By KBB.com Editorial Staff
KBB Expert Rating:
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.
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.
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.
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 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.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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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.
Based on 122 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.
Review this carBy big bob (IN) on Monday, February 11, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Great car and great value"
Cons: "Road noise could be lower."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"40000 miles and absolutely zero problems, zero rattles, zero complaints since day 1. Great mileage and fun to drive."
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By Chuck G (GA) on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Good looks, great ride, reliability, and resale"
Cons: "Ride is not as sporty as previous model"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I owned a 2007 TSX and loved it. When the new car fever came I looked at several other cars but bought a 2011 TSX. I do love this car. The 2011 model feels roomier inside and due to the change in the body style you do feel like it is wider. The ride is quieter and smoother than the 2007 model. So overall I am pleased. Now that I have owned by car for 15 months I will say that the 2007 model was more fun to drive. Maybe the smooth ride in the 2011 model has diminished my feel for the road. That is my only negative comment on the 2011 TSX. I get 1-2 MPG more than I did with my 2007 in city driving. Highway MPG is about the same. Having owned a TSX since 2007 I will say that I have never had to have any repairs done. I have regular maintenance done and there was one very minor recall on my 2007 model that Acura fixed very quickly. Overall this is a high quality car that drives nice and looks good. In a few years I might even buy another TSX."
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful
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