RSX Returns as EV Crossover

An early 2000s Acura nameplate returns as an electric crossover rather than a sport coupe.

After Nearly 20 Years a Legendary Japanese Sports Car Returns with an Unexpected Twist

Acura is reviving the RSX name as an electric crossover rather than a tuner coupe. A pre-production RSX prototype appeared at Monterey Car Week, showing that the brand is testing a new form for the badge. The vehicle keeps sharp styling cues while adopting a crossover silhouette and carries performance hardware such as dual motor all-wheel drive and Brembo brakes as standard.

Acura has already updated the Integra nameplate and now adds a second revival that leans toward utility and daily usability. The move shows how brand history is being repurposed for an electrified lineup. Enthusiasts may miss the old vibe, but Acura aims to attract buyers who want electric performance plus practicality.

The RSX revival illustrates a broader industry pattern: heritage badges are being reimagined as practical yet desirable EV crossovers. This approach helps brands stay familiar while expanding reach in a crowded market. It also tests how far a legacy may travel from its roots without losing its emotional pull.

The challenge for Acura is to balance nostalgia with price and reliability. If the RSX badge can deliver real driving feel in an EV package, it could win over new customers; if not, it risks becoming a footnote in a crowded lineup. The Monterey moment underscores a push to make performance feel accessible in a high tech era.

Highlights

The RSX experiment will reveal how far nostalgia can power a modern EV strategy.