Last updated August 4, 2026
The Acura NSX lineup is best understood as three eras rather than three trims sold side by side. The Base Model is the 2017–2018 base NSX, with the complete 573-hp hybrid all-wheel-drive formula and everyday usability. Performance represents the 2019–2021 SH-AWD model, which keeps the same power while emphasizing precise cornering and more standard cabin technology. Top Tier is the 2022 Type S, the sharper final-year version with 600 hp, quicker-shifting hardware, launch control, and standard carbon-fiber exterior pieces.
The Base Model trim level, sold simply as base, is the original complete NSX experience: a 573-hp hybrid supercar with all-wheel-drive traction and manners suited to normal roads.
Best for: Drivers who want the original modern NSX formula without needing the final-year Type S upgrades.
Highlights
The Performance trim level, sold as SH-AWD, is the 2019–2021 evolution of the regular NSX, centered on precise cornering, strong acceleration, and everyday drivability.
Best for: Drivers who want the established 573-hp NSX experience with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and upgraded cabin technology.
Highlights
Compared with Base Model, SH-AWD retains 573 hp while placing greater emphasis on torque-vectoring cornering response and adding navigation and ELS premium audio as standard equipment.
0 in stockThe Top Tier trim level is the Type S, the harder-edged 2022 finale with more power, sharper responses, and standard carbon-fiber body hardware.
Best for: Drivers seeking the final-year NSX with its strongest factory performance setup and distinct Type S look.
Highlights
Over Performance, Type S raises output from 573 to 600 hp and adds Rapid Downshift, launch control, sharper tuning, and standard carbon-fiber exterior hardware.
0 in stock| Feature | Top Tier | Base Model | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | Type S0 in stock | base0 in stock | SH-AWD0 in stock |
| Power output | 600 hp | 573 hp | 573 hp |
| Hybrid AWD setup | 3-motor hybrid all-wheel drive | Hybrid all-wheel drive | 3-motor torque-vectoring SH-AWD |
| Transmission focus | 9-speed dual-clutch with Rapid Downshift | 9-speed dual-clutch automatic | 9-speed dual-clutch with paddle shifters |
| Drive-mode highlights | Adds Launch Mode Control | Quiet, Sport, Sport+, Track | Quiet, Sport, Sport+, Track |
| Suspension and tuning | Sharper Type S tuning | Adaptive magnetic dampers | Active magnetic dampers; precision focus |
| Cabin technology | Navigation; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 7-inch touchscreen; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Navigation; 9-speaker ELS audio; smartphone integration |
| Exterior performance hardware | Carbon-fiber roof and aero pieces standard | Carbon-fiber dress-up items were optional | Regular NSX body treatment |
No. The second-generation NSX generally came as one main version at a time. Base describes the 2017-2018 cars, SH-AWD identifies the regular 2019-2021 cars, and Type S covers the entire final-year lineup.
Base is the name used here for the regular 2017-2018 NSX, not a stripped-down trim. It has the full 573-hp hybrid AWD system, adaptive suspension, four drive modes, Brembo brakes, and smartphone integration.
SH-AWD is Acura’s name for the NSX’s all-wheel-drive system, not a separate luxury package. On 2019-2021 used examples, it identifies the sole regular NSX version with the 573-hp three-motor hybrid powertrain.
The Type S is the sole final-year NSX version. It raises output to 600 hp and adds sharper chassis tuning, quicker downshifts, revised cooling and aerodynamics, a wider track, and standard carbon-fiber exterior pieces.
They are era labels, not two trims sold side by side. The 2019-2021 SH-AWD cars retain the Base model’s 573-hp hybrid layout but benefit from the 2019 chassis retuning. Navigation, premium audio, and parking sensors also became standard.
The Type S increases output from 573 to 600 hp and adds faster shifting, stronger cooling, revised aerodynamics, a wider track, and more focused chassis tuning. It also has a carbon-fiber roof and exterior aero pieces as standard.
The Type S is a substantial evolution of the same hybrid formula. It has 600 hp instead of 573, quicker downshifts, revised cooling and aerodynamics, a wider track, sharper chassis settings, and standard carbon-fiber exterior hardware.
The regular 573-hp NSX is the more natural fit for someone prioritizing everyday drivability. The Type S remains road-friendly, but its changes focus more heavily on acceleration, grip, cooling, and sharper responses.
The Type S is the clear target. It is the only 600-hp NSX and has the generation’s most focused factory setup, including quicker downshifts, revised cooling and aerodynamics, a wider track, and retuned chassis systems.
Both smartphone systems appear across the second-generation trim eras described here, including the early Base model, the later SH-AWD version, and the Type S. All use a 7-inch touchscreen.
Yes. Every Type S has a carbon-fiber roof, front spoiler, side sills, rear spoiler, and rear diffuser as standard equipment. These parts distinguish it from regular NSX models, where carbon-fiber dress-up items were options.
The Type S has heated power sport seats trimmed in semi-aniline leather and Alcantara. Early Base models instead used manually adjusted leather-and-Alcantara sport seats, so seat equipment is one practical difference to check.