In this article 17 sections
On March 12, 2026, Honda Motor Co. announced it had canceled the development and market launch of three EVs planned for North American production: the Honda 0 SUV, the Honda 0 Sedan and the Acura RSX. Honda said launching them “in current business environment where the demand for EVs is declining significantly would likely result in further losses over the long term.” The 2026 Acura RSX EV will not go on sale. This guide has been rewritten to explain what Acura did announce, why it was canceled, and what to consider instead.
The 2026 Acura RSX EV revived a well-known name as a performance-styled electric crossover. Acura revealed the RSX Prototype in August 2025 with standard dual-motor AWD, Brembo brakes and Honda’s in-house ASIMO OS, and planned to build it at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio for a second-half 2026 launch. Acura never published range, horsepower, battery size or pricing, and Honda canceled the model in March 2026.
When Acura revealed the RSX Prototype at Monterey Car Week on August 14, 2025, it brought back a nameplate that defined early-2000s sport compacts, this time on an all-electric crossover. It was the first model engineered in-house on Honda’s own global EV platform and the first EV scheduled for the Honda EV Hub in Ohio. Earlier versions of this article repeated widely circulated estimates such as 600 hp and a 350-mile range; none of those figures ever came from Acura, and we have removed them.
This guide breaks down everything that is actually on the record about the RSX: its planned release date, what Acura confirmed about specs and design, why Honda pulled the plug, and how that fits Honda’s shifting EV strategy. If you were waiting for an RSX, the final sections point to EVs and hybrids you can buy now.
Introduction to the Acura RSX Revival
The Acura RSX holds a special place in automotive history. Launched for the 2002 model year, it took over from the Integra in North America and became a favorite among young performance drivers. The light chassis, i-VTEC engines and available Type-S trim made it a tuner favorite. Production ended after the 2006 model year, and fans spent years wondering whether the name would return.
Nearly two decades later, Acura revived the RSX name for a new era, this time as a fully electric crossover. Why a crossover instead of a coupe? Crossovers dominate U.S. sales, and Acura’s plan was to use the RSX’s sporty reputation to sell an EV that combined performance cues, everyday utility and efficiency. Acura described the prototype as having a coupe-like silhouette with a fastback roofline.
- Nostalgic Branding: The RSX name was meant to attract both older fans and new EV buyers looking for style and performance.
- Performance Cues: Acura confirmed standard dual-motor AWD, sport-tuned double-wishbone front suspension and standard Brembo brakes for the prototype.
- Modern Demand: The shift from two-door coupes to crossover SUVs made an RSX crossover more marketable than a coupe.
With the RSX, Honda was signaling that its in-house EVs would emphasize driving engagement as well as efficiency. That plan changed in 2026, as explained below.
Acura RSX 2026 Release Date (Canceled)
Acura’s August 2025 announcement said the RSX would be the first EV produced at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio and that it was expected to arrive in the second half of 2026. It would have followed the GM-built Acura ZDX and Honda Prologue as Honda’s first wave of in-house electric vehicles.
- Prototype reveal: August 14, 2025, Monterey Car Week (Acura)
- Planned arrival: Second half of 2026 (Acura, August 2025)
- Planned production site: Honda EV Hub in Ohio, on the same Marysville line that builds the Acura Integra (Acura)
- Status: Canceled March 12, 2026 (Honda Motor Co.)
Earlier versions of this article said Acura confirmed the RSX in January 2025, that production would begin in late 2025, and that pre-orders would open in Q4 2025. None of those dates matched Acura’s own announcement, and no reservation program was ever opened. There is no RSX release date because the model will not be produced.
What made the RSX notable was that it was to be the first model engineered in-house on Honda’s own EV platform, rather than on GM’s Ultium-based architecture used by the Prologue and ZDX. That would have given Honda more control over software, battery technology and vehicle architecture. With the RSX, 0 SUV and 0 Sedan all canceled, that in-house EV rollout in North America is on hold.
