Acura TL vs Acura TSX
The short answer
Based on available data, the Acura TL comes out ahead of the Acura TSX on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
TL
Overall
Owner sentiment is sharply divided by transmission choice rather than by the car itself. The 3rd generation TL (2004-2008) draws heavy criticism for its automatic transmission, which owners repeatedly describe as failure-prone, while the same car with the 6-speed manual is widely praised as durable and fun. The 4th generation (2009-2014), especially the SH-AWD with the 3.7L V6 and 6-speed manual, is regarded as one of the best sport sedans Acura built, with owners citing the combination of a naturally aspirated V6, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, four doors, and a manual as something no longer made.
Best version to buy
The 2007-2008 3rd generation TL and the 4th generation TL (2009-2014), particularly the SH-AWD with the 6-speed manual, are the versions owners most often endorse. The 2007-2008 cars are singled out for receiving a revised, beefier automatic transmission, and the 4th generation SH-AWD 6MT is called by multiple owners arguably the best sport sedan Acura ever made.
Known issues
- 2004-2006 automatic transmission failure: Frequency: very frequent. Owners report failures as early as 60,000 miles and as late as 190,000 miles, with multiple owners replacing the transmission two or more times.
TSX
Overall
Owners broadly regard the TSX as a reliable, practical, and engaging car, with the K24 four-cylinder engine and its long service life drawing the most praise. The wagon body style is treated as rare and desirable, though many owners argue that rarity does not justify premium asking prices on high-mileage examples. Criticisms center on oil consumption, VTC actuator rattle, timing chain concerns, and expensive parts for the first generation.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus, though the strongest signal favors the 2007-2008 first-generation cars, which owners describe as having the refreshed engine and most of the earlier issues resolved. Owners repeatedly advise avoiding the 2004 model year and recommend 2005 and newer.
Known issues
- Oil consumption: Frequency: recurrent. VTC actuator rattle, sometimes appearing as early as 60k miles: Frequency: recurrent. Timing chain rattle on cold start: Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Acura TL is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Acura TSX, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Acura TSX is worth a closer look instead.
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Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Acura TL or the Acura TSX?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Acura TL and the Acura TSX. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Acura TL or the Acura TSX?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Acura TL or the Acura TSX?
The EPA rates the 2014 Acura TL at 20–23 mpg combined and the 2014 Acura TSX at 22–25 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura TL or the Acura TSX?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Acura TSX than the Acura TL. See the known issues comparison above.