Honda NSX (2016 – 2022) Review

Honda NSX (2016 – 2022) At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Honda NSX is a supercar with a difference, successfully blending excitement with comfort and usability, plus an unusual hybrid powertrain.

+Space-age looks. Strong performance. EV mode offers brief silent running.

-Expensive. Not as thrilling to drive as some rivals. Cramped cabin.

This version of the Honda NSX marked the second chapter in the Japanese brand’s attempt to take on the supercar establishment, rivalling models such as the Audi R8 and outstanding McLaren 570. While Honda is not generally regarded as being a big player in this segment, it does have some history, with the original 1990 Honda NSX regarded as an impressive, if somewhat flawed, supercar contender. Read on for our Honda NSX review.

Just as with the original Honda NSX, the second-generation version goes somewhat against the established template for a supercar.

Although mid-engined and turbocharged like many of its rivals, it comes as standard with four-wheel drive and its 3.5-litre V6 is a hybrid, with twin electric motors in the front and one at the rear. 

Fitted with a nine-speed automatic gearbox, the Honda NSX offers a variety of driving modes that change how the hybrid system operates, allowing it to switch from a calm cruiser in the city to the full supercar experience when conditions permit.

It even offers the ability to drive in pure electric mode, although due to the size of the battery and the overall weight, this is only available for limited periods.

The combination of electric power and the turbocharged petrol engine means the Honda NSX can deliver 581PS, enough to propel it to 62mph from rest in under three seconds and past 190mph.

With the security of four-wheel drive, too, it means that performance can be used with more confidence in tricky conditions.

In addition, the front-mounted electric motors offer a torque vectoring function, altering the amount of power distributed to the front wheels in order to help it turn tightly into bends.

Elsewhere, the Honda NSX offers more conventional supercar attributes. The mid-engined layout means space is at a premium, both for passengers and luggage. There are just two seats available, and headroom is not ideal for those over six feet tall thanks to a rather high driving position.

Luggage space is limited to 110 litres under the tailgate, and much of this area is taken up by the engine.

The interior is also something of a disappointment given the price tag and what is on offer from the competition.

Although some of the materials are high-quality, others feel below par, and there are several generic Honda controls that seem a little out of place.

The infotainment system also feels a little outdated, as it is shared with other Honda cars, and can be fiddly to use when on the move.

To drive, the Honda NSX is remarkably unintimidating given the performance available. Left in Comfort drive mode, it will run on electric power whenever possible, and the comparatively light steering and smooth automatic gearbox make it surprisingly easy to drive.

Accessing the performance is just a squeeze of the accelerator away, but to get the most out of the Honda NSX’s performance it makes sense to switch into Sport+ or Track mode.

This firms up the suspension, steering and response from the engine and gearbox, as well as allowing you to hear more of the engine.

Honda NSX (2016 – 2022) handling and engines

Driving Rating
Safe and secure as well as fun, the Honda NSX offers plenty for the keen driver although a degree of numbness and the high kerbweight take some of the shine away.

Honda NSX (2016 – 2022): Handling and ride quality

The price tag and the performance might make the Honda NSX slightly intimidating when first climbing into the driver’s seat, but the reality is that this is as friendly as supercars get.

Engage Comfort mode and the smooth ride – particularly in the revised post-2019 versions – is quite relaxing, and the major controls react in a measured, rather than frenetic, way.

Driven with more gusto, the Honda NSX responds well, particularly in the more aggressive drive modes such as Sport+ or Track.

More weight in the steering is welcome at speed, and increased firmness in the suspension builds confidence in the driver. The security of four-wheel drive also makes it easier to make the most of the available performance.

Post-2019 cars are more fun to drive, with more responsiveness in the steering giving a better connection between the driver and the car.

Similarly, revisions to the suspension mean a softer ride when in Comfort setting, while still providing more engagement when driven at speed.

What the Honda NSX struggles to hide is its weight, on account of the four-wheel-drive system and hybrid powertrain making it significantly heavier than many of its rivals.

This sometimes makes itself felt when hitting a bump or turning into a corner with speed, although the torque vectoring provided by the front wheels helps to mitigate this.

The ride quality is good when in Comfort mode, although not quite as good as some rivals, while in Sport+ and particularly Track mode the increased firmness of the settings means more disturbance over road imperfections.

However, this is the inevitable trade-off of reduced body roll and increased steering response.

Honda NSX (2016 – 2022): Engines

The Honda NSX is available with a single engine option: a 3.5-litre turbocharged petrol V6 offering 507PS, plus two front-mounted electric motors with 37PS each and a single rear-mounted electric motor offering 48PS, connected to a nine-speed dual clutch transmission.

