Are Acura NSX and Honda NSX the same?
The Acura NSX and Honda NSX refer to the same high-performance car, with branding that varies by market. Acura NSX is the designation used in North America, while Honda NSX is used in Japan and many other regions.
The NSX lineage began with the original model introduced in the early 1990s as the Honda NSX in Japan and as the Acura NSX in North America. A second generation launched in 2016 and followed the same regional branding pattern, reinforcing that the badge is a regional matter rather than a difference in the vehicle itself.
Branding by market and generation
Understanding how the NSX is labeled across generations helps explain why the two names exist for the same car.
First generation (1990–2005)
The original NSX was introduced as the Honda NSX in Japan and as the Acura NSX in North America. In Europe, Honda branding was generally used for the model as well.
- Honda NSX (Japan)
- Acura NSX (North America)
- Honda NSX (Europe, other markets)
In short, branding matched the local Honda dealership strategy rather than implying different cars.
Second generation (2016–2022/2023)
The modern NSX continued the same regional branding pattern, with Acura NSX as the badge in U.S. markets and Honda NSX used in Japan and many other non-U.S. regions.
- Acura NSX (North America)
- Honda NSX (Japan)
- Honda NSX (Europe and other Honda-marketed markets)
The second-generation NSX remained the same vehicle regardless of badge; the branding is regional.
What remains constant across NSX generations
While the branding differs by market, several core aspects of the NSX carry through both generations.
- Mid-engine layout and overall performance philosophy
- V6 twin-turbo hybrid powertrain in the second generation
- Aluminum space frame and emphasis on handling and daily drivability
- Supercar-level performance wrapped in a practical daily-drivable package
These features define the NSX as a single model family, regardless of whether it wears the Acura or Honda badge in a given market.
Summary
The Acura NSX and Honda NSX are not two different cars; they are the same model with branding that varies by market. The Acura badge is used mainly in North America; the Honda badge is used in Japan and many other regions. As of the early 2020s, the second-generation NSX has concluded production, with no new generation announced as of 2025, but the branding logic remains the same for existing models and any future releases if they occur.
