2012 TSX Tech vs. 2013 Accord EX-L
2012 TSX Tech vs. 2013 Accord EX-L
Hey guys, I'm new to this forum so be gentle
I'm currently looking for a sedan in the 30-33k range and so far I'm leaning towards the 2012 TSX with Tech. I was actually really close to buying one before I decided to do a little more research and check online reviews. Well, after reading lots on this forum, I see a lot of comparisons to the Honda Accord. I know that the TSX was based off of the previous gen Euro Accord so I can understand the comparisons.
My question is, given both options and your experience with your TSX, which car would you rather go with today and why? The Accord seems to have a lot more options than the TSX and for cheaper (when new). I know this may be a bit of a biased question to TSX owners, but I'd still like to get your opinions.
I know a lot has to do with personal preference (I for one prefer the Acura name and feeling of luxury), but based on features, performance and value which is best?
I'm currently looking for a sedan in the 30-33k range and so far I'm leaning towards the 2012 TSX with Tech. I was actually really close to buying one before I decided to do a little more research and check online reviews. Well, after reading lots on this forum, I see a lot of comparisons to the Honda Accord. I know that the TSX was based off of the previous gen Euro Accord so I can understand the comparisons. My question is, given both options and your experience with your TSX, which car would you rather go with today and why? The Accord seems to have a lot more options than the TSX and for cheaper (when new). I know this may be a bit of a biased question to TSX owners, but I'd still like to get your opinions.
I know a lot has to do with personal preference (I for one prefer the Acura name and feeling of luxury), but based on features, performance and value which is best?
This thread has great information comparing the two:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=tsx+accord
This thread has more info and also talks about penises and trix/cheerios which is interesting:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=tsx+accord
We also talked this guy off of the Accord ledge:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...k+accord+ledge
The moral of the story; Search is your friend
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=tsx+accord
This thread has more info and also talks about penises and trix/cheerios which is interesting:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=tsx+accord
We also talked this guy off of the Accord ledge:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...k+accord+ledge
The moral of the story; Search is your friend
This thread has great information comparing the two:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=tsx+accord
This thread has more info and also talks about penises and trix/cheerios which is interesting:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=tsx+accord
We also talked this guy off of the Accord ledge:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...k+accord+ledge
The moral of the story; Search is your friend
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=tsx+accord
This thread has more info and also talks about penises and trix/cheerios which is interesting:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=tsx+accord
We also talked this guy off of the Accord ledge:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...k+accord+ledge
The moral of the story; Search is your friend
Thanks for the references though! I don't know if penises or trix will help my decision though... You're right, my bad. I should've known better. I read the first 7 or so pages and didn't see anything so my first thought was to create a new thread...
Thanks for the references though! I don't know if penises or trix will help my decision though...
haha, great idea!
Thanks for the references though! I don't know if penises or trix will help my decision though... haha, great idea!
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My $0.02... the Accord is a better overall value, but driving experience of the TSX nets a sportier and a bit more premium feel and look. Really depends on what you're going after - value or "performance". Let's face it, neither is truly a sports sedan but the TSX is closer to being considered one than the Accord. Granted, this is coming from a guy who drives a TL Type S and prefers the relative sportiness of it vs. either car in this comparison.
I just ended my 10 TSX 4cy lease and picked up the 13 Accord V6 Coupe. The TSX was a pleasurable and fun ride at times. The power in the new Accord coupe is something else (amazing). It sounds mean as well. The tech in the car is amazing also. The side camera on the drive side mirror is awesome. They really upped the interior quality. I feel like I'm in an Acura cabin. I really enjoyed the two TSX's I had in a row. I had the first gen and the 2nd was a nice change. I may have considered another TSX if a new design was going to happen this year.
I really like the Accord updated style and tech. Anyone unsure about going to the Accord may want to test drive one. I don't think you will be disappointed. I may go back to Acura when this lease is up if they have the TLX or whatever else may be out. I may also get another Accord Coupe if this thing is still as amazing near lease end. I don't think I'll go back down to the 4cyl Acura again though, unless they have a turbo charged putting out over 250hp, although the current 4 cyl TSX is a quick car for what it is. It's a very good 4cyl motor and impressive with not being turbo charged.
I really like the Accord updated style and tech. Anyone unsure about going to the Accord may want to test drive one. I don't think you will be disappointed. I may go back to Acura when this lease is up if they have the TLX or whatever else may be out. I may also get another Accord Coupe if this thing is still as amazing near lease end. I don't think I'll go back down to the 4cyl Acura again though, unless they have a turbo charged putting out over 250hp, although the current 4 cyl TSX is a quick car for what it is. It's a very good 4cyl motor and impressive with not being turbo charged.
