2014 Acura TSX Review
2014 Acura TSX Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Pleasing amount of standard equipment
- spacious interior
- sporty handling on V6 model
- excellent build and materials quality.
Cons
- Unimpressive braking performance
- lackluster acceleration and fuel economy
- can't be equipped with certain desirable technology features.
What’s new
The 2014 Acura TSX returns unchanged.
Edmunds says
Although the 2014 Acura TSX is still a respectable choice for an entry-level luxury sedan, it's starting to fall behind in key areas and ultimately isn't as compelling as some rivals.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2014 Acura TSX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$188/mo for TSX Base
TSX Base
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
If you're shopping for an entry-level luxury sedan this year, you won't be hurting for choices, as at least a dozen vehicles are currently available. Within this group, the 2014 Acura TSX, thanks to its broad mix of qualities, could be an appealing pick. But a lot of other cars have also been recently redesigned or updated, and that's going to make your decision harder.
For the TSX, Acura gives you the choice of either four-cylinder or V6 power. The four-cylinder delivers solid fuel economy numbers for this class (among normal gasoline engines), while the V6 is there if you desire sharper performance. Similarly, if it's a comfortable ride you want, the base TSX will satisfy, while the V6 model's sport-tuned suspension will be of greater appeal to shoppers seeking more athletic handling. All TSXs boast a handsome-looking interior that's respectably roomy for a car in this class. Finally, an extensive list of desirable standard features, including xenon headlights, a sunroof, heated front seats and a premium audio system, helps pump up the value quotient.
So what's not to like? Well, for starters, the front-wheel drive TSX can't match the full-on performance potential of some competitors, which offer sportier suspension tuning (for better handling) and, in some cases, rear-wheel drive. Many cars in this class also offer all-wheel drive, something you can't get on the TSX. And while Acura does pack on the standard features, some increasingly common options, such as blind-spot monitoring or a slick touchscreen infotainment interface, aren't offered here, either.
With that in mind, you'll certainly want to shop around. If it's a luxury sport sedan you're after, perennial performance-oriented favorites like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series are better choices. If style or image are priorities, the Mercedes CLA-Class and Volvo S60 are worth checking out. You'll also find other cars that successfully do a little of everything just like the Acura, such as the Buick Regal, Hyundai Genesis, Nissan Maxima and Volkswagen CC. Overall, the 2014 Acura TSX remains a solid choice here, but we wouldn't be surprised if something else resonates with you more.
Performance & mpg
The 2014 Acura TSX sedan is available with a choice of two engines. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder puts out 201 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque (172 lb-ft when equipped with the manual transmission), while the 3.5-liter V6 produces 280 hp and 254 lb-ft. A five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift paddles and front-wheel drive is standard on all models, with a six-speed manual gearbox available as an option with the four-cylinder engine only.
In Edmunds testing, a TSX sedan with the four-cylinder engine and manual transmission accelerated to 60 mph from a standstill in an unremarkable 7.7 seconds. With the automatic transmission, 0-60 times are about a second slower. The V6 is quicker, posting a more competitive 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds.
Estimated EPA fuel economy for the TSX sedan with the four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission stands at 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city/31 mpg highway). This is decent for this class, though some other rivals with turbocharged four-cylinders do even better. With the manual gearbox the four-cylinder TSX drops to 24 mpg combined (21/29). Numbers for the V6-powered sedan fall off farther to 23 mpg combined (19/28).
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2014 Acura TSX includes antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. A rearview camera is included with the Technology package.
In Edmunds brake testing, both the four- and six-cylinder versions of the TSX stopped from 60 mph in 133 feet; comparable entry-level luxury sedans we've tested have braking distances that are a significant 10-15 feet shorter.
In crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the TSX earned a top rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests. In the small-overlap frontal-offset test, it received a second-lowest "Marginal" rating. Its seat/head restraint design was rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Driving
On the road, the 2014 Acura TSX has two different personalities. The standard four-cylinder engine produces adequate, but far from thrilling, acceleration with the automatic transmission. The available six-speed manual gearbox livens things up a bit, but if that's what you're after, we'd recommend just stepping up to the V6, which offers much more muscular performance. The Acura's automatic transmission provides smooth, precise shifts, but competitors offer automatics with six, seven or even eight forward gears, and the result is typically better acceleration and fuel economy.
While it may not be in the same league as some legendary German sport sedans, the TSX offers solid, confidence-inspiring handling, especially with the firmer suspension tune on V6-powered models. The TSX's relatively smooth ride, combined with its quiet interior, should meet most shoppers' expectations for comfort and refinement.
Interior
Inside the 2014 Acura TSX, you'll find a pleasing design done up in high-quality soft-touch materials. At first glance, the dash seems covered by an indecipherable mass of buttons, but with a little time, using these controls becomes fairly intuitive. The base audio system's display screen looks rather down-market, however, so opting for the navigation system is wise given its better aesthetics and easy operation. The available ELS premium audio system is another option we heartily recommend.