Why Honda Canceled the RSX
Honda’s March 12, 2026 release cited slowing EV market growth in the U.S., easing fuel-economy and emissions regulations, revised EV incentives (the $7,500 federal clean vehicle credit ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025), and intense competition from newer Chinese manufacturers with strong software capabilities. Honda said it would record write-offs and impairment losses on assets intended for the three EVs, with total losses tied to the electrification reassessment estimated at up to 2.5 trillion yen across multiple years. Going forward, Honda said it will “further strengthen its hybrid models” while monitoring the market before committing to new EVs.
GM Authority reported that Honda’s Marysville, Ohio plant will continue building gasoline and hybrid models such as the Honda Accord and Acura Integra.
RSX Range and Battery Performance
Driving range is one of the most important numbers for EV buyers, but Acura never published an EPA or estimated range for the RSX, and no EPA rating exists on fueleconomy.gov. Acura also did not disclose battery capacity, DC fast-charging speed or home charging times.
Earlier versions of this article listed an “estimated” 289 to 350 miles, a roughly 102 kWh battery, 10–80% DC charging in about 30 minutes, and 8–10 hours on Level 2. Those figures were not from Acura and have been removed. What Acura did confirm is that the RSX was designed to act as mobile energy storage, able to power devices and provide home backup power.
For context, here are EPA-rated ranges for comparable 2026 electric crossovers you can actually buy, from fueleconomy.gov:
- Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD: 327 miles
- Honda Prologue FWD: 308 miles (AWD Touring: 294 miles)
- Cadillac Optiq AWD: 303 miles
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD (19-inch wheels): 290 miles
RSX Specs and Performance
Performance was central to the RSX identity, and Acura’s prototype announcement focused on chassis hardware rather than output figures. Here is what Acura confirmed for the RSX Prototype:
- Drivetrain: Dual-motor all-wheel drive, standard
- Suspension: Sport-tuned double-wishbone front suspension
- Brakes: Brembo brakes, standard
- Packaging: Low center of gravity design
- Horsepower, torque, 0–60 mph, top speed: Never announced
Earlier versions of this article cited about 600 hp, 600 lb-ft, 0–60 mph in about 5 seconds and a 130–140 mph top speed as “early reports and leaks.” We could not trace any of those numbers to Acura, so they have been removed. Torque vectoring was also never confirmed.
Honda’s EV Strategy and the Role of the RSX
The RSX was meant to mark Honda’s EV turning point. Honda’s first wave of EVs in North America, the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX, were developed with and built by GM. The RSX was to be the first model engineered in-house on Honda’s global EV platform, followed by the Honda 0 Series.
- Independence: An in-house platform would have given Honda control of the battery, motors and software stack.
- ASIMO OS: Acura said the RSX would be the first Acura with ASIMO OS, which manages electronic control units, automated driving and driver-assistance systems and infotainment, learns owner preferences such as music choices and driving behavior, and supports over-the-air (OTA) updates for new features.
- Where it stands now: With the RSX, 0 SUV and 0 Sedan canceled, Honda says it will prioritize next-generation hybrids and bring EVs to market when profitability and demand support them.
The ZDX has also left the lineup: Acura confirmed in September 2025 that ZDX production had ended, as reported by Motor1, Carscoops and others. That leaves Acura without an EV in new production for now.
Design and Interior Features
The RSX Prototype was also a design statement. Acura described a coupe-like silhouette with a fastback roofline, finished in a color called Propulsion Yellow Pearl.
From the outside, the prototype featured a separated-headlight design with sharp, slim daytime running lights, 21-inch multi-spoke wheels and a full-width rear taillight. The sweeping roofline was the clearest nod to the original 2002–2006 RSX coupe.
Exterior Highlights:
- Coupe-like crossover with a fastback roofline (Acura)
- Separated headlights with slim daytime running lights (Acura)
- 21-inch multi-spoke wheels (Acura)
- Full-width rear taillight (Acura)
- Propulsion Yellow Pearl paint on the prototype (Acura)
Acura did not release a detailed interior specification. Earlier versions of this article listed a 15-inch floating screen, an ELS Studio 3D system, massaging seats, an electrochromic roof, Alcantara upholstery and Alexa integration. None of those items appeared in Acura’s announcement, so they have been removed.
