When automakers revive iconic nameplates, the hope is always that they’ll honor the spirit of the original. For enthusiasts, these names carry weight—they evoke memories of roaring engines, winding roads, and the thrill of driving something truly special. So when Acura announced the return of the RSX as an electric compact crossover, reactions ranged from disappointment to outright frustration. The new RSX isn’t just a departure from its sporty predecessor; it’s emblematic of a broader trend in the automotive industry where heritage is repackaged for modern markets, often at the expense of authenticity.
A Beloved Icon Gets Reimagined—But Not How Fans Hoped
To understand why this decision has sparked such backlash, one must first appreciate what made the original Acura RSX so beloved. Introduced in the early 2000s, the RSX was essentially a rebadged version of the Honda Integra DC5—a two-door sport compact car powered by Honda’s legendary K-series engine. With its sharp handling, manual transmission option, and potent Type S variant, the RSX became a darling of the tuner scene and a staple in video games like Need for Speed: Underground 2. It wasn’t just a car; it was a cultural touchstone for an entire generation of car enthusiasts.
Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape couldn’t be more different. Electrification dominates the conversation, and automakers are scrambling to meet shifting consumer demands and regulatory pressures. In this context, Acura’s decision to resurrect the RSX name makes sense from a marketing perspective—it’s familiar, evocative, and carries emotional resonance. Unfortunately, slapping the RSX badge on an electric crossover does little to capture the essence of what made the original great.
Built on Honda’s in-house 0 Series EV platform and equipped with Asimo OS, the new RSX is undeniably advanced. Described as having a “coupe-like silhouette,” it boasts sleek proportions, a striking taillight bar reminiscent of luxury brands like Porsche, and promises impressive performance thanks to its all-electric powertrain. Early impressions suggest it will drive well, too—a testament to Honda’s engineering prowess. Yet, none of these attributes can mask the fundamental disconnect between the name and the vehicle itself.
Why the RSX Name Feels Misplaced
For many, the issue lies not with the car’s design or capabilities but with how out of place the RSX moniker feels here. Compact crossovers, even those with sporty styling cues, simply don’t align with the DNA of the original RSX. That car was about agility, simplicity, and driver engagement—all qualities difficult to replicate in a high-riding, battery-laden SUV. Calling this new model an RSX dilutes the legacy of its predecessor, reducing it to little more than a nostalgic label slapped onto a product designed primarily to appeal to mainstream buyers.
Acura’s justification for using the RSX name doesn’t help matters. According to a spokesperson, the decision was based on complementing the similarly sized RDX while delivering “emotional styling, performance, and a coupe-like silhouette.” While this explanation highlights the company’s intent to create a cohesive lineup, it underscores the lack of consideration for the historical significance of the RSX nameplate. Unlike the recent revivals of the Integra and Prelude—which were developed with clear ties to their forebears—the RSX seems to have been retroactively assigned to fill a gap in Acura’s portfolio.
Missed Opportunities Abound
What makes this situation particularly frustrating is that Acura had a golden opportunity to do things differently. Just last year, Honda teased the revival of another iconic nameplate: the Prelude. Set to debut in late 2025, the new Prelude is rumored to be a low-slung, two-door hybrid coupe featuring a Civic Hybrid powertrain and a new S+ Shift mode for enhanced responsiveness. Had Acura opted to rebrand this vehicle under its own lineup, it could have served as the perfect foundation for a legitimate RSX successor. Imagine a sleek, rear-wheel-drive (or all-wheel-drive) sports car with a hybrid heart—a true evolution of the original RSX ethos.
Instead, Acura chose to follow the path taken by countless other manufacturers: prioritizing crossovers over coupes, profit margins over passion projects. This approach may make business sense, especially given the success of models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which outsold its gasoline-powered counterpart in 2024. However, it risks alienating the very enthusiasts who keep brands like Acura alive in the hearts and minds of consumers.
The Broader Implications for Automotive Nostalgia
The controversy surrounding the RSX EV reflects a larger tension within the automotive world. On one hand, electrification represents the future—a necessary step toward sustainability and innovation. On the other, it poses challenges for preserving the soul of cars that once defined entire eras. Automakers face a delicate balancing act: embracing change without losing sight of what made their products iconic in the first place.
Unfortunately, cases like the RSX demonstrate how easily this balance can tip in favor of commercial interests. By leveraging nostalgia without substance, companies risk eroding trust among loyal customers. Enthusiasts aren’t naive—they know the realities of the market—but they also crave authenticity. When a storied nameplate is reduced to a marketing gimmick, it diminishes the connection between brand and buyer.
Moving Forward: Lessons for Acura and Beyond
While the new RSX may sell well—and there’s a good chance it will—it’s unlikely to win over die-hard fans of the original. For those who remember tuning K20 engines or tearing through virtual streets in Underground 2 , this electric crossover represents a betrayal of sorts. It’s a reminder that progress sometimes comes at the cost of character.
That said, all hope isn’t lost. If Acura learns from this experience, it could still salvage its relationship with enthusiasts. Perhaps future models will strike a better balance between honoring tradition and embracing innovation. Maybe the Prelude-inspired route will prove successful enough to inspire similar projects under the Acura banner. Whatever happens, one thing is clear: the road ahead requires more than just clever branding—it demands respect for the past while charting a course toward the future.
In the meantime, we’re left with a sobering truth: some legends are best left untouched.
Add Comment