Reviving Classic Elegance: The Redesigned Honda RB2Truth Facelift
The RSX Returns, But Not as You Remember It
Acura’s decision to revive the RSX nameplate has left many enthusiasts scratching their heads. The original RSX was a two-door sport compact that packed a punch, but the new model is an electric compact crossover. While it’s not entirely surprising, given the industry’s shift towards electrification, it’s still a departure from the spirit of the original.
A Blast from the Past
For those who don’t remember, the O.G. Acura RSX was a rebadged DC5 Integra, sold in the early 2000s. It was a proper, front-engine, front-drive sport compact with a K20 engine and a manual transmission. The Type S version was particularly popular among enthusiasts, and it’s still remembered fondly today.
A New Era
Fast forward to 2025, and Acura has announced that it’s bringing back the RSX name, but with a twist. The new model is an electric compact crossover, and it’s not a retro revival. Instead, it’s a brand-new model built on Honda’s new global platform. While it’s nice to see Acura continuing to innovate, the decision to slap the RSX name on an electric crossover has left many wondering who this is serving.
Who is This For?
The folks who remember and appreciate the original RSX won’t be fooled by the new model. They’ll see it for what it is – a marketing ploy to revive a nameplate. And people looking for a cool, aspirational EV with an established brand attached to it won’t find much additional intrigue in "RSX." The original RSX was cool, but in the context of the mainstream lexicon, it ain’t no Mustang.
A Nice Package, But Not an RSX
Compared to other slopey electric crossovers, the new Acura RSX doesn’t look bad. It’s nicely proportioned, the taillight bar makes it look like a Porsche, and judging from my own brief seat time in Honda’s 0 Series SUV prototype, it’ll probably be quite nice to drive. But it isn’t an RSX.
Conclusion
Acura’s decision to revive the RSX nameplate is a mixed bag. While it’s nice to see the brand continuing to innovate, the decision to slap the RSX name on an electric crossover has left many wondering who this is serving. If you’re looking for a cool, aspirational EV with an established brand attached to it, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re just looking for a nice package with a familiar name, the new Acura RSX might be worth a look.
What do you think about the new Acura RSX? Let us know in the comments!