Last edited by centflatsx; May 24, 2013 at 12:27 PM.
$37K? What are you adding to the car to get to that price? Solid Gold rims maybe..lol I would think you are saying MSRP at $37k? The MSRP for the navi Coupe V6 is $33k. I got my Coupe V6 for $27691, no navi of course for that price. This was the selling price before any taxes..etc. Got the Tiger Eye Pearl color.
Last edited by centflatsx; May 24, 2013 at 01:12 PM.
Agreed. My buddy picked up a 2013 EX-L V6 Sedan and the interior materials are close to Acura but not quite there yet IMO. The power of the V6 and the ridiculous amount of tech is definitely there. Hopefully we'll see everything there is in the accord plus more in the TLX.
I just ended my 10 TSX 4cy lease and picked up the 13 Accord V6 Coupe. The TSX was a pleasurable and fun ride at times. The power in the new Accord coupe is something else (amazing). It sounds mean as well. The tech in the car is amazing also. The side camera on the drive side mirror is awesome. They really upped the interior quality. I feel like I'm in an Acura cabin. I really enjoyed the two TSX's I had in a row. I had the first gen and the 2nd was a nice change. I may have considered another TSX if a new design was going to happen this year.
I really like the Accord updated style and tech. Anyone unsure about going to the Accord may want to test drive one. I don't think you will be disappointed. I may go back to Acura when this lease is up if they have the TLX or whatever else may be out. I may also get another Accord Coupe if this thing is still as amazing near lease end. I don't think I'll go back down to the 4cyl Acura again though, unless they have a turbo charged putting out over 250hp, although the current 4 cyl TSX is a quick car for what it is. It's a very good 4cyl motor and impressive with not being turbo charged.
I really like the Accord updated style and tech. Anyone unsure about going to the Accord may want to test drive one. I don't think you will be disappointed. I may go back to Acura when this lease is up if they have the TLX or whatever else may be out. I may also get another Accord Coupe if this thing is still as amazing near lease end. I don't think I'll go back down to the 4cyl Acura again though, unless they have a turbo charged putting out over 250hp, although the current 4 cyl TSX is a quick car for what it is. It's a very good 4cyl motor and impressive with not being turbo charged.
Agreed. My buddy picked up a 2013 EX-L V6 Sedan and the interior materials are close to Acura but not quite there yet IMO. The power of the V6 and the ridiculous amount of tech is definitely there. Hopefully we'll see everything there is in the accord plus more in the TLX.
I think they should redesign the TL again closer to the previous gen if they keep it from going to a TLX.
Also, a surprise is no auto dimming rear view mirror. You can get it installed but it would cost about $200-$300. I read the Canadian version comes with it as a standard feature. To be honest, with all of the other tech an the power it really doesn't bother me like I thought it would. On another forum someone posted that they came from an 04 GTO and think this car is really fast. That's saying something from a big V8 hog..lol
I just would like a push button start and keyless door entry (meaning fob in pocket and you grab the door handle like on my 2005 RL... where are we at Acura in 2011).
And the 37K price was MSRP. I tipped it out with all the spoilers and 19 inch wheels. That does drive the price up. I suppose that is what I always like about acura, besides the color, you get model A, B, or C. Unfortunately caddy, on the otherhand, can flux $25K on the same model with different options, but if you select certain options it locks you out of others.
I wonder what holds its resale value better: a model that is topped out or the same model that is baseline.
And the 37K price was MSRP. I tipped it out with all the spoilers and 19 inch wheels. That does drive the price up. I suppose that is what I always like about acura, besides the color, you get model A, B, or C. Unfortunately caddy, on the otherhand, can flux $25K on the same model with different options, but if you select certain options it locks you out of others.
I wonder what holds its resale value better: a model that is topped out or the same model that is baseline.
I just would like a push button start and keyless door entry (meaning fob in pocket and you grab the door handle like on my 2005 RL... where are we at Acura in 2011).
And the 37K price was MSRP. I tipped it out with all the spoilers and 19 inch wheels. That does drive the price up. I suppose that is what I always like about acura, besides the color, you get model A, B, or C. Unfortunately caddy, on the otherhand, can flux $25K on the same model with different options, but if you select certain options it locks you out of others.
I wonder what holds its resale value better: a model that is topped out or the same model that is baseline.
