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:

• 

  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!

• 

  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.

• 

  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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  My second Acura ILX - 2016 Acura ILX
  By ilx2013je - August 17 - 8:40 pm

  Got a great deal to trade my 2013 ILX for a 2016 ILX Premium pkg Granite Luster/Graystone interior. I never had any problems with my 2013 and really like the updates on the new one. Performance is up due to the new engine but the old one was efficient and peppy. Good ride quality and very good value in the entry level luxury class. Compare to A3, CLA feature for feature and youll see what I mean.

• 

  ILX Tech pack. - 2016 Acura ILX
  By 6thman - February 16 - 12:20 pm

  Got the ILX like 3 weeks ago, so far no problems, fast, corners nicely, good on gas, I like better than the A3, felt cramped inside, handles as well as IS250, anyone feels differently about you are subject to your own opinion, I am not a critic just a regular guy typing my own views...

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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!

• 

  Better than my A4 - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Im sold on Acura - October 6 - 5:10 pm

  Was talked into buying a 2016 ILX certified pre-owned with 2,000 miles and it was the best life decision I have made. