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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  IN LOVE WITH THIS CAR!! ITS A HEAD TURNER! - 2013 Acura ILX
  By ohmygoshitsme - June 21 - 9:59 pm

  My dad and I spent months trying to find the perfect car to me. When I finally sat in this one at the dealership, things just clicked and I knew that this was the one. I love the sleek, exterior design, and the interior has really nice, soft leather. Now Ill never get lost thanks to my navigation, and lovely backup camera!!! I just wish this car had blind spot monitors and had memory seating feature, so I wouldnt have to adjust it everytime someone sits in my car! Also, I dont like how the front and wheel interior is black and the rest of my car is beige! But otherwise, amazing performance and a real money saver when it comes to gas. Couldnt be happier with it! Love my birthday present

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  Surely NOT just a "glorified Civic" - 2013 Acura ILX
  By boudouris_3 - June 19 - 9:10 am

  Just upgraded from my 5-spd Saab 9-3 sedan to a brand new Acura ilx w/premium package and the 2.4L 6-spd engine. The premium package comes with nearly everything that you could ask for minus navigation. Very nice engine note that gives the car some personality without sounding like a cheap tuner. The only knock I could say about the ilx is the interior space which is expected to be small due to the price point and market that Acura intends to target. If youre in your 20s or early 30s and are looking for something fun to drive without sacrificing the luxury amenities, look no further than the ilx. Oh and by the way, Im getting 35-40 highway mpg.

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  Very satisfied - 2013 Acura ILX
  By ajwhitesox - May 31 - 8:28 am

  Just purchased this car brand new... black on black tech package. Love all the tech features! Nav, weather, bluetooth audio, backup camera.... Average gas mileage combined is 30 thus far. VERY quiet on the road. I really like the way the car looks and the keyless entry on the door handle makes life easy. LOVE IT!

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  Hard to Categorize - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Eric - December 26 - 11:32 am

  This is a great combination of luxury and economy. I paid $9,000 less than the dealers best offer on a comparable BMW 320i. Its pretty quick at 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds ( .2 seconds faster than the BMW according to zeroto60times.com) but still gets 36 mpg (the same as the BMW epa estimate) on the highway. After driving the BMW 320i and the X1, the ILX interior materials seemed just slightly inferior. And the noise and handling were just a little off. I am very sensitive to squeaks and rattles. So far, not a single one. The 8 speed DCT is very smooth and precise. Driving in sport mode changes everything. The shift points are at much higher revs and the engine responds much more quickly. This is my second Acura. I drove the first one for nearly 200,000 miles and all I did was change the fluids and bulbs...not a single problem. I cant attest to the reliability of the ILX, but Im betting it will be similarly phenomenal. The expert reviews are all over the map on this one. Do you compare it with a Toyota Corolla, or a BMW 2 or 3 series? Therein lies the problem. They have to put it in a category to make sense of all the vehicles and this one doesnt fit. You have to read between the lines.

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  I love it - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Holly Swanson - December 24 - 7:29 am

  I absolutely adore this car. I have no idea what some people are talking about regarding the seats being uncomfortable. These are the most comfortable seats Ive ever driven in. This car is just what I was looking for...a beautiful, reliable and luxurious commuter. The white model really turns heads and by the first week Id already gotten so many compliments. Interior road noise is perfect, road feel is excellent, steering is excellent, ever little detail in his car screams luxury. Really nothing bad I can say about this car, and no Ive not been paid to say these things...this car is just that good.

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  Bells and Whistle Galore! - 2016 Acura ILX
  By carfever - December 14 - 2:44 pm

  I really love this car. It has everything I wanted for a great price! PRO: ($30,000 out the door) This is the perfect car for me since I am not searching for peoples envy. This car has everything in my opinion. It has great gas mileage(I am averaging 32/gallon), galore of standard features like my favorites(resetting the gas odometer and mileage whenever I refuel, also 3 different backup camera viewing angle was very helpful when I need to back into my garage). The leather are very comfortable. Stereo with 7 speakers and sub-woofer, usb, bluetooth, HDMI, and sat radio keeps me going on my daily grind. Great value for my hard earned cash. I would recommend this car to anybody that appreciate great value and reliability. CON: If you are looking for true luxury entry-level luxury sedan, this is not it. As per the review said, the interior are nice but not as luxuries as Mercedes or Audi. It does not drive with peppiness that you get with Mercedes or Audi. I find the acceleration weak but the thing is because this car is trying to save gas, so it keep shifting below 2000rpm....(you can do manual shifting if you are into burning up your gas and driving faster). Your neighbor is not going to b like "oh my! you got a new Mercedes or Audi!). But you know what? I got good price and great value for my car so F the neighbor...haha!

