The 2011 Acura TSX features a new wagon body style called the Sport Wagon. The Sport Wagon comes standard with the TSX's 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-4 engine and five-speed automatic transmission. Although enthusiasts might prefer that this new Acura wagon be a rival to the sportier Audi A4 Avant and BMW 328i wagon by combining a V6 engine, a manual transmission and all-wheel drive, the reality is that the TSX Sport Wagon offers balanced performance in nearly every dynamic category as well as superior fuel economy.
Overall the TSX offers excellent manners in daily driving, a pleasing interior, an impressive amount of standard equipment, plus state-of-the-art navigation and entertainment systems. The 2011 Acura TSX is a compact entry-level luxury sedan available in base, wagon and V6 trim levels. The front-wheel-drive TSX is available with a choice of two engines. In Edmunds testing, a manual four-cylinder TSX sedan loped to 60 mph from a standstill in an unremarkable 7.7 seconds. The automatic sedan and Sport Wagon both crossed the lights about a second slower. Estimated EPA fuel economy estimates for the four-cylinder automatic TSX sedan are 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 combined; the manual version drops to 21/29/24.
Safety Standard safety equipment on the 2011 Acura TSX includes antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control, traction control, active head restraints, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The Sport Wagon came to a halt in 127 feet. The 2011 Acura TSX has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. The Sport Wagon opens up even more room, delivering nearly 61 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
Driving Impressions The 2011 Acura TSX rides calmly and quietly at highway speeds thanks to thicker glass and improved acoustic insulation.
The Acura TL is unchanged for 2011. Take the 2011 Acura TL, a midsize luxury sedan that's difficult to fault. The sport-oriented TL SH-AWD, meanwhile, can keep pace around corners with sport sedans like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or Infiniti G37 thanks to its high-tech Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (hence SH-AWD).
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 Acura TL is a midsize luxury sedan available in TL and TL SH-AWD trim levels. The TL SH-AWD adds a more powerful engine, all-wheel drive, more aggressive suspension and steering tuning, upgraded brakes, 18-inch wheels, deep-bolstered front seats and contrasting leather
stitching. This package can also be augmented with 18-inch wheels on the base 2011 Acura TL or 19-inch wheels on the SH-AWD.
The base model 2011 Acura TL is front-wheel drive and is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. In Edmunds performance testing, the base TL went from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds -- on par with most base model luxury sedans. The TL SH-AWD model features Acura's Super Handling-All-Wheel-Drive system, which transfers different levels of power to individual wheels to maximize traction and grip through turns and in inclement weather.
Safety Every 2011 Acura TL comes with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front restraints. The TL SH-AWD used its upgraded brakes to record a stop in a very impressive 106 feet. The Acura TL has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedure. The 2011 Acura TL's interior features a more contemporary design language than some of its competitors.
Driving Impressions The base 2011 Acura TL should appeal to drivers with more comfort and luxury in mind.
The 2011 Acura RL gains a six-speed automatic transmission for slightly improved fuel economy and acceleration. On paper, the 2011 Acura RL seems like a pretty desirable midsize luxury sedan. Acura has also replaced the RL's previous five-speed automatic with a new six-speed unit. Handling also remains a praiseworthy RL attribute, thanks to the car's advanced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which can apportion torque to individual wheels to improve both traction and handling balance.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and OptionsStandard equipment on the RL includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, heated 10-way power front seats with driver memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear-seat climate controls, an auto-dimming mirror, a power rear sunshade and manual rear side
sunshades.The 2011 Acura RL with the Advance package adds adaptive cruise control and the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), along with power-folding side mirrors.
Powering the 2011 Acura RL is a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 hp and 271 pound-feet of torque.
SafetyStandard safety features for the 2011 Acura RLinclude antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and a stability-control system. In Edmunds brake testing, the RL delivered a lackluster 131-foot stop from 60 mph. The 2011 Acura RL features an attractive and well-built interior that is comparable to most other luxury sedans.
The 2011 Acura TSX features a new wagon body style called the Sport Wagon. The Sport Wagon comes standard with the TSX's 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-4 engine and five-speed automatic transmission. Although enthusiasts might prefer that this new Acura wagon be a rival to the sportier Audi A4 Avant and BMW 328i wagon by combining a V6 engine, a manual transmission and all-wheel drive, the reality is that the TSX Sport Wagon offers balanced performance in nearly every dynamic category as well as superior fuel economy. 
