Horsepower V6 engine option is new for the 2010 Acura TSX. Models so equipped are also treated to bigger wheels, a revised steering system and sportier suspension tuning. Thankfully, the 2010 Acura TSX sets things mostly right, provided you don't mind springing for the newly available V6 version.
Additional changes for the TSX V6 include a slightly firmer suspension and a recalibrated steering system. We didn't like the new electric power steering system introduced for the '09 redesign, as its numb feel countered the TSX's intended sportiness. Overall, the 2010 Acura TSX is a mixed bag. The 2010 Acura TSX is a compact entry-level luxury sedan available in two fairly loaded trim levels, base and V6. The front-wheel-drive TSX is available with a choice of two engines.
Fuel mileage estimates for the four-cylinder/automatic TSX are 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined; the manual version drops to 21/28/23. The TSX V6 comes in at 18 city/27 highway and 21 combined.
Safety Standard safety equipment on the 2010 Acura TSX includes antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control, traction control, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In our simulated panic braking test, both the four- and six-cylinder versions of the TSX took 133 feet to stop from 60 mph. In government crash testing, the Acura TSX earned a perfect five-star sweep for all frontal- and side-impact tests. The 2010 Acura TSX's dash is awash with buttons, and that's with or without the optional Technology package. Elsewhere inside the TSX, materials are consistent with the rest of Acura's well-built line.
Driving Impressions The 2010 Acura TSX is calm and quiet when cruising down the freeway. The TSX V6 is sharper still thanks to its sportier suspension tuning and confident power delivery
After a complete redesign last year, the 2010 Acura TL receives a six-speed manual transmission that is available on SH-AWD models.
The base 2010 Acura TL is also praise-worthy for its quiet and comfortable cabin.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Acura TL is a midsize luxury sedan that is available in base or sporty SH-AWD trim levels. The base TL comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, foglights, a sunroof, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear ventilation controls, heated power front seats, driver memory functions, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, Bluetooth phone connectivity and steering-wheel-mounted audio, phone and trip computer controls. The TL SH-AWD adds all-wheel drive, a more powerful engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, upgraded brakes, hill start assist, more aggressively bolstered front seats and upgraded metallic trim.
Optional 19-inch wheels with high-performance summer tires are available, but only on SH-AWD models.
The base model 2010 Acura TL is front-wheel drive and is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 hp and 254 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive TL SH-AWD gets a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 305 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Both TL models come standard with a five-speed automatic that includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Despite the SH-AWD's horsepower advantage, acceleration is virtually identical to the base TL. Fuel economy for the 3.5-liter TL is 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg in combined driving.
Safety All 2010 Acura TL models come with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front restraints. The SH-AWD came to a stop in an exceptional 106 feet.
Driving Impressions The base TL should appeal to drivers with more comfort and luxury in mind
The Acura RL gains a standard USB/iPod interface for 2010.
The 2010 Acura RL just doesn't get much respect. For 2010, the RL pretty much stands pat, though a standard iPod interface and optional solar-sensing climate control system have been added to the features roster. Top-notch safety scores and build quality further the RL's case.
The 2010 Acura RL is a midsize luxury sedan technically available in three trim levels, although the two upper trims really consist of a pair of technology packages.
Standard equipment on the RL includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, heated eight-way power front seats with driver memory functions, a power tilt-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.
Also standard are Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice commands for the audio and climate systems and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with six-CD changer, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod audio interface.
The RL with Technology and CMBS packages adds radar-guided adaptive cruise control and the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). Every 2010 Acura RL comes with Acura's "Super-Handling" all-wheel-drive system that automatically proportions power to the optimum wheels for the best handling and wet-weather traction. SafetyStandard safety features include antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and a stability control system.
The 2010 Acura RL's interior is beautifully crafted and attractively designed
Horsepower V6 engine option is new for the 2010 Acura TSX. Models so equipped are also treated to bigger wheels, a revised steering system and sportier suspension tuning.