The total system output is 581PS and 646Nm of torque, as the petrol engine and e-motors work in tandem to create smooth and flexible power whatever the speed.

What that means out on the road is that the Honda NSX can adapt to your driving style easily, especially if you make use of the correct drive mode.

In Comfort mode, it will use purely electric power whenever there is enough charge in the battery, and with the throttle response and exhaust turned down, it is remarkably easy to drive given the performance available.

Indeed, it’s no more challenging to operate than a Honda Civic. Switch into Sport mode, likely the choice for road use most of the time, and there’s a bit more keenness both from the engine and the major controls.

Sport+ and Track mode bypass the exhaust silencers to allow the V6 engine its full voice, as well as putting the steering and suspension in their most aggressive settings.

The Honda NSX combines petrol and electric power almost imperceptibly – from the driver’s seat, all you get is very strong acceleration, almost regardless of engine speed.

The dual-clutch transmission works well, too, shifting quickly and seamlessly, so you can just enjoy the performance on offer.

Honda NSX (2016 – 2022): Safety

Because it is a limited-production sports car, the Honda NSX was not tested by Euro NCAP, but the fact that it was approved for sale in Europe means it will have passed all the necessary safety criteria.

Standard safety equipment includes ABS, front, side, knee and overhead airbags for both driver and passenger, ESP, tractional control and seatbelt pre-tensioners.

What’s more, the Honda NSX’s aluminium structure is stiff and strong, which not only helps in the event of an accident but also contributes to good handling.

With wide tyres, grip levels are high, while some cars were fitted with optional carbon ceramic brakes, which offer even more stopping power than the conventional set-up.

Honda NSX (2016 – 2022): Towing

There is no specified towing capacity for the Honda NSX, and an approved tow bar is not available from the manufacturer.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
3.5 V6 26 mpg 3.6 s 228 g/km

Honda NSX (2016 – 2022) interior

Interior Rating
Even for a mid-engined supercar, the Honda NSX is short on space for both passengers and luggage, while the interior is a mixed bag.
Dimensions
Length 4470 mm
Width -
Height 1215 mm
Wheelbase -

Full specifications

Honda NSX (2016 – 2022): Practicality

As a strict two-seater, the Honda NSX won’t suit everyone, and even the driver and passenger may find space is at a premium.

For those of average height, the room available should be sufficient, with decent seat adjustment – although the driving position is slightly high, given how low the car is overall.

Elbow room is good, although the large centre console eats into this space somewhat. But taller or wider drivers may find it too much of a squeeze.

Storage is also limited, with just 110 litres available in the boot space under the tailgate.

Squeezed between the back of the Honda NSX and the engine compartment, the space is tall with a narrow aperture, which can make packing it a challenge.

Additionally, its proximity to the engine bay means it can get quite warm – frozen food will need to be carried in the passenger compartment.

Honda NSX (2016 – 2022): Quality and finish

Vehicles from the Japanese brand have a good reputation for quality, but the Honda NSX is competing in a very different market to the rest of the range.

Expectations are much higher, and given the price tag it’s hard not to feel a little disappointed by the quality of the interior.

There’s no doubt it will last and the materials and controls feel robust. But other than some leather and Alcantara elements, much of the cabin feels like it has been lifted from a cheaper Honda.

Although the design loosely follows the theme of the dramatic exterior, there is little that feels special or worthy of a car with this performance and price tag.

Even a splash of colour would be an improvement, but the Honda NSX’s cabin is a mix of greys and blacks, with some flashes of silver.

Honda NSX (2016 – 2022): Infotainment

As standard, the Honda NSX is fitted with a nine-speaker premium audio system, offering a sizeable 580W of power as well as CD, Bluetooth and USB connections.

It also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, so in terms of connectivity it has all the bases covered.

Until 2019, satellite navigation was an expensive cost option, so if you are considering a Honda NSX, it’s worth checking to make sure this has been fitted.

However, even if it’s present the system itself feels simplistic and outdated, even for a Honda Civic, never mind a supercar designed to be a technological masterpiece.

The touchscreen is seven inches, which is small by modern standards, and the response of the screen is sometimes slow.

The menus can also be confusing, with lots of pages to navigate, so it is often preferable to use voice control or the steering wheel controls to navigate the system.

One upside is that the audio performance of the infotainment system is strong, with plenty of power and a clear sound.

The instrument display is also digital, and changes depending on which drive mode is engaged, which contributes to the car’s futuristic feel.

