Model Strengths:

Superior handling and acceleration; aggressive styling; practical and fun sport wagon model

Model Overview

The base TSX comes with a 2.4L i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that delivers 201 horsepower with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 280 horsepower 3.5L V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission returns for 2012. The automatic transmission includes SportShift manual override and steering wheel paddles. The car's sporty handling comes courtesy of a special suspension that utilizes dual-mode dampers. These dampers have the ability to change automatically given road and driving conditions. A new Special Edition arrives in 2012 for the 4-cylinder TSX. It includes 17-inch alloy wheels, exterior body trim, red contrast seat stitching, special red instrumentation and drilled sport pedals. It can be had with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The Sport Wagon TSX variant returns for 2012. Based on the 4-cylinder TSX sedan, the wagon brings the refinement, handling and subtle styling of the sedan, but adds 30 cubic feet of cargo in back. Standard equipment on all TSXes includes a power moonroof, xenon HID headlights, heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and HandsFreeLink (Bluetooth) wireless connectivity. Safety equipment includes 4-wheel antilock brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, a tire pressure monitoring system and front side-impact airbags, overhead curtain airbags and new active anti-whiplash front head restraints. The optional Technology Package, available on both the sedan and wagon models, includes a navigation system with voice activation and real-time traffic and weather, integrated rearview camera parking assist, a 10-speaker and a 415-watt surround-sound audio.

Model Changes

The manual transmission is no longer available on the base trim. A new Special Edition trim's been added that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, exterior body trim, red contrast seat stitching, special red instrumentation and drilled sport pedals. The Tech Package gets a new GPS-connected climate control system.

Model Value

While the TSX is considered Acura's entry-level sedan, it lacks in neither performance nor luxury. The TSX's base MSRP price of just under $28,000 belies its well-equipped nature, as it offers a host of luxury and convenience items on all trims. The 2012 TSX holds its own against more expensive competition such as the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Sport Wagon model takes all of the luxury and performance of the TSX sedan and adds cargo-carrying practicality.