The highest-end Honda model is the NSX, known in North America as the Acura NSX, and it represents the brand's pinnacle in price, performance, and technology.
The NSX: Honda's Flagship Vehicle
In the broader Honda family, the NSX stands as the extreme end of engineering ambition—packing advanced hybrid technology, supercar-level performance, and a price tag well above mainstream Honda offerings. In North America, this flagship is marketed under the Acura badge, underscoring its role as the luxury/halo model for the group.
Key facts about the NSX
Below is a concise look at what makes the NSX Honda's highest-end model.
Before listing, note that these points focus on the second-generation NSX and its most notable variant, reflecting the current flagship status as of the latest model years.
- Powertrain: A mid-engine 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with three electric motors for a hybrid all-wheel-drive system, delivering about 573 horsepower in the base NSX and more in the performance-focused Type S variant.
- Performance: 0-60 mph in roughly 2.9 to 3.1 seconds, with top speeds around 190–191 mph depending on configuration.
- Transmission and handling: A nine-speed dual-clutch transmission combined with advanced torque-vectoring and adaptive aerodynamics for track-ready performance.
- Variants and exclusivity: The base NSX continues the lineage, while the NSX Type S (introduced mid-life) raises power to about 600 hp with more aggressive tuning and limited production.
- Market positioning and pricing: Resides in the six-figure price range, with Type S variants priced higher due to performance upgrades and exclusivity; availability varies by region and model year.
In summary, the NSX is designed to be Honda’s halo car—engineered to deliver high levels of performance and technology beyond the brand's mainstream lineup, and to symbolize Honda's engineering ambitions on a global stage.
While Acura NSX models have drawn attention for their hybrid powertrains and distinctive styling, Honda's broader lineup continues to emphasize practicality, efficiency, and reliability across models like the Civic, Accord, CR-V, and HR-V. The NSX, in contrast, remains the most premium and technologically advanced offering within the Honda umbrella.
Historical context and future outlook
Understanding the NSX's place in Honda's history helps clarify why it is considered the highest end. The original NSX, launched in the 1990s, established Honda as a serious performance brand and influenced sports-car engineering for years. The current second-generation NSX carries that legacy forward, pairing Honda's reputation for reliability with cutting-edge hybrid technology. As of the latest model years, there has been no official successor announced to replace the NSX, though Honda continues to explore high-performance and electrified architectures across its lineup.
For buyers and enthusiasts seeking the most premium, technologically advanced, and exclusive model in Honda's broader family, the NSX—badged Acura in North America—remains the definitive answer.
Summary
Bottom line: The highest-end Honda model is the NSX, Honda's halo car, marketed in North America as the Acura NSX. It blends a mid-engine hybrid powertrain with advanced handling and a limited-production lineage, placing it above the rest of Honda's lineup in price, performance, and prestige.