Is the 2011 Acura TSX all wheel drive?
In short, no—the 2011 Acura TSX was not offered with all-wheel drive. It was built as a front-wheel-drive sedan and wagon with manual or automatic transmissions. If you’re specifically seeking all-wheel drive within Acura’s lineup from that era, you’d look to other models rather than the TSX.
Drivetrain essentials for the 2011 TSX
The 2011 TSX used a 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine producing around 201 horsepower. It came standard with front-wheel drive and offered a choice between a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual. The TSX Sport Wagon (the wagon variant) also adhered to the front-wheel-drive layout, aligning with Acura’s focus on balanced handling and efficiency rather than an AWD system for this model line.
Why there was no factory AWD for the TSX
Acura positioned the TSX as an efficient, sporty entry-luxury sedan. Adding AWD would have increased cost and weight without a strong market demand for AWD in this particular model at the time. As a result, there was no SH-AWD or any AWD option on the TSX in 2011.
Alternative Acura AWD options around 2011
For buyers who wanted all-wheel drive in Acura’s lineup from roughly the same period, several models offered AWD and were commonly cross-shopped with the TSX. Here are key examples:
- MDX: Acura’s midsize three-row SUV with SH-AWD for enhanced traction.
- RDX: A compact SUV available with SH-AWD for improved grip in poor conditions.
- TL (SH-AWD variants): Mid-size sedan with available SH-AWD on certain trims.
- TSX Sport Wagon: A wagon variant of the TSX that was front-wheel drive, not AWD, in 2011.
In summary, if AWD is a priority, you would typically choose an Acura model with SH-AWD such as the MDX or RDX rather than the TSX.
What to check when evaluating a used 2011 TSX
Because the TSX is not AWD, the drivetrain verification focuses on front-wheel-drive systems and general maintenance history. Prospective buyers should verify the transmission condition (auto vs. manual), ensure regular service has been performed, inspect the suspension and brakes, and review the vehicle’s maintenance records. If you encounter a listing claiming AWD on a 2011 TSX, pursue clarification—it is likely a misrepresentation or a dealer-installed modification rather than a factory option.
Summary
The 2011 Acura TSX was exclusively front-wheel drive, with no factory all-wheel-drive option. For buyers seeking AWD within Acura’s lineup from that era, MDX and RDX (and certain TL SH-AWD variants) offered all-wheel drive, while the TSX itself remained FWD. When shopping today, confirm the drivetrain and review maintenance history, but expect a TSX to be a front-wheel-drive model rather than AWD.
