Review Car

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon Review

The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is a well-featured, spacious and efficient car, boasting more cargo space than competing sedans and more practicality than similar SUV-crossovers. Though the TSX sedan and Sport Wagon models are amped up versions of their sister car the Honda Accord, they bring their own personalities to the road. The TSX Sport Wagon is a great, fuel-efficient alternative to those currently seeking a smaller SUV or crossover. The TSX Sport Wagon offers a fun drive at a great value, and in this way smashes other competition in the wagon niche. Enter your ZIP code into our FREE insurance comparison tool above to save money on car insurance!

Pricing

Car and Driver’s website lists the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon at the following prices:

• TSX Sport Wagon automatic- $31,845
• TSX Sport Wagon automatic with Technology Package- $35,495

The low price can be attributed to Acura’s foresight on wagon sales. The demand for wagons is currently so small that only 4,000 TSX Sport Wagons were distributed for 2011. The Sport Wagon was initially created to try to keep Acura car customers who wanted more space buying instead of losing them to larger SUVs. Additionally, Acura was able to make the new wagon so cost efficiently because the cheap, low-power engine was taken from the TSX sedan, essentially as a trial.

Engine and Performance

The TSX Sport Wagon houses the same 4-cylinder motor as it’s sedan counterpart, with a 2.4 liter 5-speed automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel. Car and Driver’s website cites a zero to 60 mph time of 8.1 seconds, which falls short of competing wagons’ times. Though speed is not it’s strong suit, this Sport Wagon offers conservative style and performance that makes it a great buy. The small, underpowered engine glides this wagon along well-enough, but could use a power boost.

Comfort and Convenience

Like the TSX sedan, the base Sport Wagon is loaded with features that make this car a great buy. The Sport Wagon comes pre-loaded with Bluetooth wireless capability, phone pre-wiring, three months of XM satellite radio, auxiliary and iPod inputs and USB connection. Also, dual-zone climate controls in the front, leather-trimmed doors and steering wheel, audio controls on steering wheel and turn signals in the mirrors come standard with the base model.

For storage needs, the Sport Wagon comes pre-loaded with a front console, front seat-back storage and an overhead console in the front. Not to mention, this wagon comes with 60.5 cubic feet of storage behind the back seat.

With the optional Technology Package, a buyer will get navigation, Bluetooth, a powered tailgate, voice recognition capabilities and a ten-speaker audio set up including 15 gigs of built-in audio storage.

Safety

Neither the 2011 TSX sedan nor the Sport Wagon were tested on the government’s more demanding 2011 safety tests, but on the less strict 2010 tests, earning the cars five out of five stars in all safety categories.
The TSX Sport Wagon’s anti-lock brakes (ABS) test better than the sedan’s, stopping in 127 feet from 60 mph versus the sedan’s 133 feet according to Edmund’s website. Additionally, the Sport Wagon includes both stability and traction control, front side air bags and full-length curtain air bags,

Available Colors

The 2011 TSX Sport Wagon is available in an array of attractive colors. These include Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Forged Silver Metallic, Graphite Luster Metallic, Premium White Pearl and Vortex Blue Pearl. These exterior paint colors can be paired with either Ebony or Taupe leather, which comes standard in the Sport Wagon.

Fuel Efficiency

Similarly to the TSX sedan, the Sport Wagon is extremely competent in the fuel economy category and quite fairly beats other competing wagons in efficiency. The EPA estimates 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway. The TSX Sport Wagon rivals most closely the Volvo V50 wagon in fuel efficiency, but knocks Audi’s A4 Avant and BMW’s 328i Sport Wagon out of the running for most economical.

Owners’ Opinions and Competitors

Due to little popularity of station wagons in general, it is difficult to find many owners’ opinions on the Web. If one thing is for sure, though, it’s that top car aficionado Websites such as Car and Driver and Edmund’s have much to say about the Acura TSX Sport Wagon. These Websites love wagons, and agree that the Acura TSX Sport Wagon is the best value and drive you can get out of a wagon in the U.S.

In looks, the TSX Sport Wagon rivals the Audi A4, which is praised as one of the most attractive wagons available. The TSX Sport Wagon receives a touch of class with 17-inch wheels and attractive chrome features and body molding.

Some top wagon competitors include the Cadillac CTS wagon, the BMW 328i Sport Wagon and Audi’s A4 Avant. Many reviewers comment on the fact that unlike it’s competitors, the TSX Sport Wagon is not quite sporty enough. At take-off and top speed, the TSX Wagon falls short of it’s very quick and agile competitors. Many buyers and reviewers alike would prefer if the Sport Wagon offered an engine upgrade, like the sedan’s V6, and a manual option. Don’t forget to enter your ZIP code into our FREE insurance comparison tool above to save money on car insurance!