Interior Highlights:
- ASIMO OS, designed to learn owner preferences (Acura)
- OTA updates for new, customizable features (Acura)
- Ability to supply power to devices and act as home backup power (Acura)
- Seating capacity, cargo volume and trim materials: never published
The prototype’s mix of driver-focused hardware and software features was aimed at both enthusiasts and families shopping for a high-tech EV.
Safety, Driver Assistance, and Software Updates
Because the RSX never reached production, it was never crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, and Acura never published a standard safety-equipment list. Acura did say ASIMO OS would manage the vehicle’s automated driving and driver-assistance systems.
Standard Safety Features:
Earlier versions of this article listed a “Honda Sensing 360+” suite, Level 2+ highway driving, cloud-based predictive collision avoidance and a Smart Summon-style parking feature for the RSX. Acura did not confirm those features for the RSX, so they have been removed. For reference, current Acura models come with the AcuraWatch driver-assistance suite; check acura.com for the exact features on the model you are considering.
What Acura did say about software:
- ASIMO OS would control the vehicle’s ECUs, automated driving and driver assistance, and infotainment
- Machine learning would adapt to owner preferences such as music choices and driving behavior
- OTA updates would add new, customizable features over time
Whether ASIMO OS reaches U.S. showrooms in another vehicle is now an open question, since the three North American models planned to launch it have been canceled.
RSX vs Competitors in the EV Market
GM Authority described the RSX as a rival to the Cadillac Optiq. Since the RSX never received EPA ratings, the table below shows official EPA range and efficiency figures for 2026 electric crossovers that are on sale, so you can compare real alternatives. Our earlier table used unverified RSX figures and an outdated 300-mile range for the Ioniq 5 N; the Ioniq 5 N is EPA-rated at 221 miles.
| Model (2026) | EPA Range (mi) | EPA Combined (MPGe) | Drive | Status |
| Acura RSX EV | Never rated | Never rated | Dual-motor AWD (prototype) | Canceled March 2026 |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD | 327 | 123 | AWD | On sale |
| Honda Prologue FWD | 308 | 104 | FWD | On sale |
| Cadillac Optiq AWD (11 kW charger) | 303 | 99 | AWD | On sale |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD (19-in. wheels) | 290 | 106 | AWD | On sale |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 N | 221 | 78 | AWD | On sale |
On charging, Honda is one of eight automakers behind IONNA, the North American fast-charging network formed with BMW, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota. Honda says IONNA had more than 180 live charging sites as of September 30, 2026. Earlier versions of this article said Honda was partnering with seven automakers; the current count is eight.
Key Competitive Advantages (As Planned):
- Heritage branding paired with Honda’s first in-house EV platform
- Standard dual-motor AWD and Brembo brakes
- ASIMO OS with OTA updates and home backup power capability
Price, Trim Levels, and Options
Acura never announced pricing, trim names or option packages for the RSX. Earlier versions of this article cited an analyst estimate of $55,000 to $65,000 and “predicted” Base, Advance and Type S trims with specific ranges and wheel sizes. Because none of that was ever confirmed and the model is canceled, we have removed the predicted trim breakdown.
What Buyers Should Know Instead:
- The $7,500 federal EV tax credit ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025, so EV pricing comparisons should not assume it.
- The Acura ZDX ended production in September 2025, although remaining inventory may still be on dealer lots.
- The Honda Prologue remains on sale for 2026 with up to 308 miles of EPA-rated range.
The Legacy of the Original Acura RSX (2002–2006)
Before the EV era, the original RSX defined accessible sport-compact performance. Sold for the 2002 to 2006 model years, it followed the Acura Integra in North America and kept a strong enthusiast following thanks to its 2.0-liter i-VTEC engines and light chassis. Figures below are from Acura’s 2005 RSX press materials.
- Base RSX (2005): 160 hp and 141 lb-ft from a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder; 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic
- RSX Type-S (2005): 210 hp and 143 lb-ft, up from 200 hp in earlier years; exclusive 6-speed manual
- Curb weight: roughly 2,800 lb depending on trim (reported by Auto123 for the 2005 Type-S)
- Body style: two-door hatchback coupe
The RSX became a tuner favorite and showed up in magazines and street-racing games. The planned RSX EV was meant to pay tribute to that spirit, not with a manual transmission, but with dual-motor AWD, chassis hardware like Brembo brakes and double-wishbone front suspension, and a coupe-like crossover shape.
