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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 2 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $143,325–$191,148 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Acura NSX is a sports that earns a Carivo score of 8.1/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.4/10, while Value at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.1/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 9.4/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sportss to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.7/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $143,325–$191,148, 18 MPG, seating 2, the Acura NSX sits in the luxury tier of the sports market. The value score of 6.3/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Acura NSX will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on value if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sports should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Acura NSX ranks #41 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 87% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $143,325 starting price is about 211% above the segment's median of $46,090.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Acura NSX scores 8.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.1 — and starts roughly $14,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 9.4/10 | $169,500 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.2/10 | $148,050 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $143,325 | |
| 2020 | 8.0/10 | $138,600 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $133,875 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.0/10 | $129,150 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 8.0/10 | $124,425 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Acura NSX's reliability 8.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 8.1/10 overall, ranking #41 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 87% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Acura NSX starts at $143,325 and ranges up to $191,148 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Other sportss at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Acura models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