And the 37K price was MSRP. I tipped it out with all the spoilers and 19 inch wheels. That does drive the price up. I suppose that is what I always like about acura, besides the color, you get model A, B, or C. Unfortunately caddy, on the otherhand, can flux $25K on the same model with different options, but if you select certain options it locks you out of others.
I wonder what holds its resale value better: a model that is topped out or the same model that is baseline.
Yeah, the competition has heated up for Honda/Acura. Can't forget Hyundai and Kia, however they are still behind on build quality/materials. It is reflected in the lower prices for those cars. The higher end Genesis Sedan though, does have some nice quality, but you pay for it. Fit and finish for Hyundai and Kia is not up to Honda/Acura levels for the $20K-$30 majority price points. Body styles are definitely looking nice and that's where they have caught up and catching the eye of new buyers. The new Accord has taken it up a notch or two with the interior. Really want to see what Acura has next with the TL and TSX future. I would not be surprised if the TSX did not go away because it's such a good seller. It is possible the 2nd gen TSX killed the sales of the redesigned TL. The TSX looks better because it looks a little like the last gen TL. At least that's how I see it. I'm seeing ads run on tv for the 2013 TSX. It's funny because they are pointing out ipod integration and HID headlights as selling points. IPod integration is probably in every car available now. They're trying to move all of the remaining 13's.
Last edited by centflatsx; May 25, 2013 at 12:09 PM.
I will say one thing about the TSX, that little 4 banger is the best there is as far as 4 cylinders are concerned and I do love the red line and the sweet sound it makes....its not the current engine I fault on the TSX.
I'd do TSX. Why? One thing wins me over. The TSX has double wishbone suspension vs. McPherson struts. If you like a responsive drive do TSX. If you need blind spot cam, Pandora radio, spoken text messages get the Accord.
Haven't noticed the difference with the V6 Accord Coupe. It feels as good or better than the TSX. I forget I'm in a Honda to be honest. I think I like this car better than both TSX's, and that's probably due to the tech and the power. This car moves nice and smooth.
I'm chewing this same thing over in my own head...
TSX Sedan 5AT Tech Package = $34k msrp
Accord Touring = $34k msrp
TSX main advantages:
-Better seats
-"Made in Japan" (Probably the very last mainstream "Made in Japan" Honda sedan we'll see)
-Better interior/dash design
-Better stereo
-Better warranty/dealership experience
Accord Touring main advantages:
-Impressive V6/better drivetrain
-Looks very classy with LED headlights, DRLs, and taillights (more "presence" than a TSX for sure)
-Better safety tech (LaneWatch, better backup camera, radar cruise)
-Better safety score (TSX does not do very well in the new small offset test)
-Keyless entry/start
-Possibly a smoother ride?
It's a really really tough call as both are great cars. It would be hard to go wrong either way.
I'm trying to decide which would be a better commuter/daily driver!
TSX Sedan 5AT Tech Package = $34k msrp
Accord Touring = $34k msrp
TSX main advantages:
-Better seats
-"Made in Japan" (Probably the very last mainstream "Made in Japan" Honda sedan we'll see)
-Better interior/dash design
-Better stereo
-Better warranty/dealership experience
Accord Touring main advantages:
-Impressive V6/better drivetrain
-Looks very classy with LED headlights, DRLs, and taillights (more "presence" than a TSX for sure)
-Better safety tech (LaneWatch, better backup camera, radar cruise)
-Better safety score (TSX does not do very well in the new small offset test)
-Keyless entry/start
-Possibly a smoother ride?
It's a really really tough call as both are great cars. It would be hard to go wrong either way.
I'm trying to decide which would be a better commuter/daily driver!
Last edited by CHSCoast; Jun 18, 2013 at 08:52 PM.
I just recently bought a used 2010 TSX tech 4cyl and I love it! As said by others, it is the most impressive 4cyl I've ever encountered. But if I had the money to go for the new Accord EX-L V6 at the time, I def would have bought that instead. I think its funny they put the fancy LEDs on the accord but not yet on the Acura's (well the new MDX and RLX has them).
The new Accords look so good! I saw this one in NY: so sexy!
The new Accords look so good! I saw this one in NY: so sexy!
Hey Guys, I know this is an older post and you may have made your decision as to your new vehicle but just wanted to throw in my 2 cents.
