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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Acura TSX

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Overview

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2013 Acura TSX Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.7

The 2013 Acura TSX will appeal to anyone looking for a luxury mid-size car at a non-luxury price. Often overlooked, the TSX has classy styling and appointments that reflect the high levels of comfort, refinement and convenience we have come to expect from the Acura brand. The lineup is simple but still manages to offer good variety: Sedan and wagon models, inline 4-cylinder and V6 engines, manual and automatic transmissions, a sporty Special Edition and all the options rolled into one Technology Package. While not as much pure fun to drive as a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4, the Acura TSX nevertheless feels responsive, rides comfortably and is one of the best values in the segment.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you are looking for a well-appointed premium luxury vehicle that delivers ample fuel economy, a simple pricing structure and an envious reliability record, the 2013 Acura TSX certainly qualifies.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you live in an area where inclement weather is the norm and you just won't be comfortable without all-wheel drive, you'll have to look at the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class or Audi A4 instead.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.7
Driving Dynamics

7.9
Comfort & Convenience

7.3
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.3
Value

8.1
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#16

out of 25

MPG

#19

out of 23

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.3 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

The Acura TSX was thoroughly redesigned just two years ago and heads into 2013 with no real changes. The V6 model is now available only with the Technology Package (no more base V6) since most were being purchased that way anyway.

Driving the TSX

Driving Impressions It's hard to find a better balance of dynamics and comfort than what the 2013 Acura TSX delivers. The 6-speed manual gearbox, a no-cost option on the Special Edition, has...

light, precise shifting action. The 5-speed automatic is inevitably less involving but it does have paddle shifters and a Sport mode that makes it feel a little more aggressive. The 2013 Acura TSX encourages a quicker pace when the road begins to meander, feeling refined and striking a lovely balance between stability and maneuverability. When cruising along on the freeway, it adequately absorbs surface irregularities and mutes running noise. If there's anything to complain about, it's Acura's electromechanical power steering system; it makes its contribution to fuel efficiency but doesn't have the feel and feedback of its German competitors. The car feels quicker but oddly less involving with the stronger, smoother, heavier V6.

Favorite Features

SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM
Audiophiles will have to have this comprehensive premium sound system. Included in the Technology Package, the 5.1 DVD-Audio Surround Sound is so utterly clear and clean, it puts other stock systems to shame.

FEATURE-PACKED NAVIGATION SYSTEM
The 2013 Acura TSX offers a sophisticated navigation system with a high-resolution 8-inch display featuring sharp LED backlighting. Gracenote software helps you find music via voice commands, and there's also voice activation for city and street input, Zagat restaurant information, weather conditions and more. A rearview camera is also included.

2013 Acura TSX Details

2013 Acura TSX Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

With precise fit and finish and a warm, upscale ambiance, the cabin of the TSX is as comfortable as it is attractive. The contemporary design is executed in high-quality materials including supple leather-trimmed seating surfaces. The available navigation system takes some getting used to but, in general, the control operations are intuitive and clearly displayed. The rear seats feature a 60/40-split folding design for cargo flexibility, while the TSX Sport Wagon has a class-leading 66.2 cubic feet of cargo space – comparable to most compact SUVs. The TSX provides generous rear-seat legroom and head room.

Exterior

The 2013 Acura TSX's body is sleek, clean and stylish, with defined wheel arches, honed body lines and a creased waistline. The face is distinguished by angular projector-beam headlights and Acura's signature, if controversial, shield-style (some say, beak-style) chrome grille. The available 18-inch alloy wheels complement the TSX's athletic design while dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets for both 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder models convey a sporty sense of symmetry.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Acura TSX's standard equipment includes xenon headlights, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, iPod integration, an auxiliary audio jack for MP3/WMA players, steering-wheel-mounted controls, leather seating with driver-position memory, moonroof and dual-zone climate control. The V6 TSX adds 18-inch alloy wheels, 1-touch ignition-key start and Acura's new Active Sound Control system, which limits sound entering the cabin. All the safety gear is there, including six airbags. The sporty Special Edition package includes black suede seats with red trim, metal pedals, dark-finish wheels and either automatic or manual transmission (it's now the only way to get the manual).

Optional Equipment

Almost all the optional equipment available on the 2013 Acura TSX is wrapped up into one Technology Package. This includes a world-class DVD-Audio Surround Sound system and a comprehensive advanced HDD navigation system, both of which are detailed in the "Favorite Features" section of this review. Available accessories include two aero-look sport packages with front and rear spoilers and rocker-panel extensions. There are also 18-inch wheels available in a choice of finishes.

Under the Hood

The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is coupled with either a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic that features a manual shifting mode and paddle shifters. As with so many Honda and Acura products, the TSX's i-VTEC engine loves to rev and is at its best when pushed hard – which happens a lot, as it isn't actually all that powerful, but you won't usually mind. The bigger 3.5-liter V6, of course, has more power and a broader spread of torque, but the 2.4 is not the embarrassment some base engines are. Also, the V6 comes only with the automatic, and adds some weight to the nose of the car, so it's less entertaining to drive than the 4-cylinder.

2.4-liter inline-4
201 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
172 (manual), 170 (automatic) lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 mpg (manual), 22/31 mpg (automatic, sedan), 22/30 mpg (automatic, wagon)

3.5-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
254 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 mpg

Pricing Notes

The 4-cylinder TSX sedan starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of under $31,500 and is around $34,500 with the Technology Package. Special Editions, with their tasteful interior color and trim accents, are just under $32,500 with either transmission. The V6 model, automatic-only and now including the Technology Package, is a little over $40,000. The station wagon model, available only with the 4-cylinder and automatic, is under $33,000, or under $36,500 with the Technology Package. To get a good idea of what people in your area are paying for the TSX, check out kbb.com's Fair Purchase Price. Considering the price of entry, equipment levels and residual value, the 2013 Acura TSX makes a particularly smart buy in the entry-premium category. It's one of a handful of premium-branded cars that start around $30,000, it's loaded with modern conveniences and its projected resale values surpass those of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Volvo S40.