By reviving the name, Acura hoped to connect its performance history with its EV future. For now, the Integra and Integra Type S carry that sport-compact role in the lineup.
Consumer Expectations and Market Impact
The RSX announcement generated real interest among long-time Acura fans and EV shoppers looking for an alternative to Tesla. Expectations were high because the name carries nostalgia and performance credibility, while the EV market had become crowded and price-competitive.
Consumer Expectations:
Performance-Oriented Driving:
Shoppers expected the RSX to feel sportier than a typical family EV, in keeping with the original Type-S models.
Instant torque, precise handling and sporty suspension tuning were the selling points Acura emphasized.
Competitive Range and Charging:
Rivals such as the Tesla Model Y Long Range (327 miles) and Cadillac Optiq (303 miles) set a high bar, and Acura never published RSX range.
Fast, convenient charging remains a deciding factor for EV owners, which is why networks like IONNA matter.
Modern Tech and Comfort:
Features like smartphone integration, AI-assisted voice control and OTA updates are now baseline expectations in premium EVs.
Value for Money:
Without the federal tax credit, any premium EV has to justify its price against hybrids and against well-established rivals like the Model Y.
Market Impact:
Honda’s own explanation for the cancellation is the clearest read on the market: it pointed to declining EV demand, revised incentives and loosened regulations in the U.S. The practical effects for buyers are:
- No new in-house Honda or Acura EV is confirmed for North America at this time
- Honda is putting its resources into next-generation hybrids
- The Honda Prologue remains Honda’s EV option in the U.S.
Earlier versions of this article said analysts predicted the RSX could double Acura’s EV market share by 2027. We could not identify a source for that prediction, and the model is canceled, so it has been removed.
Honda’s Broader EV Lineup and Future Plans
The RSX was supposed to be a key milestone in Honda’s electrification strategy. After the March 2026 reassessment, Honda says it will strengthen its hybrid lineup and pursue EVs while “monitoring the balance between profitability and market trends.” Honda had previously set a long-term goal of selling only battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles globally by 2040; its 2026 reassessment shifts the near-term focus to hybrids.
Current and Canceled Models:
- Honda Prologue (2024–present): Built by GM; 2026 FWD EPA-rated at 308 miles
- Acura ZDX (2024–2025): GM-built luxury EV; production ended September 2025. The 2026 ZDX AWD is EPA-rated at 323 miles
- Acura RSX EV: Revealed August 2025; canceled March 2026
- Honda 0 SUV and 0 Sedan: Canceled for North America, March 2026
Long-Term EV Vision:
Shift to Proprietary Platforms:
Honda had planned to move from GM-built EVs to in-house EV technology; that plan is paused in North America.
ASIMO OS Expansion:
Honda has not said which future vehicles will use ASIMO OS now that its first three launch models are canceled.
Solid-State Batteries:
Honda has been developing all-solid-state battery technology, but it has not announced a production vehicle or date for it in the U.S.
For now, Honda’s message is that hybrids are its main growth path, with EVs to follow when the market supports them.
Pros and Cons of the Upcoming RSX EV
The RSX will not be sold, but here is how its announced specification compared with what buyers wanted, which is useful when judging alternatives:
| Pros (as announced) | Cons |
| Standard dual-motor AWD and Brembo brakes | Canceled March 2026; it will not go on sale |
| Sport-tuned double-wishbone front suspension | Range, battery, horsepower and price were never announced |
| ASIMO OS with OTA updates | No crash-test data or confirmed safety equipment list |
| Home backup power capability | Crossover body only; no coupe like the original RSX |
| Coupe-like fastback styling and a revived nameplate | Launched into a market without the $7,500 federal credit |
Does Acura Have an Electric SUV for 2026?
