Is Acura considered a sports car?
No. Acura is a luxury automotive brand from Honda, not a single sports car. It has produced true sports cars like the NSX and performance variants such as the TLX Type S, but the majority of its lineup comprises luxury sedans, SUVs, and crossovers.
In this article, we explore how Acura fits into the sports-car landscape, identify its current and historical performance models, and explain how the brand balances luxury with sportiness in its lineup.
Acura's role in the sports-car landscape
In automotive terms, a sports car is typically defined by a focus on driving dynamics and performance, often with a two-seat configuration or a design emphasis on agility and speed. Acura has pursued performance within a luxury framework, most visibly through the NSX, a flagship sports car with a hybrid powertrain, and through high-performance variants like the TLX Type S and Integra Type S. Historically, Acura’s sport-focused offerings have included lighter, single-generation models such as RSX and Integra Type R, which are now part of the brand’s heritage.
Notable Acura sports-oriented models
Below are the models most commonly regarded as the brand's sports-oriented offerings today.
- NSX — Acura's flagship two-seat performance car, a hybrid supercar with advanced engineering.
- TLX Type S — a high-performance version of the TLX sedan with upgraded power, handling, and braking.
- Integra Type S — a recent high-performance variant of the Integra hatchback focused on driver engagement.
These models illustrate Acura's current strategy to blend luxury comfort with sportier performance in select products, while most of the lineup remains in the luxury sedan, SUV, and crossover segments.
Historic performance models
Across its past, Acura built several notable sport-focused models that casual enthusiasts and collectors remember for their handling and precision. This period includes the RSX Type-S and the Integra Type R, both celebrated for their nimble dynamics and lightweight feel.
- RSX Type-S — a compact, sport-tocused version of the RSX produced in the early 2000s.
- Integra Type R — a performance-oriented variant of the Integra from the 1990s that earned a devoted following among driving enthusiasts.
These historic models helped establish Acura's credibility in the performance segment and influenced later developments in the NSX and Type S lineup.
Summary
In short, Acura is not defined as a sports-car brand, but it does offer several notable sports-oriented models. The NSX stands as the brand’s flagship sports car, while TLX Type S and Integra Type S represent contemporary performance variants within a broader luxury lineup. Historically, Acura’s sports performance legacy includes models like the RSX Type-S and Integra Type R, which continue to shape perceptions of the brand's capabilities.