Honda NSX (2016 – 2022) value for money

Value for Money Rating
As with any supercar, the Honda NSX is expensive to buy and costly to run. Whether it constitutes good value ultimately depends on how badly you want one.

Honda NSX (2016 – 2022): Prices

The Honda NSX was on sale from 2016 until 2022, so unless you get lucky and can find a pre-registered example on a dealer forecourt, the only option is to buy one used.

Unsurprisingly for a car like this, there are not huge numbers on the road, so you may need to be patient to find a good one.

The earliest examples from 2016 onwards are around the £80,000 mark, with most of these having low mileages.

We found a 2016 car with only 30,000 miles for £83,000, which is a massive saving of nearly £60,000 on the original list price.

If you can afford it, the post-2019 cars are a better choice, with standard navigation and substantial updates to the suspension and drivetrain improving the driving experience.

We found a 2020 car with under 3,000 miles for £130,000, which is very close to the original list price.

Honda NSX (2016 – 2022): Running Costs

It might have a hybrid powertrain and be able to operate for very short distances in electric mode, but the reality is that the Honda NSX will be an expensive car to run.

The official combined fuel consumption of 28.3mpg is reasonable, but it would take a steady and controlled cruise to get near these figures, while the CO2 emissions of 228g/km mean a high tax band, too.

Servicing, repairs and insurance will be pricey, as you cannot risk taking shortcuts with maintenance for a car like this.

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Honda NSX (2016 – 2022) models and specs

As standard the Honda NSX is fitted with ABS+EBD+Brake assist, automatic headlights, automatic rain sensing wipers, Bluetooth, cruise control, DAB radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, ELS 580W Audio with nine Speakers and hill start assist.

There are also LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, rear view camera, smart entry and start, tyre pressure monitoring system, USB/audio interface and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Dimensions
Length 4470 mm
Width -
Height 1215 mm
Wheelbase -
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight -
Boot Space 110 L
Warranty 3 years / 90000 miles
Servicing 12500 miles
Costs
List Price £150,090
Insurance Groups -
Road Tax Bands Alternative fuel, L
Official MPG 26.4 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -
Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Coupe V6 3.5 Sport Hybrid Sh-Awd Auto 2dr £150,090 26.4 mpg 3.6 s

Model History

March 2012

Honda presented the new Honda NSX Concept for the first time in Europe, highlighting the design and technology direction for the next-generation supercar.

Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies, including an innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system.

Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd, who was part of the development team of Honda’s first NSX supercar, recently explained the values of the new NSX; “Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency. In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities.”

While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept represents the true racing philosophy of an extremely favourable power-to-weight ratio.

Utilising a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering, which Honda anticipates will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, a powerful next-generation VTEC V-6 engine with direct-injection, works together with a dual clutch transmission and a third electric traction motor integrated within the transmission housing, to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.

The new NSX, which is expected to go on sale in the next three years, will be developed by Honda R&D Americas and manufactured in Ohio, USA.

DIMENSIONS
NSX Concept
Length, mm 4,330
Width, mm 1,895
Height, mm 1,160
Wheelbase, mm 2,575
Wheel size 19x9 (front)
20x10 (rear)
Tyre size 255/35R19 (front)
275/30R20 (rear)

April 2013

Honda (UK) opened a pre-order bank for the 2015 NSX

For a deposit of £5,000 potential owners can be among the first in the UK to get behind the wheel of the brand new NSX when it hits showrooms in 2015.

The dynamically-styled NSX Concept was first unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in 2012 giving an indication of the design of the next great performance vehicle from Honda.

The NSX Concept features a low and wide stance with dynamic proportions highlighted by clean, modern and simple surfacing, and edgy details that communicate supercar attitude. While the interior package boasts outstanding visibility, a strong driving position, and an intuitive “Simple Sports Interface” that minimises interior clutter, allowing the driver to focus on the driving experience. Consistent with the spirit of the original NSX, Honda’s designers have strived to deliver synergy between man and machine.

The new NSX will aim to deliver a new sports car experience that combines supercar dynamic capabilities with advanced environmental performance. The NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V6 engine mated to Honda’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system. It will also utilise a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system so the new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering, which Honda anticipates will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems.

The new NSX is being developed by a global R&D team led by designers and engineers at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. located in Los Angeles, California, and Raymond, Ohio. The new NSX will also be manufactured at a new production facility in central Ohio.

The news of a pre-order bank follows in the footsteps of the previous NSX which saw 25 pre-orders being taken a year ahead of its UK launch. The first generation NSX was launched in 1990 and spent 15 years in production selling 18,000 units globally with 290 being sold to customers in the UK.

