Despite the above intro, the 2012 Acura TSX is a solid choice within the entry-level luxury market. Check it out here.
Acura TSX Trims and Features
The TSX is a compact luxury sedan that serves as Acura’s flagship nameplate, and is available in sedan or Sport Wagon form. Starting at $29,810, the TSX sedan offers variety with 4 or 6-cylinder options, as well as a sport orientated Special Edition (SE) trim that’s new for 2012. The TSX Sport Wagon (from $31,160), which is still in infant mode after debuting just last year, comes in two trim levels: base Sport Wagon, and Sport Wagon with Technology Package.
Acura offers a nice mix between performance and utility with the TSX, with obvious benefits for each model. The sedan gives drivers the sporty style Acura is known for, while the Sport Wagon opts for larger cargo space and fuel economy- sans a V6 option. The list of standard TSX features is impressive, among them alloy wheels, heated leather seating, dual-zone climate control, and ambient lighting to set the mood. The higher Technology Trims are very tempting too- Acura packages navigation with a host of infotainment toys, surround sound, solar-sensing climate control, and voice recognition to help control things.
The SE sedan is fitted with exterior spoilers, special interior trim, and metal/aluminum accents- plus the only true manual transmission option. No matter which TSX trim is tugging at your heartstrings, you can find it now, at Carwoo.
Acura TSX Performance
Acura offers two engine choices for the 2012 TSX. Both the sedan and Sport Wagon get a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder that generates 201 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque (172 with the manual sedan). Fans of the TSX sedan are also extended a 3.5 liter V6 option; this larger engine capable 280 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. All trims save one feature a 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters; only the TSX SE offers an alternative in the form of a 6-speed manual.
Acura TSX Fuel Economy
The EPA has thrown out a few different estimates for the 2012 TSX. 4-cylinder automatic sedans achieve 22/31/26 (city/highway/combined) MPG, with the Sport Wagons sliding in just underneath at 22/30/25. SE sedans sit at 21/29/24, and the 6-cylinders (with the auto-only transmission) will get you 19/28/23. And don’t forget, all these numbers are courtesy of premium fuel.
Acura TSX Interior Highlights
Acura offers enough entry-level luxury excess for most. Critics love the overall style and material quality, but warn drivers about an excess of buttons. OK. The standard tech features are very nice, but the Technology Package extras will be hard to resist- it’s easy to talk yourself into surround sound audio and GPS-linked climate control (it tracks the sun…). Backseat space isn’t too torturous, offering up 34.3” of legroom. The glaring difference between sedan and Sport Wagon models is in the cargo department. TSX sedans offer 14 cubic feet in the trunk, whereas the Sport Wagon gives you 66.2 cubes of total space (almost 5 times as much for all you math majors), or 31.5 behind the back seats.
Acura TSX Safety
TSX standards include antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability/traction control, and 6 airbags- including front-side and full-length side curtain bags. Options include a rearview camera that’s packaged with the navigation system on Technology trims. Government crash testing, while far from finished, gives the TSX a good start with 5/5 stars for rollover damage on all trims. Additionally, both sedan and Sports Wagon models receive a 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Acura TSX: Yes or No?
With a good blend of performance and utility, the TSX is a popular choice among smaller families. Which may not be an exciting prospect to those looking for pure flash, but who said that sensible can’t be sexy too? And with price options that come in around $10,000 less than some rivals, the 2012 TSX gets better looking the more you look at it. You can stare lovingly into the Acura TSX’s grille for as long as you want, at Carwoo.
