Acura Revives the RSX Nameplate as a Striking Electric Coupe SUV
The Acura RSX name is back—though not in the way longtime enthusiasts might expect. Nearly two decades after the original coupe disappeared from Acura’s lineup, the badge returns in 2026 as a bold all-electric coupe SUV, previewed by the Acura RSX Prototype at Monterey Car Week.
From Nostalgia to Reinvention
Just weeks ago, a 25-year-old Acura Integra coupe sold for $204,000 at auction—proof of the cult following that Acura’s coupes still enjoy. The original RSX, which succeeded the Integra in 2001 and was discontinued by 2006, has become a symbol of early-2000s tuner culture. Acura is now leveraging that nostalgia, but instead of reviving the liftback coupe, the automaker is reinventing the RSX for the EV era.
The new RSX will be the first Acura model to ride on Honda’s in-house global EV platform, a crucial move for the brand as it pivots toward electrification. Production is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026, with global sales expected shortly thereafter.
Prototype Styling : A Coupe SUV With Presence
The RSX Prototype represents an evolution of last year’s Acura Performance EV Concept. This latest version looks far closer to a production-ready vehicle, with more practical design elements while keeping its sleek coupe-SUV silhouette.
Key updates include:
- Thicker roof pillars for real-world crash safety standards.
- Camera-based mirror units replacing traditional side mirrors.
- Flush-mounted door handles for improved aerodynamics.
- 21-inch alloy wheels (down from the concept’s 23-inch set) with red Brembo brakes for performance flair.
The Propulsion Yellow Pearl paintwork, accented by glossy black trim, ensures that the RSX Prototype makes a bold statement wherever it goes.
At the front, the SUV’s split LED headlights now have a more subtle lower section, while the central intake gives off a distinctive “smiley face” look. The sides feature dramatic sculpted shoulders and functional vents on the front doors, emphasizing sportiness. Out back, the fastback-inspired rear end with a full-width LED light bar and an integrated ducktail spoiler strongly recalls the refreshed Tesla Model Y “Juniper.”
Looking Ahead
Acura says the RSX will deliver a dynamic driving experience worthy of its name, thanks to the flexibility of its new EV platform. While performance specs remain under wraps, the combination of sleek styling, coupe-inspired proportions, and advanced electric technology positions the RSX as one of Acura’s most important launches of the decade.
For fans who once fell in love with the Integra and RSX coupes, this new chapter might not bring back the lightweight two-door of old—but it does promise a future where Acura blends nostalgia, innovation, and electrification in one bold package.
