The 2027 Acura RSX is an elevated electric fastback, rather than a homage.

      Cyril Soliman

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      Next year, the Acura RSX will make a comeback—not as a sports coupe, but as an electric crossover featuring a coupe-like roofline. This marks the latest revival of a once-popular nameplate that has been stirring conversations among enthusiasts. Regardless, it is on its way, and the prototype displayed here during its public introduction at Monterey Car Week this weekend is expected to be quite similar to the final version.

      Setting aside the nameplate's legacy for a moment, this RSX signifies several things for Acura and the American Honda division as a whole. Unlike the Ultium-based Prologue and ZDX, it’s Honda's first EV for North America constructed on a dedicated platform. Production will take place at the Marysville, Ohio “EV Hub,” alongside the Integra; it will feature a NACS charging port from the start; and it will give us our first experience of the new Asimo OS software that will drive both brands’ EVs moving forward. With the RDX, we are finally witnessing what a modern, mass-market, authentically Honda electric vehicle looks like in the United States. This is significant.

      However, for the readers and editors of The Drive, the nostalgia associated with this modern classic is hard to overlook. Acura has stated that its decision to use the RSX name doesn't imply they view this EV as a direct successor to the coupe. Perhaps “RSX” simply sounded appealing to them, or they see some market value in it. Regardless, the connection is somewhat difficult to accept when considering the vehicle that will bear the badge next year.

      The new RSX does feature a sloping silhouette, with a black roof and tapered side sills to minimize its visual bulk. Yet, it remains a tall and stout car, particularly with that prominent front end. The ride height is a contributing factor, and honestly, those daytime running LEDs evoke memories of the Buick Envista. It's undoubtedly a capable commuter, but it doesn’t exactly evoke thoughts of “precision-crafted performance.” Acura mentions that the full-width taillights are designed to draw attention to the NSX; unfortunately, these days, they resemble many other new vehicles on the road, as lightbars have become quite standard.

      Nevertheless, this RSX is expected to be quick, featuring dual-motor all-wheel drive, double-wishbone front suspension, and Brembo brakes all around. Acura hasn't yet disclosed power figures or performance statistics, but being a modern EV, it should be agile enough and faster than the previous RSX in raw performance. The company also claims it can store energy and provide backup power to a home, a feature that many automakers discuss but that only Ford has significantly integrated with the F-150 Lightning so far.

      So, that’s the 2027 Acura RSX, at least from the outside. We haven’t seen any images of the interior during this Monterey event, and it's reasonable to presume that some of this show car’s less pragmatic aspects, such as the use of cameras instead of side mirrors, won’t be included in the final product. However, Acura adopted a similar strategy with the Integra’s debut, showcasing a “prototype” that was also yellow and had blacked-out windows, ahead of a production model that ultimately looked nearly identical. The Integra also faced a mixed reception initially, which could suggest that Acura has a talent for stirring debate.

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