Acura Reveals First Image Of 2026 RSX Electric SUV Coupe

In spring 2024, Acura launched its first battery electric model, a General Motors-built crossover that revived the ZDX nameplate from the early 2010s. That ZDX is essentially a rebodied Cadillac Lyriq which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s not really an Acura/Honda except in terms of styling. In August 2024, Acura unveiled its performance EV concept during Monterey Car Week. That concept was a preview of the brand’s first completely in-house developed EV which goes into production late this year and we now have the first image of the production model badged as the RSX.

Acura has made some unusual naming choices of late, bringing back nameplates from its history and applying them in questionable ways. First was the revival of the Integra which went onto a Civic-based five-door hatchback. Then, Acura launched its Lyriq-based crossover as the ZDX.

While the original ZDX built from 2009-2013 wasn’t exactly well-loved or a brand icon in the way the Integra and NSX were, it was unique. It was a fastback, coupe SUV that came out roughly when BMW launched the X6 and it was followed by many other vehicles with a similar profile. The new electric ZDX looks nothing like the original.

However, you know what vehicle is a callback to the original ZDX? The Performance EV concept and the production model which has been badged as RSX? RSX is another revived nameplate that was used on the fourth generation of what had previously been the Integra, a compact hatchback, based on the Civic. The new RSX should arguably be called the ZDX and the vehicle currently known as ZDX should probably have another name entirely.

MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
The Best Luggage Of 2025, According To Forbes Vetted’s Frequent Fliers
By
Astrid Taran
The 5 Best Walking Pads To Help You Stay Active While You Work
By
Cam Vigliotta

Nomenclature aside, the new RSX is built on the same new dedicated EV platform that for Honda badged models is called the 0 Series. Last week at CES we saw prototypes of the first two 0 series models, the SUV and Saloon that launch in mid and late 2026 respectively. The RSX is actually the first model from this new platform and production is slated to begin at Honda’s EV hub in Marysville, Ohio late this year with sales to begin in early 2026.

We don’t have much technical detail yet on any of these new EVs apart from the fact that they will use Honda’s new Asimo operating system and a new modern electronic architecture. Since Acura is the premium brand of the group, it seems likely that the RSX will eventually offer the same hands-off/eyes-off level 3 automated driving capabilities as the Honda models.

Honda is also using a large-scale casting in the ZDX and other EVs, but not for the main structure the way Tesla does. Instead the battery case will be made from a single large casting that bolts up under the bottom of the vehicle.

Honda has only released a rear three-quarter shot of the RSX wrapped in a vinyl camouflage that will be used on road test vehicles until the RSX is fully revealed in the coming months. The production model is a slightly toned down version of the concept, but it retains details like the side contouring with the large vents on the front doors and a similar greenhouse shape. If the transformation of the ZDX from concept to production is anything to go by, the front end will have a similarly toned down iteration of the concept face. To no one’s surprise the production model does get the usual changes like side mirrors and door handles as well, although they are retracting and sit flush with the body.