The 2013 Acura TSX Special Edition adds an optional manual transmission and a plethora of interior upgrades, though some say the trim isn’t so “special.”

Written by Ethan Moser

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear

Updated on Jan 29, 2024

Table of Contents

What is the Acura TSX Special Edition?
How to find the best Acura TSX Special Edition insurance

The 2013 Acura TSX Special Edition is an upgraded trim option available on the TSX sedan that adds a host of luxury interior upgrades as well as an optional six-speed manual transmission.

The Acura TSX model debuted in 2004 with the Special Edition (SE) trim option following in 2012 to celebrate the auto manufacturer’s 25th birthday. Acura held onto the Special Edition trim for 2013, altering little besides swapping the model’s spare tire for a compact tire repair kit.

That being said, the Acura TSX Special Edition has received some criticism for not being “special enough.” To help you decide for yourself,

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We’ll compare the TSX SE’s specs with the base TSX and the top-tier TSX V6 trim, which features a Technology Package upgrade. Plus, we'll teach you how to lower your

Acura TSX SE insurance cost

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What is the Acura TSX Special Edition?

The Acura TSX Special Edition builds upon the base Acura TSX sedan model for 2013. With a starting MSRP of $31,510, the TSX Special Edition adds a front spoiler, faux-suede seat inserts, red cabin illumination, and anti-slip aluminum pedals in addition to an optional six-speed manual transmission.

MORE:

How to build a custom Acura TSX

2013 Acura TSX overview

To truly determine how “special” the TSX Special Edition is, we first have to look at the base TSX trim.

The TSX was named the No. 1 luxury small car in 2012 by U.S. News & World Report. Since little changed for the 2013 model year, you’d expect it to maintain the top spot, right? Well, the 2013 TSX ranked No. 4 in 2013, losing a few places due to its lack of alterations and upgrades.

That being said, with a starting price of $30,510, the base Acura TSX boasts an impressive package of standard features including dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, remote keyless entry, a sun/moonroof, heated seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with touch controls.

Pop open the hood and you’ll find the 2013 TSX equipped with the same standard 2.4-liter VTEC I-4 engine as the TSX Special Edition. The base model also features a five-speed automatic transmission with SportShift capabilities.

The base TSX’s powertrain rockets the sedan from zero to 60 mph in as little as 8.3 seconds, just shy of the TSX SE’s 7.8 seconds.

Key specs of the 2013 TSX base model:

$30,510 starting MSRP

2.4-liter I-4 engine

201 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm

170 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm

5-star

NHTSA

rollover rating

Good rating overall from IIHS

Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure

MORE: Acura TSX oil type guide

What’s special about the Special Edition?

When the TSX Special Edition hit the market in 2012, many drivers criticized the trim for not being a big enough departure from the base TSX to be considered “special.” And they aren’t necessarily wrong.

The vast majority of the changes the Special Edition upgrade makes to the TSX are cosmetic. It features a new front spoiler, faux-suede upholstery, bright silver trim, aluminum pedals, red interior stitching, red cabin illumination, and a black headliner.

The only mechanical difference between the TSX and the TSX SE is that the latter has an optional six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic. Apart from that, the Special Edition trim retains the same engine, drivetrain, and infotainment package as the base TSX.

That being said, all of these luxurious features were available for only $1,000 more than the base TSX. So if aesthetics are important to you—or if you really want a manual transmission—then the TSX Special Edition might be a great deal for you.

2013 Acura TSX Special Edition vs. TSX V6

While some might consider jumping at the opportunity to equip their TSX with the Special Edition’s six-speed manual transmission, others might be looking for something that is a great departure from the base TSX model—like the TSX V6.

Starting at $36,150, the 2013 TSX V6 trim includes the following features:

3.5-liter V6 engine

6-second acceleration (0 to 60 mph)

280 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm

254 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm

IIHS Top Safety Pick

GPS Solar Sensing

For an additional $3,000, you can also upgrade the Acura TSX V6 with Acura’s Technology Package, which adds AcuraLink with real-time traffic and weather information, satellite navigation with voice recognition, and SiriusXM internet radio.

While the V6’s performance upgrades are great, they will also likely result in a higher overall cost to insure than either the base TSX or the TSX SE.

How to find the best Acura TSX Special Edition insurance

Regardless of which Acura TSX trim you decide to purchase, it’s important that you protect yourself and your TSX with the best possible car insurance—without overpaying for it.

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