1st let me say love anything Honda. I own a 09 TSX w/ Tech pkg w/55k miles, 07 s2000 with 22k miles, 08 CBR 1000RR and even a mower lol I have also worked for Honda for over 7 years. Did sales F&I, and management. I see a lot of trade ins with issue or new cars come back with problems ect.
So here are is my opinion on the new Accord.
We will start the the PROS:
Wanted to take a sec and highlight some of the new TECHNOLOGY
-Smart Entry System with push button start engine.
-Honda lane Watch. Turn on your right blinker and see who is on the right of your car.
-1 huge high res screen and and additional touch screen on EXL models for radio.
- Pandora integration. Displays album art, and all data from artist & supports playlist.
-built in flash memory for downloading your cds.
- Flash memory based NAVI. No more dvds. Reroutes quicker and updates with a memory stick.
-Foward collision warning. 4 LEDS & alert will go off if your approaching a stop vehicle ahead and not applying the brakes.
- Lane Departure warning LDW. Going 40+ MPH and drifting out of your lanes will alert you with an audible warning.
- HondaLINK w/ AHA. Download a free app, set it up for you. It will read your Facebook updates, txt messages, sport scores ect.
- Voice dialing direct from address book. No more voice tags.
- Multi agle rear view camera with guidelines that moved. Honda copied from Infiniti
- LED DRL just like you see on new AUDI or LEXUS
- One of the Safest cars in the world. Honda new about the new crash test the US GOV would be using so they built their cars to pass it. If you watch this below video, you will ONLY buy a Honda Accord.
- 27 city and 36 highway MPG
CONS:
- HID headlights on touring ONLY
- Homelink on V6 only.
- McPherson struts on front.
- New Transmissions. No long term data. 6 speed in V6 engine, I have to say is extremely nice to have a 6speed . CVT trans in 4cys. 1 Hate CVT trans, until I drove the accord. Doesnt really feel like CVT and is accelerates very nicely. The only reason I put these under cons is these are both new trans and in the accord. We all know hondas past back in 98-01 producing faulty trans but I would like to think that wouldn't ever be the case again.
- 1st year of New engine with earth dreams platform and Direct fuel ejection. Again new engine and no long term data.
- Limited Options for customizing/tuning.
Now let me tell you why I love my TSX. I love the styling. Its a luxury brand. I love the interior, the seats, the way they hold you in place.
I love the sporty ride and double wishbone suspension upfront. I have 55k miles and never any issues. The 2nd gen TSX is a trouble free vehicle. I do all the service at my honda Dealership and it uses mostly all accord parts, no need to service.
Having said this the choice is yours. Both are awesome cars and you wont go wrong with either.
I would recommend opting for Honda care warranty zero deductible. You can get a 8 years 120k for probably about a $900. Wouldnt be a bad idea.
Anyways, good luck man.
1st let me say love anything Honda. I own a 09 TSX w/ Tech pkg w/55k miles, 07 s2000 with 22k miles, 08 CBR 1000RR and even a mower lol I have also worked for Honda for over 7 years. Did sales F&I, and management. I see a lot of trade ins with issue or new cars come back with problems ect.
So here are is my opinion on the new Accord.
We will start the the PROS:
Wanted to take a sec and highlight some of the new TECHNOLOGY
-Smart Entry System with push button start engine.
-Honda lane Watch. Turn on your right blinker and see who is on the right of your car.
-1 huge high res screen and and additional touch screen on EXL models for radio.
- Pandora integration. Displays album art, and all data from artist & supports playlist.
-built in flash memory for downloading your cds.
- Flash memory based NAVI. No more dvds. Reroutes quicker and updates with a memory stick.
-Foward collision warning. 4 LEDS & alert will go off if your approaching a stop vehicle ahead and not applying the brakes.
- Lane Departure warning LDW. Going 40+ MPH and drifting out of your lanes will alert you with an audible warning.
- HondaLINK w/ AHA. Download a free app, set it up for you. It will read your Facebook updates, txt messages, sport scores ect.
- Voice dialing direct from address book. No more voice tags.
- Multi agle rear view camera with guidelines that moved. Honda copied from Infiniti

- LED DRL just like you see on new AUDI or LEXUS
- One of the Safest cars in the world. Honda new about the new crash test the US GOV would be using so they built their cars to pass it. If you watch this below video, you will ONLY buy a Honda Accord.
- 27 city and 36 highway MPG
CONS:
- HID headlights on touring ONLY
- Homelink on V6 only.
- McPherson struts on front.