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  Fantastic Entry Level Luxury Vehicle - 2017 Acura ILX
  By Redwings15 - September 21 - 2:11 am

  Overall extremely pleased with my new ILX. The vehicle is attractive to the eye with quality panel fit and finish and a stunning paint job. The dual clutch transmission is a large step above traditional automatics and has quick throttle response and incredibly nimble shifts. Overall engine power leaves a little to be desired, but at 201 HP it is quick off the line and peppy enough to put a smile in your everyday commute. The car handles fine and sticks to the road as expected for the size and weight. Steering feel is light enough to make for easy everyday commutes by sporty enough to provide decent road feedback when winding about on country roads. Interior quality is OK, a bit below my expectations for a luxury vehicle but maybe right on par for an entry level luxury car. The ODMD head unit could use a refresher but is generally easy enough to navigate through after spending some time with the user manual out exploring all the system capabilities. Audio quality with the Premium system meets my expectations, with decent power and bass response. Imaging and dynamic range are better on this stock system then any other vehicle Ive owned. Best thing is its a Honda so the reliability, resale value, and quality are something I do not have to worry about. Perfect car for a young professional looking to purchase an affordable, attractive, and fun to drive luxury vehicle.

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  31 months- 62000 miles - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Jim - June 15 - 12:44 pm

  Like other Hondas I have owned in the past, this 2016 ILX has been flawless. It doesnt drive like a BMW or Audi, but it handles very well and the ride is good, except on rough pavement. I love all of the tech gadgets and the sound system is good. I live in the city, but most of my work commute is on the highway. I am a stickler for gas mileage and this car does not disappoint. It routinely gets over 40 mpg on the highway, averages 36 in mixed driving, and has never clocked less than 31 mpg (winter) on a tank of gas. I run it with regular gas and have seen no difference in performance compared to premium.

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  I LOVE this car! - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Shane Gochenouer - January 31 - 1:20 pm

  This car has met all of my expectations and surpassed most of them, it is everything I was looking for at a very reasonable price point. I previously owned a 2014 Civic EX 4dr, which I bought, at least partially, because Civics are traditionally modders, with a lot of potential for customization. Not so much the case (mechanically) anymore, unless you get the SI, but I work in the city and bumper to bumper commuting with a manual, forget it. At any rate, the ILX offered everything I wanted my Civic to become, sporty, both in appearance and performance (big emphasis on performance), as well as more luxury and Honda/Acuras legendary reliability. I did a LOT of research before pulling the trigger on the purchase and I just dont think that anything out there can touch the ILX if price is at all an issue for you. Go to Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti, Lexus websites and "Build and Price" their entry level offerings with same/similar features and you will see what I mean. In NONE of those cases are you getting anywhere near the ILX in features, performance, quality or reliability for under 40K (the model I bought, w/ premium package, stickers at $30,820 with destination charges). If you are looking to buy a status symbol, this isnt the car for you, but if you want luxury quality and performance combined with unmatched reliability, this is definitely worth a look and test drive, I consider it a class leading example of what I call "practical luxury". Also worth mention, I had a 2015 ILX base model (with the 2.0) loaner for a day and a half while the dealership installed a remote start and was NOT impressed, the 2015 would not have won me over, I would still be driving the Civic, so if you have an earlier model and werent pleased or it didnt meet your expectations, give the 2016 a test drive. The only Cons I have to offer are getting into and out of the vehicle (at 511" with short legs and a long torso) can be slightly awkward and low speed crawl can be chunky at times (for the first week till you get used to shift points) however from the reviews I have read on its competitors it still excels in this area (I havent test driven any of them). UPDATE: After 8 months driving it every day, I still love this car. My only takeaway after 8 months is that without Navi the 2 screen layout can feel pretty redundant, but thats such a first world problem I dont even feel good complaining about it. Sport mode is awesome, whether or not you use the paddle shifters, which by the way can be used in normal drive mode as well.

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  Awesome Entry Luxury - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Jeremy - August 25 - 8:22 pm

  This is a great car in the sporty entry luxury space. The engine and transmission pairing are strong and energetic. The technology package adds great safety and convenience features.