Acura NSX
18 MPG The 2005 Acura NSX is EPA-rated at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 833 gallons, $2667 a year in fuel, or $0.178 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1991–2005 run it averages 18.1 MPG, essentially flat across 14 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.139 | $1389 | $2083 | $2778 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.178 | $1778 | $2667 | $3556 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.194 | $1944 | $2917 | $3889 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.222 | $2222 | $3333 | $4444 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.278 | $2778 | $4167 | $5556 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
| 2004 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
| 2003 | 18 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
| 2002 | 18 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
| 2001 | 18 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
| 2000 | 18 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
| 1999 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
| 1998 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
| 1996 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
| 1995 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
| 1994 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 22 | $4175 | 481 | 2 |
| 1993 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 22 | $4175 | 481 | 2 |
| 1992 | 19 MPG | 16.5 | 22 | $4050 | 468 | 2 |
| 1991 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 105 two seaters models tracked here, the Acura NSX ranks 59 on current figures, against a class average of 21.4 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Nissan 300ZX (18.3), BMW Z4 sDrive35i (19), BMW Z4 sDrive35is (19), Lotus Esprit Turbo (19), Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG (19).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 494 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Acura NSX get?
The 2005 Acura NSX is rated at 18 MPG combined by the EPA — 16 city and 22 highway. Across all 14 model years in the database it averages 18.1 MPG, ranging from 18 to 19 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Acura NSX cost in fuel per year?
At 18 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 833 gallons — roughly $2667 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.178 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2005 model is $4300.
Has the Acura NSX become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 18 MPG today against 18 in 1991 — essentially flat across 14 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Acura NSX efficient for its class?
It ranks 59 of 105 in the Two Seaters class on current figures, against a class average of 21.4 MPG. That is 3.4 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.