Acceleration

Base w/navigation, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
6	5	6.5

With a manual transmission, a TSX did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph. The car delighted with light, precise shift/clutch action. The high-revving 4-cylinder engine produces modest power below 3000 rpm, so highway passing or merging demands careful gear selection. The automatic transmission dulls off-the-line snap, but alert throttle response means good highway punch.

Fuel Economy

Base w/navigation, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
7	7	5.4

In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission TSXs averaged 22.6-30.2 mpg. Automatic versions averaged 26.4 mpg. TSX requires premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base w/navigation, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Firm, but never jarring, even on badly cratered pavement. Body motions are well-controlled.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/navigation, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
8	8	7.3

TSX is impressively agile on challenging mountain roads with assured grip and minimal body lean. Quick, responsive steering adds to the fun. Powerful brakes have excellent pedal feel.

Quietness

Base w/navigation, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
6	6	6.1

For a small sport sedan, the TSX is quite refined. The ultrasmooth engine is audible but not unpleasant at high rpm. Tire noise intrudes some on coarse pavement but isn't enough to be bothersome. Wind rush is minimal.

Controls

Base w/navigation, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
6	7	6.2

Most controls are simple and smart, though the available navigation system takes learning. It absorbs some climate and audio functions, which can frustrate simple adjustments, and its voice recognition understands only clearly spoken, precisely worded commands.

Details

Base w/navigation, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
8	8	7.3

Good detail finish and classy materials are the rule inside the cabin.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/navigation, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
7	7	6.9

Spacious enough for most, though the overall feel is a bit cozy. Firm, supportive seats are bolstered to keep occupants secure in spirited driving. A standard tilt/telescope steering wheel and power seat help tailor a sound basic driving stance. All-around visibility is good.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/navigation, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
4	4	3.7

Headroom is tight for six-footers, but there's surprisingly good leg and toe space even with the front seats fully aft. Leg support is lacking due to a short seat cushion. Entry/exit is slightly constricted by narrow floor passages.

Cargo Room

Base w/navigation, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
3	3	4.3

Not bountiful, but good for a compact, and most all the space is usable. The trunklid hinges don't intrude much and are designed so as not to crush packages. The standard split folding rear seatback has an interior key lock and in-trunk releases. Cabin storage is just adequate.

Value within Class

Base w/navigation, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
7	7	6.2

TSX delivers the same solid quality and high features-per-dollar quotient as Acura's larger TL but ups the fun-to-drive factor with a trimmer, lighter package. Automatic transmission steals some scoot, and the engine can feel lazy at low speeds, but those are minor blemishes to what is a very strong premium compact car.

Total Score

Base w/navigation, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
68	68	65.4

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		59
Average Score		65
High Score		72