Acura ILX

Overview: Is the Acura ILX a Good Luxury Compact Sedan?

The Acura ILX was the entry-level luxury sedan in Acura's lineup from 2013 through 2022. Positioned as a step up from the mechanically similar Honda Civic, the ILX aimed to offer a blend of affordability, luxury, and performance. While the revitalized Integra has replaced it, the ILX remains a popular choice for those seeking a premium compact sedan experience in the used car market.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Acura ILX cars for sale.

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Related: Which Years Of Used Acura ILXs Are Most Reliable?

Key Features

The Acura ILX offers:

• Compact sedan body style
• Numerous engine options: 2.0-liter four-cylinder (2013-2015), 2.4-liter four-cylinder (2013-2014, 2016-2022), and 1.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid (2013-2014)
• Front-wheel drive (FWD)
• Five-speed automatic or six-speed manual (2013-2015, varying by powertrain and year); an eight-speed automatic (2016-2022)
• AcuraWatch suite of safety features (added in later model years)

Trims

The ILX was available in various trims throughout its production run, including the base, Premium, and Technology packages. Later, a sporty A-Spec package was introduced, adding visual enhancements and sportier interior touches. It's worth noting that a hybrid version was offered from 2013 to 2014, showcasing Acura's brief foray into electrification for this model.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Although the ILX shares many underpinnings with the Honda Civic, you’d be hard-pressed to find the similarities among the cabins. The Acura ILX interior is upscale, striking a nice balance between sportiness and luxury. Standard leatherette or leather upholstery (depending on the trim), a power moonroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control convey an upscale touch. The front seats are spacious and comfortable, but the second row can be a tight squeeze for large passengers. While not as modern as some competitors, the dual-screen infotainment setup offers functionality with available navigation and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in later models. Despite its compact dimensions, the ILX provides a reasonably spacious trunk with 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space, suitable for everyday needs.

Review: The Acura ILX Years To Avoid

How It Drives

The Acura ILX delivers a driving experience that leans towards the sportier side of the luxury compact segment if the 2.4-liter VTEC engine, shared with the Honda Civic Si, is under the hood. It provides eager acceleration, especially when paired with the responsive 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. While not a track-focused machine, the ILX offers nimble handling and a comfortable ride, making it well-suited for city commutes and highway cruising. The front-wheel-drive layout may not appeal to driving enthusiasts accustomed to rear-wheel-drive sports sedans, but it contributes to the ILX's good fuel economy ratings. Driving with the hybrid or 2.0-liter powertrain offers adequate but more MPG-friendly performance that gets the job done.

Safety

The Acura ILX has performed well in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, consistently earning a top five-star overall safety rating.

Reviews

Acura ILX reviews on Kelley Blue Book reflect mostly positive feedback, with consumers giving this car an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. Owner-favorite traits include reliability, quality, and styling.

Learn More: Which Used Year Model of Acura ILX Is The Best Value?

Acura ILX FAQs

Is the Acura ILX or the Acura TLX better?

An Acura ILX vs TLX match-up comes down to individual needs. The TLX is larger, more powerful, and offers more advanced features, while the ILX is more compact and affordable. The TLX is generally considered "better" in terms of overall luxury and performance, but the ILX offers a more budget-friendly entry into the Acura brand.

What does Acura ILX stand for?

The "ILX" in Acura ILX doesn't have a specific meaning that Acura has publicly disclosed. However, it follows Acura's naming convention where "I" typically denotes their entry-level models, as seen previously with the Integra.

Is the Acura ILX a fast car?

While not considered a high-performance vehicle, the Acura ILX offers respectable acceleration for its class. The 2.4-liter engine provides an Acura ILX 0-60 mph time of around 6.8 seconds, making it quicker than many entry-level luxury sedans.

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