2009 Acura TSX

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By  Bengt Halvorson, Editor

2009 Acura TSX
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To put together this review on the new 2009 Acura TSX, the experts at TheCarConnection.com looked at the range of available reviews. TheCarConnection.com's editors incorporate firsthand information wherever possible to assure the best in accuracy and depth.

Likes:
- Swooping instrument panel design
- Peppy performance with manual transmission
- Quiet interior and refined powertrain
- Supportive seats
- Standard Bluetooth hands-free interface

Dislikes:
- Limited back-seat space for adults
- Nav system only available in a $3,100 package
- All the chrome in front doesn’t fit the TSX’s character

The TSX is a sporty front-wheel-drive compact sedan based loosely on the European-spec Honda Accord. The 2009 Acura TSX is completely redesigned and quite different than the 2008 TSX, with new proportions, a slightly larger size that's several inches bigger overall in most directions, a neatened appearance with the updated Acura grille, and a more inviting interior with additional standard and available convenience features.

A 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine powers the new 2009 Acura TSX; like its predecessor, it's definitely peppier with the standard six-speed manual transmission, even though midrange torque has been boosted to make it a bit more responsive with the Sequential SportShift five-speed automatic transmission and its steering-wheel paddle shifters. The TSX is a sport sedan, though not a high-performance vehicle; it has a firm but absorbent ride and nimble handling.

Most so-called entry-level luxury cars skimp a bit on the standard convenience features or don't offer the top-technology options, but the 2009 Acura TSX is especially feature-laden. Dual-zone climate control, a USB interface, and Bluetooth connectivity are on the standard-features list, and the available navigation system features real-time traffic information and dynamic rerouting capability to direct you around hazards and congestion if possible. A 410-watt Elliot Scheiner–tuned sound system is also available.

The 2009 Acura TSX comes with all the safety equipment of its peers, including front side airbags, side-curtain airbags, and electronic stability control. The 2009 TSX has earned the "Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Bottom Line:
The new 2009 Acura TSX has a standout features list and distinctive interior, but its acceleration isn't notable.

Other Choices:
If you like the 2009 Acura TSX, also consider:

- Audi A4
- Subaru Legacy GT
- Nissan Maxima

Shoppers looking at the 2009 Acura TSX will probably be considering other front-wheel drive vehicles, and possibly all-wheel drive vehicles, but more expensive rear-wheel-drive sport sedans such as the BMW 3-Series and Lexus IS are likely above their budget and wants. The Subaru Legacy GT has performance that rivals the TL, though its handling is a little more crisp and all-wheel drive makes it more all-weather-friendly. The Legacy’s back seat is also tight. However the Legacy isn’t as quiet and refined as the Acura. The Nissan Maxima is another alternative; it’s not as feature-rich as the TSX, but it has a torquey V-6 engine that gives it scorching acceleration off the line. The base, front-wheel-drive Audi A4 2.0T is also a worthy competitor, with similarly good fuel efficiency and edgier performance without a sacrifice in ride. Versus any of these competitors, there’s another big selling point: Acura dealerships.

Buying Tip:
Hold on…for a while. You might be interested to know that a torquey and fuel-efficient 2.2-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine is bound for the TSX as a 2010 model, possibly a late 2009. The engine will meet 50-state emissions standard, Honda says, and should have fuel economy in the 40-mpg range.