- New Transmissions. No long term data. 6 speed in V6 engine, I have to say is extremely nice to have a 6speed . CVT trans in 4cys. 1 Hate CVT trans, until I drove the accord. Doesnt really feel like CVT and is accelerates very nicely. The only reason I put these under cons is these are both new trans and in the accord. We all know hondas past back in 98-01 producing faulty trans but I would like to think that wouldn't ever be the case again.
- 1st year of New engine with earth dreams platform and Direct fuel ejection. Again new engine and no long term data.
- Limited Options for customizing/tuning.
Now let me tell you why I love my TSX. I love the styling. Its a luxury brand. I love the interior, the seats, the way they hold you in place.
I love the sporty ride and double wishbone suspension upfront. I have 55k miles and never any issues. The 2nd gen TSX is a trouble free vehicle. I do all the service at my honda Dealership and it uses mostly all accord parts, no need to service.
Having said this the choice is yours. Both are awesome cars and you wont go wrong with either.
I would recommend opting for Honda care warranty zero deductible. You can get a 8 years 120k for probably about a $900. Wouldnt be a bad idea.
Anyways, good luck man.
I test drove both and while for about the same price the Accord got you a V6 and some tech goodies that'll quickly wear out their welcome (except the blind spot camera) the car just felt so plane jane to drive. If you want sport go for the Acura if you want a cruiser go with the Accord.
Agreed tsxguy00 if you want the sport Ride TSX is the way to go. I just had mine at acura for a couple recalls and decklid spoiler install. They put me in a 2012 TSX Wagon w/ TSX pkg. That is a bad ass ride. If you have a family, that would be a nice option.
Throw some 19" Honda HFP wheels and it would look awesome. Acura dealers have loaner cars that they are now just throwing up for sale with 2,000 - 5,000 miles.
The tech pkg has power lift gate. I noticed compared to my 09, its has the new nav unit like the 13 accord. Flash memory based, no more DVD, and flash memory storage for your CDs. Memory seats and rear ac vents plus a rock in sounds system. And with the new tech pkg/navi unit, no more voice tags. It reads directly from your address book and it auto updates based on your phone.
I didn't want to give it back :-)
Throw some 19" Honda HFP wheels and it would look awesome. Acura dealers have loaner cars that they are now just throwing up for sale with 2,000 - 5,000 miles.
The tech pkg has power lift gate. I noticed compared to my 09, its has the new nav unit like the 13 accord. Flash memory based, no more DVD, and flash memory storage for your CDs. Memory seats and rear ac vents plus a rock in sounds system. And with the new tech pkg/navi unit, no more voice tags. It reads directly from your address book and it auto updates based on your phone.
I didn't want to give it back :-)
I just drove the accord V6 coupe as well, definitely lots of fun goodies and a little OOMPH from that v6
but I am also going to look at the new V6 genesis coupe, almost same money, 100 more HP and hyundai has a great warranty as well
but I am also going to look at the new V6 genesis coupe, almost same money, 100 more HP and hyundai has a great warranty as well
Some are saying if you want sport go with the TSX. I can tell you, I had two TSX's in a row and they were both great vehicles and I may have leased another if Acura came out with another redesigned TSX or if this TLX was available at the time my lease ended a few months ago. I went with the Accord V6 Coupe in the Tiger Eye Pearl color. I can say I don't miss the TSX's at all. I do miss the standard HID's a little but I can install Halogen Brite White lights that will give the appearance or get an HID kit installed. The power of the V6 is awesome. Off the line this car is very fast. I really wanted more power more than anything. The TSX 4 was fun to rev but it doesn't have the deep throaty growl the V6 has and doesn't have the under 6 sec 0-60 time that this car has. The gas mileage on the V6 is about 30mpg on the hwy which is not bad. I also can put 87 octane in. The interior is Acura like. I don't feel any difference from the TSX's. Is the car a head turner? Maybe to some it is but it is an Accord and not an Acura. I don't recall many head turns with the TSX because most people think it's another Accord, which in reality it is. The tech inside is a huge step up from the TSX. Anyway, the TSX was great and if my lease wasn't up I would probably still be in the car. I had to make a choice and Honda seemed logical. I also wanted the V6 and it was a great choice. No regets whatsoever. Oh, the handling is like the TSX and you have two less doors (sportier). I can't wait to get back into the car to drive.
Results are here for our market, perfect side impact crash but a let down for a head on:
Accord: http://howsafeisyourcar.com.au/2013/...L-4cyl-Petrol/
Euro (TSX): http://howsafeisyourcar.com.au/2013/...L-4cyl-Petrol/
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