpg during our time with the car. Fortunately, the car’s dynamic capabilities largely compensate for these practical shortcomings.

Despite its quirks and the somewhat unfinished interior details, the NSX feels inherently connected and responsive. The moment you settle into the low-slung seat and your hands grasp the cool leather steering wheel, the car seems to know its purpose. Fuel economy and cupholders be damned, the primary impulse is simply to go fast. After diligently chaperoning the NSX to the test track and impressing my girlfriend, her parents, and my own parents, I decided the time for demonstrating its straight-line speed was over. It was time to discover if the refreshed NSX’s handling was as sharp and engaging as its striking looks suggested.

On a challenging back road, the NSX isn’t merely quick; it’s a dominant force. The two electric motors positioned at the front axle constantly claw at the pavement, relentlessly seeking extra grip. The sophisticated SH-AWD system actively overdrives the outside front wheel during cornering, creating an effect that significantly enhances turn-in response. The NSX is remarkably easy to push hard, even if you aren’t a seasoned track driver. As our features editor, Christian Seabaugh, noted, there’s a truly staggering amount of mid-corner grip available.

Though it can feel like it’s bullying the road into submission, the NSX remains consistently friendly and approachable for its driver. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of driving the NSX is its remarkable forgiveness for minor mistakes on the road. Overshooting a slow corner doesn’t result in punishing understeer that pushes you wide. Being overly enthusiastic with the throttle won’t typically provoke a dramatic slide, or worse. Instead, the NSX calmly and confidently handles the situation, seemingly placing a metaphorical hand on your shoulder and gently urging you to give the road and the car your complete attention. This cooperative nature is ultimately a significant positive.

When we first tested the original second-generation NSX back in 2015, we felt that Acura had perhaps shown it to the world a few years too early; it seemed like it wasn’t quite finished. Now that those intervening years have passed, we are left with the car we initially hoped for. Even if the interior remains an ergonomic challenge and the fuel economy is still disappointing for a hybrid, the significant changes Acura implemented for the 2020 acura nsx transform it into a $160,000-plus super-hybrid that genuinely justifies its price tag. And let’s face it, your Audi R8 can’t cruise silently in pure EV mode, can it?