Heels on Wheels: 2012 Acura TSX Sport Wagon Review

HEELS ON WHEELS
By Katrina Ramser
San Francisco Bureau
The Auto Channel

INTRO TO THE ACURA SPORT WAGON VEHICLE Now in its second year of production, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon combines the popular sedan version’s four-cylinder efficiency and straightforward entry-level luxury into a five-passenger family wagon that gives utility a classy edge at a reasonable price.

I drove a 2012 Acura TSX Sport Wagon with the 201-horsepower 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters. Available in one simple trim every model comes standard with such highlights as: perforated and leather-trimmed seating, an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, steering-wheel mounted controls, Bluetooth, XM Radio, power moonroof, and remote entry. Price starts at $31,360. My test drive also came with the Technology Package that included a ten-speaker premium audio system, a rearview camera, navigation, and a power-operated tailgate. Total price came to $34,810.

Already considered a niche vehicle, the Acura TXS Sport Wagon secures its position even further by offering a design more sophisticated than a competitor like the VW Jetta SportsWagen and redesigned Subaru Outback – yet refrains from being as lustrous and expensive as BMW 3 Series wagon or a Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon.

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results: A slightly tight but comfortable cabin, the TSX Sport Wagon offers all the luxury items you need – heated seats, moonroof, a power liftgate, black leather, a navigation display with a backup camera – and everything you don’t, labeling this interior as refined but not extravagant. The Tech Package is a must, as a mother cannot do without power rear closure and Acura’s intuitive infotainment system that uses one master dial for the majority of screen commands. Acura is often dinged by critics for its myriad of center stack buttons, but I find the technology on the TSX Sport Wagon direct and far less mysterious than the sea of commands on many upscale Fords.

Reliability & Safety Factor: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards the Acura TSX Sport Wagon with 5-Star crash test ratings. The vehicle is a Top Safety Pick with ratings of “Good” in all areas with The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Cost Issues: Starting price for the Acura TSX Sport Wagon is $31,360. The Volvo XC70 is another close rival with a base price of $32,950. However, it’s key to understand for this class that although base prices start friendly, costs rise quickly with the numerous options, which is why you should appreciate Acura’s straightforward strategy of offering up two complete versions.

Activity & Performance Ability: On a weekend trip through the mountain range, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon was able to retain a 28 miles-per-gallon fuel efficiency. It’s comfortable, spacious, and offers excellent visibility. Handling is sprightly at the corners and the turning radius is sporty. However, the four-cylinder does produce an uneven distribution of power at flat open roads and lacks the oomph desired at ascents. A turbo version would be an ingenious move to retain the fuel economy, but a slightly thirstier 3.5-liter V6 exists for 280 horsepower at the cost of 19 miles-per-gallon city and 28 highway for a combined EPA-estimated 23. There is no all-wheel drive option.

The Green Concern: Even at 28 MPG, the 4-cylinder engine doesn’t outsmart the VW Jetta SportsWagen’s 40-MPG highway driving with the Turbo Direct Injection 2.0-liter clean diesel engine.

FINAL PARTING WORDS
A few deterrents do exist for this entry-level luxury wagon, like a lackluster four-cylinder engine and no all-wheel drive option. Overall, the 2012 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is safe, fuel efficient, classy and equipped with just the right amount of luxury.

©2012 Katrina Ramser