January 2015

Production version of 2015 Honda NSX made world debut

The NSX body features classic low and wide proportions married to modern and alluring surfacing, an aggressive front design, and tail lights that pays homage to the original NSX. The signature side intake and floating C-pillar collects air to feed the mid-mounted engine and directs airflow over the rear deck to increase downforce. To accommodate the new longitudinally mounted twin-turbo V6 and 9-speed DCT, the production vehicle was lengthened (+3 inches) and widened (+1 inch) with a slightly more cab-forward package, compared with the proportions of the NSX Concept shown in 2012.

Every element of the exterior body design has been carefully fashioned for total airflow management for both stability-enhancing downforce and vehicle systems cooling. The NSX has undergone extensive testing at the company's state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Raymond, Ohio, leading to a number of significant changes from concept to final body design, including modified hood vents, new front fender vents, modified side air intakes, and an optimized deck spoiler.

January 0001

Dimensions:

NEW NSX

2013 NSX Concept

Diff (in.)

2005 NSX

Diff (in.)

Length

176 in.
(4470 mm)

172.8 in. (4390mm)

+3.1

174.2 in.
(4425 mm)

+1.8

Width

76.4 in.
(1940 mm)

75.4 in
(1915 mm)

+1.0

71.3 in.
(1810 mm)

+5.1

Height

47.8 in.
(1215 mm)

47.2 in.
(1200 mm)

+0.6

46.1 in

(1170 mm)

+1.8

Wheelbase

103.5 in. (2630 mm)

102.8 in.
(2610 mm)

+0.8

99.6 in.
(2350 mm)

+11.0

Front track

65.2 in.
(1655 mm)

- -

- -

59.5 in.
(1510 mm)

+5.7

Rear track

63.6 in.
(1615 mm)

- -

- -

60.7 in.

(1540 mm)

+3.0


In keeping with the foundational philosophy of the original NSX, the next-generation NSX is designed to provide a new sports car experience that maximizes the capabilities of the driver, delivering exceptionally intuitive and confidence-inspiring response "at the will of the driver."

The car has 'Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive' (SH-AWD).

At the heart of the NSX's performance capabilities is an all-new mid-mounted, 75-degree, DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to an Acura-developed 9-speed DCT. The V6 engine employs a race-inspired compact valve train and dry sump lubrication system to help lower the center of gravity. The all-new 9-speed DCT delivers synapse-quick gear changes and rev-matching downshifts. The rear direct-drive electric motor, housed between the engine and transmission, supports acceleration, braking and transmission shifting performance. The NSX's front wheels are driven by twin independent high-output electric motors which deliver instantaneous torque response and dynamic left-to-right torque distribution.

The NSX uses its front electric motors for dynamic torque vectoring in addition to enhancing acceleration and braking performance. The result is an instantaneous "zero delay" launch performance and handling response that seems to anticipate the driver's desire. The NSX has undergone extensive testing at some of the world's most challenging race circuits, including the famed Nurburgring.

The NSX features an "Advanced Sports Package" with placement of key powertrain components -the mid-mounted engine, twin front motors and Sport Hybrid battery pack and power control unit - optimized to concentrate vehicle mass low and toward the center of the vehicle, to further enhance dynamic response. The combination of this packaging concept and the lightweight body give the NSX the lowest center of gravity in its class.

The NSX utilizes a fully independent, all-aluminum front and rear suspension and puts its considerable power down through ContiSportContact TM high-performance tires: 245/35Z R19 front and 295/30Z R20 rear-mounted on 19x8.5 inch front and 20x11 inch rear aluminum alloy wheels. Powerful, natural and confident braking performance is provided by 6-piston front and 4-piston rear monoblock calipers squeezing ultra-high performance carbon-ceramic brake discs.

Handling is greatly enhanced by Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD), enabling lightning-quick responseto all driver inputs-steering, braking and throttle-along with the stability, control and launch performance of all-wheel drive. Agile Handling Assist (AHA) uses the subtle application of brake torque to further enhance yaw response and dynamic stability.

The NSX's dial-operated Integrated Dynamic System features Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track modes. The system adjusts engine, motor, transmission and chassis response, as well as the engine sound level, based on the needs of the driver and driving environment. Quiet mode enables electric-only driving at lower speeds for short durations. Dynamic vehicle responses become increasingly sharp as the driver moves from Sport to Sport+ mode and, finally, to Track mode, where the NSX reveals the full spectrum of its performance capabilities.

The NSX also features a "launch" function to achieve the ultimate in "zero delay" launch performance, aided by both the engine and three electric motors.

What does the Honda NSX (2016 – 2022) cost?