Given the TSX’s rather small size, it’s surprising how comfortable the front seats are. And for a sedan, they provide ample bolstering as well as support. In the rear seat, however, it’s another story. Using my six-foot-two driving partner’s seating position as a benchmark, my five-foot-eleven frame was crowded for room and my knees were flush against the driver’s seatback. With shorter front-seat occupants, the 2006 Acura TSX can transport five adults in relative comfort – but I still wouldn’t want to be the fifth rider stuck in the middle of the back bench.

Simplicity marks the Acura TSX’s interior, which, in our test car, was decorated with aluminum accents and leather upholstery. A small, three-spoke steering wheel greets the driver upon entry and with an adjustable eight-way power seat, finding the perfect driving position is easy. New for 2006 is a two-position memory feature for the driver’s seat, linked to the keyless remote entry fob. Passengers get a four-way adjustable seat on the right side of the cockpit. Easy-to-read LED gauges grace the dash with the addition of a multi-function information screen located between the tach and speedometer. Simple-to-use knobs and buttons finish out the cockpit. Unlike many navigation systems, the TSX’s touch screen makes programming and finding information quick and easy. Got an iPod glued to your head most days? The TSX’s standard stereo system features a jack that allows it to play Windows-format and MP3 music files – a nice touch considering the CD is already on its way out.

Fit and finish on our test car was exemplary, and cargo space is impressive. Pop the trunk and you’ll find a spacious cavity with enough room for a couple weeks of groceries and a low liftover height to make loading easy. At 13.2 cu.-ft. (without navigation) or 12.8 cu.-ft. (with navigation), the size of the Acura TSX’s trunk is accommodating.