Overview & Reviews

Take one part car shoppers' desire for improved fuel economy, add two parts automakers' never-ending quest to bring younger buyers into the fold, shake well, and you have the Acura ILX.

Although based on the Honda Civic platform, the Acura ILX has enough different about it to fully justify its position as Acura's most affordable luxury sedan. It starts with sleeker styling as well as a higher-quality interior. There's also an impressive list of standard and optional luxury features that aren't offered on its more affordable cousin. The suspension has also been reworked for a better balance of ride comfort and sporting handling. Under the hood not much changes from the Civic, but there's still a choice of three different powertrains including the Acura brand's first gasoline-electric hybrid.

Put it all together and you have an entry-level luxury car that is both the smallest and most fuel-efficient model in the Acura  lineup. For shoppers looking to step up to a small sedan that's notably nicer than the norm yet is still very budget-friendly, the ILX should work out nicely.

Current Acura ILX
The Acura ILX is a compact sedan that's offered as a gas-only model and as a hybrid. Powering the base gas-only ILX model is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a five-speed automatic. The performance-oriented ILX 2.4 gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 201 hp and 170 lb-ft. This engine only comes mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox.

The Acura ILX Hybrid model is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder working in concert with an electric motor for a total of 111 hp and 127 lb-ft. The latter employs a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that's tuned for crisper response compared to the unit used in the Civic Hybrid. As expected, EPA fuel economy estimates are quite good with the Hybrid, with combined mileage in the high 30s.

Standard equipment on both hybrid and gas-only base models includes keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a six-speaker audio system with Pandora Internet radio control. The Premium trim (not available on the Hybrid) adds features like xenon headlights, foglights and a rearview camera. The Technology trim (not available on the 2.4) builds on the equipment of the Premium with amenities like a voice-controlled navigation system, digital music storage and a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system. Feature content for the various trims differs slightly between hybrid and gas-only models.

In reviews, we've found that the ILX is a nimble little urban runabout, but is hampered by its underpowered engines. The 2.0-liter engine offers adequate power for getting around town, but is much slower than every other luxury-branded compact car. The more spirited 2.4-liter engine improves the situation, but even its acceleration is slower than average and its appeal is limited due to its obligatory manual transmission. The Hybrid is similarly slow compared to other hybrids and more notably, its fuel economy is worse.

Within the cabin, upscale touches give the ILX a noticeably more premium feel than the Honda model on which it's based, but don't match other luxury-branded compact sedans. On the upside, you get a lot more features for your money.

Used Acura ILX Models
The Acura ILX debuted in 2013. It's remained mostly unchanged, but 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a power driver seat and heated front seats were added to the standard features list for the gas-only model in 2014.

User Reviews:

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  Solid Commuting Car - 2016 Acura ILX
  By barry - July 4 - 10:12 am

  I use this car almost exclusively for commuting, about 20 miles each way. Its a good solid car with great value. Acceleration is more than adequate and the extra tech you get with the tech plus package is great. I did have a problem with my car upon delivery. About a week after I got the car I noticed a vibration, especially in reverse. I brought it in to the dealer and they found that the engine mounts werent aligned. They fixed it and I was on my way. About a month later the vibrations came back. I brought it back to the dealer and they replaced the engine mounts (covered under warranty). I havent had a problem since. Pros: Great value for what you spend. Braking is excellent, gives a real secure feeling. I know a lot of pundits complain about the dual screen system but once you get used to it theres no issue. Cons: Transmission at highway speed is very smooth. At low speeds, particularly stop and go traffic, the transmission can be very choppy and downright uncomfortable. After about a month of driving I became more attuned to this and am able to avoid a lot of the choppiness. It can still be a minor annoyance. My other complaint would be a lack of lumbar support. Any car that claims to be luxury must have it.

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  Excellent for its price & quality - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Gagan - April 5 - 11:16 pm

  Have own the fully loaded Tech plus A-SPEC ILX with the bigger 18" wheels, GPS and all. First what it lacks: 1. A HUD, which I feel is a must for all luxury cars 2. Lack of lumbar support 3. Poor entertainment system. Other brands offer a Bose or a bang and olufsen system. This cars audio is WEAK! It is sort of OK at its highest settings. 4. Complicated command system. The voice command is OK, but messes up most of the time. Rerouting the GPS is a pain. Not very intuitive at all. 5. The car takes a good half-one second to catch up if you suddenly floor the gas pedal - then it is sheer pleasure, with the engine roar and sudden burst of speed! The Good parts: 1. The interiors dont feel cheap, very well done. A true luxury car! 2. Low center of gravity, and very good handling. Very smooth start due to the 8 speed gear box. 3. The looks ! With the 5 LED headlights, to the complicated body lines! This car is a looker, and people keep staring at it. 4. Cost & maintenance. I also own an Audi A4. The windshield wipers on an Audi are $250 Bosch. They are $18 on the Acura!!! You can drive into a honda dealership and get parts, servicing, tune-ups. The german cars will bleed you dry, these wont! The german cars are quieter inside. But they cost $15,000 more to own, and are horribly expensive to maintain. Ive started to spend about a $1000 annually on my Audi - the other germans are very similar. 5. The seats are quite alright. I am about 6, Ive tested the BMW 3 series and the Merc C-300s. The head room is the same, maybe slightly better on the ILX. The problems Ive faced with mine: 1. The cars dont come with a spare tire. BIG PROBLEM. I blew mine in one month, ended up buying a donut. The boot wont fit a full sized spare. Not ideal, but I can live with that. 2. The lane correction system on all these cars is a pain in the neck. I now drive with it turned off. 3. A problem with the transmission handle shifting to gear mode without the release /safety button being pressed. Has happened once. Will have it checked out at the next servicing. And oh, the servicing, including oil change, carwash & tire rotation was $100 only !!!!! I would love for Honda / Acura to improve the negatives that ive listed, and this will be a really 5 star worth car!

