2009 Acura TSX

Arrange a test drive, get free price quotes, or read local dealer ratings for 2009 Acura TSX:

By  Bengt Halvorson, Editor

2009 Acura TSX
Enlarge Photo

 2009 ACURA TSX STYLING | [8 out of 10]

ConsumerGuide: "Gauges are large and quick to decipher at a glance"
Autoblog: "A much more aggressive stance than before"
Edmunds: "Not as streamlined as the original 'flying wedge' design"

After five years on the market, the Acura TSX was due for an overhaul. For 2009, Acura offers that overhaul in the form of a complete redesign both inside and out, though reviews are mixed on whether the styling on the new 2009 Acura TSX is a success.

The 2009 Acura TSX is a simple, entry-level luxury sedan, and accordingly, it offers only one trim level with one exterior style. Some reviews read by TheCarConnection.com praised the redesign, with reviewers at Car and Driver feeling that "the 2009 TSX has far more road presence to catch people's eyes," though the "jury's still out on Acura's new guillotine grille." Cars.com writes that the new 2009 Acura TSX features "new headlights, a new grille that incorporates Acura's shield design, and an aggressively styled lower bumper" that makes the Acura TSX seem "sporty without going overboard." Reviewers at Autoblog characterize the "sharper, edgier styling" as "polarizing for sure," and note that it "looks better in light colors." Notable exterior styling complaints on this 2009 Acura come from Automobile, where reviewers feel that the "seventeen-inch wheels on [their] test car were pretty dull," and also Edmunds, which adds that the TSX's various styling elements "try too hard to mask an otherwise mundane sedan."

While the exterior of the Acura TSX may draw mixed reviews from the automotive experts, the interior tends to fare better. Car and Driver finds the new interior features "arcing, undulating, fanning, multilayered, and inset sweeps of black, silver, and titanium-hued trim" that, while having the potential to "give the eyes a workout," still offer a "made-at-Acura familiarity." Cars.com reviewers love the "all-new styling that includes a tiered dashboard, a new gauge cluster and controls, and an integrated control knob." One drawback to the interior design is that the "2009 Acura TSX is awash with dashboard buttons," according to Edmunds, and "although the layout is logical, the sheer quantity of little black buttons (upwards of 40) would make a 747 pilot feel at home." However, ConsumerGuide praises the interior for featuring gauges that are "large and quick to decipher," along with "clearly marked" controls.

Conclusion: The 2009 Acura TSX emerges from its redesign with a more distinctive exterior and its traditional interior virtues.

2009 ACURA TSX PERFORMANCE | [8 out of 10]

Mother Proof: "Doesn't have the oomph I expected"
Automobile: "Excellent body control and a willingness to play"
ConsumerGuide: "Light shifter and clutch action make this premium compact very easy to drive"

For years, Acura has marketed the TSX as a sporty alternative to such cars as the Audi A4 and lower-end BMW 3-Series vehicles, and handling performance has always been one of the big selling points among younger buyers. While there are few improvements for the new 2009 Acura TSX, the performance positives from the last model remain.

The 2009 Acura TSX is offered with only one engine, which Edmunds says is a "2.4-liter inline-4 capable of 201 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque." Reviews of the 2009 Acura engine range from "sufficient if not overabundant" amounts of power from the reviewers at Car and Driver to "surprisingly good low- and mid-range punch" from the normally conservative reviewers at ConsumerGuide. While some reviews read by TheCarConnection.com disapprove of the need to "let the engine rev high if you want to unlock its performance potential," in the words of Cars.com reviewers, most didn't mind pushing the car hard. However, reviewers at Autoblog aren't so kind, claiming that the Acura "TSX revs painfully slow," although it should be noted that their opinion is definitely in the minority.