Front seats are comfortable and supportive. The rear seat is roomier than some competitors, though taller occupants will still wish for a little more legroom. The trunk's 14 cubic feet of room is better than average, and the 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks make it possible to expand that cargo capacity when the need arises.
2014 Acura TSX models
The 2014 Acura TSX compact entry-level luxury sedan offered in base (available with the four-cylinder engine or V6) and Special Edition (four-cylinder only) trim levels. A wagon body style (the Sport Wagon) is reviewed separately.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, driver memory settings, a four-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column. Other comfort and convenience features include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth connectivity and a seven-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio input jack and a USB port.
The TSX Special Edition is the same but adds a more aggressive-looking front spoiler, a unique rear bumper fascia and side sills and distinctive wheels. Inside, the Special Edition has faux-suede seat inserts, red interior stitching, red cabin illumination, aluminum pedals, bright silver trim elements and a black headliner.
For the base TSX with the four-cylinder engine, the optional Technology package gets you an 8-inch display screen, a rearview camera, a navigation system, voice recognition and a premium 10-speaker surround-sound audio system. The TSX with the V6 comes standard with the Technology package.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2014 Acura TSX.
5 star(69%)
4 star(26%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
42 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
Better than I expected!
oldsnwbrdr, 04/24/2012
2012 Acura TSX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
It's interesting to read reviews from those who traded "down" from a European brand.
I did the same, and my monthly lease payment is $120 lower than the Mercedes C300 AWD Sport I traded in.
My family actually prefers the Acura for a lot of reasons... the only things I miss are the 6-cylinder refinement and the Mercedes bank vault build quality.
4.63 out of 5 stars
TL owner moving down but not by much...
dadoftwogirls, 02/14/2012
2012 Acura TSX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
I was tired of getting 17.5 mpg on premium gas around town with my 2009 Acura TL.
I looked at BMW, Mercedes and Audi.
However, I just couldn't justify the extra money.
Everything cost EXTRA.
I went back to Acura and they had a Milano Red Limited Edition loaded TSX on the showroom floor.
I immediately fell in love with the looks and bought it on the spot.
To me it is the most agressive … looking Acura with the body kit.
It just looks sexy and strong.
Although I am giving up a lot of power vs. the TL, I am also getting about 6 miles a gallon farther down the road.
In addition, I hardly ever found a time when I could 'drive' the TL agressively.
At this point, I am not missing it much.
4 out of 5 stars
Good, sensible car
josevi, 02/23/2019
2012 Acura TSX Special Edition 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
I have owned a Special Edition 2012 TSX since new. The black on black car looks sharp, inside and out. Coming from a headache-inducing 02 Jetta, I went to Acura based on its reliability reputation (which, I see, has changed for the worse as of late). The car has not disappointed on that end. It was affected by the Tanaka airbag recall, and my dealership took care of it speadily. … There was a piece of trim that was a little loose and, that too, was taken care of to my complete satisfaction. Less impressive is, however, my dealership inability to replicate an intermitent problem that the car has had with its power lock master switch for a while until, of course, it was no longer under warranty. Lesson learned for the future and I will take of this myself. After six and a half years, the heating is presenting an intermittent issue. I'd rather it did not, but I think this number of issues is more than adequate in a car that is over six years old and serves in Chicago. If you are thinking of buying one second hand, go for it. It is extremely comfortable, and well put together. After a long road trip, you will arrive to your destination in quite good shape - the front seats are armchair-like, with just the right amount of firmness and hold (they are nicely heated too, although a mid setting would be great). It is reasonably quiet inside, with muted road noise. The trunk is spacious and you have enough interior storage. I suspect that the Bluetooth is not amongst the sharpest out there, but it does the job. The sound system is quite good and the dual zone climate works very well. The interior (I choose cars from the inside out, as the interior is the part of the car you see most) is very well put together, and has a very clean and rational layout. The only problem I have with it is that the paddle shifters (which, incidentally, I never use) can get in the way of seeing some controls (windshield wiper and light settings). The car has a sporty stance and, indeed, it is powerful enough but it is not a 3 series. Mine is equipped with the 4 cylinder engine (6 cyl. and Honda automatics? No, thanks) and it is responsive in most situations. If you want to take it to the track, this is not the car for you, but you will be just fine in the highway. My favorite part of its driving behavior is its steering. I find it responsive and quick. Summing up: very good all-around car. It will take you to work in comfort and allow you to go on longer trips comfortably. It is quite reliable and fairly economical to run -apart from the general maintenance and the two issues above I will be taking care of soon, it has only needed some brake work (it is, at the end of the day, a Honda). Premium fuel is recommended, but you can run it on regular. Thanks for your time.
5 out of 5 stars
Love This Car
thumper16, 07/30/2012
2012 Acura TSX Technology Package 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
I've probably have had 20 new cars and that many used in my life but can't say I've liked any more than this. Love the size, the quality in and out, sound system, handling, gas mileage 25-35. Have had it about 6 months and 6,000 miles-no issues.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2014 Acura TSX, so we've included reviews for other years of the TSX since its last redesign.
2014 TSX Highlights
Base
Base MSRP | $30,635 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $188/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestMarginal
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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