The 2012 Acura TSX has few direct rivals, although people might cross-shop sportier versions of mainstream sedans or the base versions of serious sport sedans.
The Acura TSX’s distinctly Japanese feel puts it at odds with the slightly more upscale feel you’ll get from the other front-drive sedans and wagons from European automakers.
The latest generation of the Audi A4 is more performance-oriented, and its back seat can be cramped for adults.
In truth, the TSX Sport Wagon's toughest competition will be Acura’s own RDX crossover, which has available all-wheel drive and a whizzy four-cylinder engine with turbo power on the option sheet.
Base 328i versions of the BMW 3-Series are also a possibility (a new base turbo four-cylinder is being phased in), while those who want all-wheel drive might also take a look at a well-optioned Subaru Legacy.
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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With attractive designs and a light, efficient driving feel, the 2012 Acura TSX lineup strikes an ideal balance for a front-wheel-drive sport sedan or sport wagon. |
The 2012 Acura RDX satisfies those who want more driving excitement, but it might leave luxury- or tech-hungry shoppers wanting. |
The 2012 Audi A4 provides an engaging driving experience, impressive in-cabin technology, and surprisingly great fuel efficiency—making it a good everyday driver among premium sedans. |
The 2012 BMW 3-Series delivers the class-leading sport-sedan performance and handling enthusiasts have come to expect, yet it makes substantial improvements in fuel-efficiency, active safety, and connectivity. |
The 2012 Subaru Legacy remains the only mainstream, mid-size sedan to offer all-wheel drive; it's also among the better-handling models in this class, and a strong value in 2.5i form. | |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $30,010 | $32,895 | $32,500 | $34,900 | $28,900 | $19,995 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 19 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas Flat 4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact | Sport Utility Vehicle | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact | Midsize Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Sedan I4 Automatic | FWD 4-Door | 4-Door Sedan CVT FrontTrak 2.0T Premium | 4-Door Sedan 328i RWD SULEV | 4-Door Sedan Manual FWD | 4-Door Sedan H4 Manual 2.5i |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front-Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door | Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic | Automatic | Continuously Variable Ratio | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Manual | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2012 Acura TSX vs. 2012 Acura RDX | 2012 Acura TSX vs. 2012 Audi A4 | 2012 Acura TSX vs. 2012 BMW 3-Series | 2012 Acura TSX vs. 2012 Saab 9-3 | 2012 Acura TSX vs. 2012 Subaru Legacy | |
