2012 Acura TSX Sport Wagon (pictures)

Acura's TSX used to be its entry-level model, before the arrival of the 2013 ILX. Now it seems the TSX's days are numbered, as Acura may look for more differentiation among its sedan models. The Sport Wagon version of the TSX is unique in the Acura line-up, and a rare type of car in today's automotive market.

The TSX Sport Wagon uses Acura's new, subtle styling, with the grille shield less prominent. Sidelines on the car are stylish and non-controversial.

Although the TSX sedan can be had with a four cylinder or V-6, the Sport Wagon can only be had with the 2.4-liter four cylinder. This engine produces 201 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque.

Acura did an excellent job with the wagon styling, making a clean roofline with a slight drop-off and nice window graphics.

The suspension gives a comfortable ride, and keeps the car fairly well planted in corners.

The rear hatch opens manually, but inside a button activates power closing.

The cargo space gives the Sport Wagon a big advantage over the TSX sedan. The rear seats also fold down to increase the space.

Being an Acura, the front seats are power-adjustable, and all are covered in leather.

Rear seat space is not expansive, but reasonable.

The TSX Sport Wagon can be had with a Tech package, which brings in navigation and an upgraded stereo system.

Acura uses an electric power steering system, which is easy to turn at low speeds.

Acura uses the tachometer face as a display area to show trip information.

The car is limited to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Along with the navigation LCD, there is also a legacy monochrome radio display, and far too many buttons.

The maps for the navigation system are stored on a hard drive, but only offer 2D views.

Destination input is tedious with the rotary controller, but the navigation system also supports voice command.

The navigation system includes traffic data, both in this list view and integrated with the maps.

The Zagat listings make it easier to find a restaurant when traveling.

The navigation system also shows weather data.

The Bluetooth phone system shows a paired phone's contact list on the LCD, but does not make that list available through voice command for dialing by name.

The stereo also supports Bluetooth streaming audio.

With a USB drive plugged into the stereo, the LCD only shows music by file and folder.

iPods and iPhones plugged into the stereo get a more refined treatment for their music libraries, with music organized by artist, album, and genre.

The ELS audio system includes this big subwoofer, which makes for richer sound.