Not in new production. With the RSX canceled in March 2026 and Acura confirming in September 2025 that ZDX production had ended, Acura has no EV currently being built. Some 2026 ZDX models may remain in dealer stock (the 2026 ZDX AWD is EPA-rated at 323 miles), but no new Acura electric SUV is scheduled. Honda says it will prioritize next-generation hybrids and bring EVs to market when demand and profitability support them.
If you want an EV from the Honda family today, the Honda Prologue is still on sale, with up to 308 miles of EPA range (FWD). For the hybrid-first direction Honda is taking instead, see what Honda has confirmed for the next-generation 2027 Honda Civic, and for two of the strongest EV crossovers on sale now, our 2026 Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 comparison.
Which Alternative Is Right for You?
| If you wanted the RSX for… | Consider | Why |
| An EV from Honda’s family | Honda Prologue | On sale for 2026; up to 308 miles EPA range (FWD) |
| Luxury EV crossover | Cadillac Optiq | Closest rival named by GM Authority; 303 miles EPA (AWD) |
| Long range and charging access | Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD | 327 miles EPA range |
| Performance EV | Hyundai Ioniq 5 N | Track-focused EV; 221 miles EPA range |
| Sporty Acura with an RSX spirit | Acura Integra / Integra Type S | Current Acura sport compact, built in Ohio |
For more options, see our Best Electric & Hybrid Cars 2026 guide.
How We Evaluated the Acura RSX
NextCarReview did not road-test the RSX Prototype or any of the vehicles mentioned here. This article is based on published data:
- Acura’s U.S. newsroom (acuranews.com) for the RSX Prototype announcement and original RSX specifications
- Honda Motor Co.’s March 12, 2026 news release on the electrification reassessment (global.honda)
- Honda’s U.S. newsroom (hondanews.com) for IONNA network details
- fueleconomy.gov for EPA range and efficiency of competing EVs
- IRS guidance on the end of the federal clean vehicle credit
- Reporting from GM Authority and Motor1, labeled where used
FAQs About the 2026 Acura RSX EV
When will the 2026 Acura RSX EV be released?
What is the expected range of the RSX EV?
How fast is the new RSX EV?
How much will the 2026 RSX EV cost?
Does the RSX EV support over-the-air updates?
Why did Honda cancel the Acura RSX?
Is Acura making an electric SUV in 2026?
Is the RSX a Honda or an Acura?
Final Thoughts and Buying Considerations
The Acura RSX EV was meant to be a statement about Acura’s future, blending performance hardware, new software and a revived name. Honda’s March 2026 decision means that statement will not reach showrooms, at least not in the form shown in 2025.
If you were waiting for the RSX, here are a few practical tips:
- Do not hold out for an RSX: Honda has canceled it, and no replacement EV has been announced for Acura.
- Compare EPA range on fueleconomy.gov: Use official numbers, not leaked estimates, when shortlisting EVs.
- Budget without the federal credit: The $7,500 credit ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025.
- Consider a hybrid: Honda’s strategy now centers on hybrids, and a hybrid may fit if charging access is limited.
The RSX revival showed what Acura wanted an enthusiast EV to look like. Whether that idea returns depends on how the EV market recovers.
For more, see more electric car coverage.
Specs, prices and safety ratings change between model years and trims. Verify them for the exact 2026 Acura you are considering:
Honda Motor Co.: reassessment of electrification strategy (March 12, 2026) · Acura: RSX Prototype global debut (August 14, 2025) · Acura: 2005 RSX introduction · Honda: IONNA network update · fueleconomy.gov · IRS clean vehicle credits · GM Authority · Motor1 (ZDX). Checked October 2026. Written by Morgan Reyes; NextCarReview does not road-test vehicles.
Morgan Reyes is the founder and editor-in-chief of NextCarReview, which Morgan launched in August 2024. A 2022 graduate of Columbia University, Morgan is based in New York and writes and edits the site’s reviews, comparisons and buying guides. Morgan does not road-test vehicles. Every article is built from published primary data: EPA FuelEconomy.gov ratings, NHTSA crash ratings, recalls and owner complaints, IIHS results, and manufacturer specifications and pricing, with each figure cited and checked before publication. Contact: admin@nextcarreview.com