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2013 Acura TSX Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.3

Out of 10

Based on 127 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.4/10

Quality

9.5/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.4/10

Stylish, comfortable, luxery.

By Kevin (OH) on Sunday, July 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfortable ride, sleek lines,"

Cons: "No V6 available"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought a 2010 TSX 2 1/2 years ago. My first Acura. Between that and the Acura TL. Went with the TSX because it had a bigger trunk, and the seats fold down (the TLs dont). Pearl white, tan interior, dark tint. Head turner off the lot! Interior is more comfortable than some BMWs and Lexus models Ive sat in. Very soft seats, lush smooth leather, she welcomes you everytime you get in. A pleasure to drive long trips like I do for work. A 5 hour drive is a pleasure cruise, and 36-38 MPG on the hwy is great too! 500+ miles/tank. Tight steering, and takes corners like a champ. If you can find one, get the tech package, the NAV system is great, very user friendly. Performance is great with the automanual option. Quick in Auto-S drive, but quicker if you want to paddle shift on your own. Only thing I would change is the engine, they dont come in a V6. Absolutely love it, you wont be dissappointed. People at work think I got a huge raise when they see what I'm driving. "Luxury, inteligently priced" is the slogan, and its EXACTLY what you get in the TSX."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Just bought 2013 TSX

By AP145 (MN) on Monday, July 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Very responsive, impressive 4 cylinder"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I love this car! The outside is very stylish and the interior is beyond basic, very very comfortable. Don't let the 4 cylinder engine turn you away, still has plenty of pick up with great gas mileage! I bought this car because it is very nice is all aspects and acura is known for their reliability. This car is ready for the long haul."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Practical,comfortable,great MPG, might need AWD

By VA Gator (VA) on Thursday, May 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Value, MPG, Comfortable, Solid build, practical"

Cons: "AWD would be nice w/out sacrificing MPG"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"My 2nd TSX,the first was a 2010 TSX Sedan. The wagon is great, plenty of room for day /weekend trips with the family, or to keep your gear stored away for spontaneous day excursions. I added aftermarket Thule racks which are very helpful, bikes on top gear in the cargo area. I do not do much day/city driving working from home office, but will take regional business trips where I am on the highway for 5-8 hours and the car drives great, is comfortable, and I regularly get 33+ MPG on the highway. The paddle shifters are fun, and help get you in and out when you need to. Also, I find that many who own this car never use the [S] Sport mode. This is simply just geared down but makes a bit more fun to drive. Typical driving is a bit underpowered but sufficient. Living in the mountains I do yearn for AWD at times but considering the reduced MPG most AWD get I don't miss it the rest of the year. I might opt for the Tech package if I did it again, but the standard package is practical, allows for direct USB plug into for iPod with dash controls, includes Bluetooth, steering controls, and has solid sound. If you need more space than a sedan but still want MPG (vs SUV), a few luxury comforts (the seats are great), and reliability of Acura this is a great car. Good value, solid build, great MPG; I am debating buying out my lease at the end and keeping this car."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Best looking standard production car on the road

By Blu Scarab (AZ) on Tuesday, May 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 43,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "fun to drive, loaded with features, best looking"

Cons: "road noise"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We purchased the 2010 4-cyl model for my son after he graduated from college and we are constantly fighting over who gets to use it. We also own a BMW 3 and a Audi A5 (traded in our Lexus IS). The TSX is hands down much more fun to drive - even more fun than the V6 model because its a harder challenge to keep its performance high. But the TSX 4-cyl has a highly torqued gearing, a high rpm engine and a very fast paddle shift system that - if used properly - will allow you to abuse the road and accelerate to pass like a Kawasaki. We do not baby this car. Yet it holds up well to wear and tear - requiring only a brake pad and air filter change with regular oil service as indicated on dash with some cryptic code that your local Acrura service rep will interpret for you. (Our BMW required a tranny job already). Its sound system is killer - equipped with full separates on doors rear deck, and a dedicated subwoofer - besting anything we heard and test drove. Its also the best looking car on the road till today - the only better looking ones being borderline exotic like the Jaguar and Audi A8. Bluetooth system pairs flawlessly to any cellphone, is voice activated, and controls all music files from the steering wheel. Hellooooo BMW..... Driver seat has memory settings and mine are programmed to move backwards when I open the door - allowing easy entry/exit. Gas cover and trunk are push activated onsite so you don't need to go back into the dam car if you forgot to push the gas/trunk release and the keyfob is still in the ignition. Turning radius excellent - can reverse park from extremely tight angles. Passenger mirror turns down so you can see how close you are to the curb! Lastly, the TSX has the brightest headlights of all vehicles - standard and exotic - ejecting a pure white corona on the road aimed perfectly so it doesn't dazzle the vision of oncoming traffic. (It just spell-binds them). They also stay on when you turn off the engine and exit the car at night so that you're not fumbling around in a suddenly dark garage - helllooo Audi and Benz...."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Best in style and ride

By Krrish (WA) on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "great price, great drive, great look and feel"

Cons: "not that I am aware of ;)"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I got a 2013 Acura TSX. I know its too early to call out this is the greatest car that I had ever driven, But so far this car has given me the utmost pleasure in look and feel compared to my previous car. This car is absolutely flaw less I would highly recommend this car, the features of this car are way more than what we get for other cars with same affordable price."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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