The one performance decision that prospective Acura TSX buyers will have to make is how they would like power delivered to the road. This 2009 Acura offers "a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles," according to Edmunds, and the manual in particular is a joy. Car and Driver reviewers feel that the six-speed is "delightfully precise," while ConsumerGuide adds that "light shifter and clutch action" make the 2009 Acura TSX "very easy to drive," especially in traffic. The manual is so good, in fact, that Automobile terms it the "industry standard," thanks largely to its "absolutely precise" gear changes and "perfectly weighted" clutch pedal movement. In terms of the available five-speed automatic, Cars.com writes that it "delivers smooth shifts and doesn't make you wait long when you floor the gas pedal before it kicks down," and the paddles "produce fairly quick shifts."

With some fun-to-drive performance cars, fuel economy is sacrificed in favor of performance. Fortunately, the 2009 Acura TSX offers decent fuel numbers with its respectable engine figures. The EPA estimates that manual Acura TSXs will return 20/28 mpg, while the automatic boasts 21/30 mpg, numbers that Car and Driver finds to be "quite favorable."

Aside from the virtues of the engine that rests under the hood of the 2009 Acura TSX, handling characteristics provide another strong selling point. ConsumerGuide finds that the Acura TSX "carves corners with grippy assurance and little body lean," and Edmunds adds that the "2009 Acura TSX is still one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars on sale." Steering is a bit of a sore point, as Cars.com writes that one of their biggest issues with the new "TSX is its steering feel and feedback." They expand upon that by saying the 2009 Acura TSX offers an "electric power-steering system that doesn't offer very inspiring oncenter feel." The Acura TSX manages to redeem some of the points lost for steering feel with its brakes, which ConsumerGuide says are "drama-free" and Car and Driver refers to as "talented."

Conclusion: A peppy, high-revving engine and confident handling are hallmarks of the 2009 Acura TSX, but steering feel is less sharp.

2009 ACURA TSX COMFORT AND QUALITY | [8 out of 10]

ConsumerGuide: "Solid assembly quality with nicely textured trim and plastics"
Edmunds: "Well-built with nice materials"
Cars.com: "Easy to find a good driving position"

With the 2009 Acura TSX redesign, the engineers and designers at Acura HQ have addressed a few of the issues that affected the outgoing model, but not all the problems have been solved.

The 2009 Acura TSX offers seating for five, and as is the norm, those up front will find themselves sitting in decidedly more comfort than rear occupants. ConsumerGuide reviewers find that "legroom is good" up front, "but headroom for taller occupants gets tight beneath the sunroof housing," and the "nicely bolstered" seats prove to be a "bit too firm for ideal comfort." However, they come in handy when throwing the Acura TSX around twisty roads. Reviewers at Cars.com feel that "it's easy to find a good driving position" in the seats of the Acura TSX, which are "covered in standard leather upholstery." Unfortunately, they add that "the backseat isn't as comfortable" and offers "limited legroom." ConsumerGuide agrees, citing the rear room as "somewhat disappointing given this vehicle's longer wheelbase versus its predecessor."

One category in which the increased dimensions of the 2009 Acura TSX are evident is cargo space. ConsumerGuide reviewers are pleased to find that, for 2009, Acura offers "storage pockets in all four doors" that help to "compensate for the somewhat small glovebox and center console bins." As for the trunk, Edmunds says that it "measures 12.6 cubic feet," which Cars.com says can be expanded "with both sections of the rear seat folded."

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that materials quality and assembly are commendable on the Acura TSX, which features typically high-quality Japanese design and Acura touches. Edmunds says that the "materials are consistent with the rest of Acura's well-built line," though "those looking for a Lexus-like level of opulence will be disappointed." Fortunately for Acura, Lexus is closer to a competitor with the more upscale Acura TL rather than the 2009 Acura TSX. Other reviewers find favor with the interior quality, as ConsumerGuide mentions that the interior features "solid assembly quality with nicely textured and trim and plastics." Cars.com adds that "the previous TSX's material quality was already good for its class, and it's been improved with this redesign."

