What is the best TSX engine?
The Acura TSX, a popular luxury sedan, has been a favorite among car enthusiasts for its reliability, performance, and sleek design. Over the years, the TSX has been equipped with several engine options, each offering unique benefits. In this article, we’ll explore which TSX engine stands out as the best and why.
Understanding the Acura TSX Engine Options
The Acura TSX has been offered with two primary engine options during its production years:
- 2.4L Inline-4 (K24): This engine is known for its balance of power and efficiency. It produces around 200 horsepower and is highly regarded for its smooth performance and reliability.
- 3.5L V6 (J35): Introduced in later models, this engine delivers a more powerful driving experience with 280 horsepower, making it ideal for those who prioritize performance.
Why the K24 Engine Stands Out
While both engines have their merits, the 2.4L Inline-4 (K24) is often considered the best TSX engine for several reasons:
- Reliability: The K24 engine is renowned for its durability and long lifespan, making it a favorite among TSX owners who value dependability.
- Fuel Efficiency: Compared to the V6, the K24 offers better fuel economy, which is a significant advantage for daily drivers.
- Ease of Maintenance: With fewer components and a simpler design, the K24 is easier and more affordable to maintain over time.
- Aftermarket Support: The K24 has a robust aftermarket community, offering plenty of options for performance upgrades and modifications.
When to Choose the V6 Engine
For drivers who prioritize performance and enjoy a more spirited driving experience, the 3.5L V6 (J35) is an excellent choice. Its higher horsepower and torque make it ideal for highway driving and spirited acceleration. However, it comes at the cost of reduced fuel efficiency and slightly higher maintenance expenses.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best TSX engine depends on your driving needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-maintain engine, the 2.4L Inline-4 (K24) is the clear winner. On the other hand, if you crave more power and performance, the 3.5L V6 (J35) is worth considering. At Kevin’s Autos, we’ve worked on countless TSX models and can help you maintain or upgrade your engine to keep your car running at its best. Contact us today for expert advice and service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Acura TSX is the best?
Best Year For Acura TSX
According to carcomplaints.com, the Acura TSX 2007, 2013, and 2014 received the least amount of complaints. Edmunds.com gave the 2007 Acura TSX a rating of 4.9 out of 5, while the 2013 and 2014 model years received a 4.8 out of 5-star ranking on Kelley Blue Book.
What TSX has the k24?
This engine was available in the 2004-2008 Acura TSX in the U.S., the 2002-08 JDM Honda Odyssey Absolute, and the 2002-08 JDM Accord Type-S. With a sky-high redline of 7,200 rpm and a solid reputation for strength and durability, the K24A2 delivers both power and fuel efficiency.
What year to avoid acura tsx 2012?
Although there are a few years that stand out as excellent, there are some Acura TSX years to avoid. We recommend staying away from 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2012 models. The biggest issue that appeared with these models was engine problems and transmission failure.
Is the Acura TSX engine reliable?
Yes, it's a good engine. But like all engines and cars, this is totally dependent upon whether it has been well maintained. Take it to a Honda/Acura specialist shop and pay the $100or $150 for a pre purchase inspection, and they can tell you if it's been well maintained, and if it's going to need any work done on it.
What's the difference between K24A2 and K24Z3?
As stated above, the K24Z3 features a higher compression ratio (11:1) than the K24A2 (10.5:1). It has iVTEC on the intake cam only, and also includes a 50 degree VTC gear from the factory, so there's no need to upgrade it like we do for the K24A2 engines.
Is the Acura TSX a fast car?
While some test drivers say that it's loud and unrefined, some think it's faster than some base engines. Most test drivers prefer the optional V6 engine for its balance of quiet refinement and strong performance. Both the manual and automatic transmissions receive positive evaluations for their slick shifts.
Who builds Acura engines?
The Anna plant produces engines and drivetrain components. Transmissions and Acura's four-wheel drive systems are made at the Russells Point location.
What is the most reliable Acura?
According to iSeeCars, a research platform that collects data from millions of used car listings, the most reliable Acura models are the MDX, RDX, and TLX1. These models have high-reliability ratings and rank among the top in their respective vehicle categories.
What years did Acura have transmission problems?
The first five-year models of the Acura MDX (2001 - 2005) have disastrous problems with total transmission failure at some point in their lives. They usually occur in the range of 100,000 - 130,000 miles, so it isn't early, but it costs over $4,000 for repairs.
Which K-series engine is the best?
For a tuner or modder looking to tuck Honda's biggest K-series engine under their hood, the K24A is at the top of the list. In production just one year after the K20. The 24 has seen nearly a quarter-century of development, comes in several flavors, and has vast modification potential to be a great engine for projects.