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  ILX 2016 model - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Fran - November 20 - 2:31 am

  This car is great! The ride is snug and very quiet. The only major complaint is storage space within car. My last acura, i had storage in the middle compartment, doors, and behind seats. It doesnt have an overhead storage for glasses either. Besides those minor challenges, the car handles great, i havent really openned it up, i just reached 1500 miles on it. I am happy with the car, acura makes very good products, look forward to enjoy car for a long time

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  Not as thrill asi thought to be - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Ronnie - January 24 - 3:18 am

  I came from a manual stick shift 2003 Acura RSX Type S. I love that car and the only reason why I stick with Acura. I need a small compact 4 doors vehicle since Im a family man with two kids. I looked at the Civics, the Accords. But they just blah and not exciting in terms of styling. Plus. I didnt want to be like 80% of the car out there on the road, so many of them. From teeny boppers, grandmas, Grandpa, to your soccer moms. No thanks. So there it is, I got the 2016 Acura ILX with premium/Aspec package. Honestly, its not really an upgrade from my RSX. Everything about this car feel cheap and could be better. Feels like they are rushing it. The gears always shifting. It can never stay in one gear long, it always shift to make sure the gears are highest fuel economy at the current speed. Its good for gas saving but when you trying to merge or switch lane, you need it to be in a gear that responsive to the throttle. Instead, the car will downshift creating that half to second delay acceleration. Coming from a cable, maybe it have to do with the new electric drive by wire, who knows but its really annoying when you need that quick acceleration. Now on the other hand, the Dual Clutch mode is awesome, stellar and works perfectly. I think that pretty much the only part of the car that stands out. Very responsive, smooth gear transition from downshift and up shift. The steering is numb and you dont feel that much road feed back. The handling is good. Not much body roll. The car puts me to sleep. I need some excitement, the thrill of a screaming VTEC kicking in. Instead I got a very boring tone. The seat doesnt have much bolster to snug you in. I feel Acura lost touch with its racing heritage. My other pet peeve is the head room, Im 511" but it really cramp in there. Only about in of space left from the ceiling to my head. I will probably pass this car to my wife in a few more years and get myself a stick shift car. If you like driving like grandma, just chill, relax, cruising and looking good in it. Then this car is for you.

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  Great Car, Fun to drive - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Ken Mason - January 3 - 12:11 am

  No one is paying me to write this review. Just thought youd like to know. I sincerely dont understand Edmunds grade of "C" for the ILX. I drove the Lexus IS 200t. Yes, it was very smooth and very powerful. But it costs almost $10,000 more than the ILX. And has anyone noticed that the front grill of the Lexus looks like the mask for Darth Vader? Im sorry, but once that picture became fixated in my mind, I just couldnt stand looking at it any longer. I also drove the BMW 228i. A little more money than the ILX but with half the standard features and honestly, I didnt feel much difference between the BMW and the ILX. I love the look of the ILX with the Prem and Aspec package. The spoiler and upgraded wheels make the vehicle. The upgraded interior is also really nice and the seats have a nice sporty feel to them. The acceleration for this 200 hp engine is tremendous. Okay, so I also drive my 013 Toyota Tacoma so getting into the ILX is like getting into my own sports car. I like the sound of the engine and I like the feel of the road. We also own a 014 Acura RDX and it drives like a charm. My only tiny complaint is I wish Acura would make a coupe the size of the new TLX or the ILX. Updated review....Still fun to drive, just not as fun as I first thought The 8 speed transmission lags when extra speed is needed. Also, the transmission kinda jerks when it is down-shifting and then I need to punch it to accelerate. Also there is a rattle that just drives me crazy. It is a fun car to drive. Im not sure I will buy another ILX. Who knows.

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  Maybe not a German killer but one heck of a value - 2016 Acura ILX
  By jrasero - March 4 - 11:51 pm

  Just traded my 2016 RDX Base for the 2016 ILX Premium. Obviously I am loosing the utility and AWD of a RDX but gaining more features, slightly lower payment, better gas millage, and a car easier to park. Compared to the 1st gen the 2016 ILX is a huge improvement in every category. Looks while subjective are much better with a more pronounced front end and a less frump tail end. The amount of tech and features you get are way up from the 1st gen and the performance of the 2.4 direct injection 8 speed DCT is awesome. While the performance is much improved the car might be a tad racer boyish for some with its loud exhaust for those who prefer quiet luxury. The ILX isnt as luxurious and doesnt perform as well as the Lexus IS 200T, BMW 320i, Mercedes CLA250, Audi A3 but it costs thousands less (up to $10,000 less). I am leasing my ILX for 24 months but I negotiated my premium edition with a MSRP of $30k to $26,260. Furthermore the highest trim Tech with A-Spec only adds up to $35k, so is True* luxury really worth thousands of dollars? For me the ILX has just the right amount of luxury, tech, and value that I can ignore not having AWD, real wood accents, or a German branding. What I cant ignore is the back seats being a 1 piece fold down and not a 60/40 split and not having a pass through. Nor am I huge fan of the car requiring premium and the fact that AcuraLink only supports iOS! Also, while Acura would love to capture a young audience the base and base with AcuraWatch are pointless because the Civic Touring features and price beats those models. Acura you cant have you cake and eat it too, just sell the Premium and Tech Versions which still are reasonably priced at $30k-35k Msrp. The Premium with Blind Spot, cross traffic alert, real Milano leather, and the two tier screen system are worth every penny.