Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6

The 2010 Acura TSX V6 is something of a consolation prize. At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Acura showed off a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel and said it would launch in the U.S. this year. A few months later in New York, Honda's luxury arm showed off the all-new second generation TSX sedan, and we expected to be driving the culmination of the two right around now.

Unfortunately, a confluence of events a few months after the TSX was shown caused Acura to reverse course and put the diesel engine on the shelf. As world oil prices hit all time record levels, the never ending construction in China and Dubai seemed to be consuming the entire world supply of diesel, driving prices higher and higher. At about the same time, the world came to the realization that loaning money to people who couldn't pay it back might not be a great idea after all. With sales in the toilet everywhere, Acura decided that throwing a gasoline-powered V6 into the TSX might be a better idea. Was it?

The 3.6-liter V6 in the TSX lineup joins the 2.4-liter inline four in the present lineup. It offers a significant increase in power that is palpable. For example, while the four offers 201 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque, the V6 pumps out a healthy 280 hp and 254 lb.-ft. of torque.

We could feel the additional horsepower immediately. Acceleration was brisk, if somewhat noisy from a tuned exhaust. Under normal driving conditions, however, there’s little noise coming from the engine compartment. The new engine, that is also available in some other Acura vehicles, has an 11.2:1 compression ratio, integrated exhaust manifold and high-flow exhaust with dual tips, among other features.

Coupled to the engine is a 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel if you choose to do the shifting yourself. There is a sensor-controlled return to full automatic if you’ve been cruising for a while, but we found that it will also return to full automatic after maybe 10 seconds in any gear.

Chassis enhancements include an independent double-wishbone front suspension that has been beefed up to accommodate the heavier engine and to give the TSX a sportier feel. There’s a revised electric power steering as well that gives more precise feedback.

Brakes have also been beefed up. The TSX V6 wears 18-inch tires, while the four-banger has 17-inch rubber.

It will be hard to tell the V6 from the 4, except for a “V6” badge on the trunk. There’s also a slight change to the front fascia, but without the two cars side-by-side, it’s hard to find.

Standard technology packages on the TSX include an AUX jack outlet, USB port connectivity, and a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink. Acura’s Technology Package also includes real-time weather, real-time traffic and a note function for the XM radio that tells you what’s playing and the source of the tune.

Pricing for the TSX ranges from $29,310 to $32,410, while the TSX V6 ranges from $34,850 to $37,950.