The Acura TSX has been the only sporty small luxury sedan for a while, but with the 2012 Buick Regal, General Motors’ luxury division is challenging Honda’s luxury division for a share of the pie. Buick’s 2012 Regal is vying for the attention of buyers looking for the sportiness and comfort of an entry level luxury car with the all season friendliness of front wheel drive, but is it good enough to steal buyers away from the TSX?
Both the Buick Regal and Acura TSX have two available engines. The base Regal comes with a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 182-hp, rated at 19-mpg city and 31-mpg highway. Also available is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 220-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Turbocharged engine is available with a six-speed manual transmission, while the base engine is automatic only. The Acura TSX is available with one four-cylinder engine, a 2.4-liter with 201-hp rated at 22-mpg city and 31-mpg highway with an automatic transmission or 21 city, 29 highway with a six speed manual, and one V6, with 280-hp and a 19-mpg city, 28-mpg highway rating.
Inside, the 2012 Acura TSX and 2012 Buick Regal are both available with the normal luxury accoutrements like heated leather seats and navigation. The Buick does have a few neat extras that aren’t available on the Acura like Onstar, parking assist and keyless ignition. The Acura TSX and Buick Regal are basically the same size inside with the exception that the Buick has three inches more rear seat leg room, so if you have back seat passengers often, they will probably prefer the Regal.