One of the biggest complaints about the outgoing Acura TSX model was the obtrusive level of road noise. For 2009, Acura engineers worked hard to make the interior quieter, but according to some reviewers, they may have gone overboard. Edmunds reviewers find that "the 2009 TSX is equipped with additional sound-deadening materials and newfound structural rigidity, which quiets things down on the freeway." However, ConsumerGuide reports that the Acura TSX's engine "sounds loud and unrefined, particularly as its speed rises."

Conclusion: The 2009 Acura TSX excels in tight fits and good finishes, but there’s still more interior noise than with some luxury sedans.

2009 ACURA TSX SAFETY | [10 out of 10]

NHTSA: Five stars, frontal impact; five stars, side impact
IIHS: Good, frontal offset test; good, side impact test
Cars.com: "Incorporates Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body technology"

The 2009 Acura TSX is, to put it simply, an excellent performer in the safety category. Whether in regard to crash tests or safety features, the 2009 Acura TSX doesn't disappoint.

Both National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests show that the Acura TSX is remarkably good at keeping its occupants protected during a collision. For 2009, Acura has earned the NHTSA's highest rating for the TSX, a full five stars, in front and side impact tests for both passengers and drivers. The IIHS also gives the Acura TSX its highest rating, "good," for both frontal offset and side impact tests. Furthermore, the IIHS was so impressed with the Acura TSX's survivability that it awarded the 2009 Acura TSX a Top Safety Pick. Much of the credit for these test ratings should go to the fact that the TSX "incorporates Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body technology," which, according to Cars.com, makes sure the "car's crumple zones are fully utilized."

Aside from superlative crash-test ratings, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the 2009 Acura TSX also offers a typical assortment of standard safety gear. Edmunds lists the standard gear on this 2009 Acura as including "antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags." Cars.com adds that other noteworthy safety features include "active head restraints for the front seats" and "a backup camera" that comes with the "optional navigation system." It might be worth opting for the nav feature; ConsumerGuide reports that while "visibility is good all around...the outside mirrors are on the small side."

Conclusion: The 2009 Acura TSX boasts the best possible crash-test ratings, but it would be nice to see that backup camera come standard.

2009 ACURA TSX FEATURES | [10 out of 10]

Automobile: "Incredible Panasonic ELS surround-sound stereo"
Autoblog: "Acura should do well with the younger, more tech-savvy audience"
Edmunds: "Class-leading feature content"

Acura has built its brand around the incredible number of cool high-tech features offered inside its vehicles. For the 2009 Acura TSX, Acura has spared nothing and even included virtually all the features as standard equipment.

The standard features list on the 2009 Acura TSX is, according to Cars.com, "long" and "includes heated front seats, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, a power moonroof, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, [and] Bluetooth-based cell phone connectivity." ConsumerGuide adds that, for 2009, Acura has included "satellite radio" and "leather upholstery" on that list. Jalopnik reviewers also appreciate the "really easy-to-use standard USB port" that helps integrate MP3 players with the car's standard seven-speaker sound system.

As well equipped as the 2009 Acura TSX is with its standard features, the real standout is the one and only option: the Acura TSX Technology Package. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com all praised the many aspects of this comprehensive upgrade that carries a sticker price of around $3,100. Jalopnik raves about the included "killer Elliot Scheiner-tuned 10-speaker sound system" that Edmunds calls "one of the best factory stereos available." Edmunds also feels that the upgraded stereo alone "is a solid justification for the pricey tech pack" in the Acura TSX. However, for 2009 Acura offers more than just the improved sound system in the package; Automobile points out that the package "bundles a state-of-the-art navigation system featuring traffic and weather reports." That navigation system in the Acura TSX is very capable, and Car and Driver reports that it offers "updated traffic problems and weather, even supplying the atmospheric conditions at your programmed destination."

Conclusion: The 2009 Acura TSX comes well equipped without the Technology Package, but audiophiles shouldn’t miss its world-class sound quality.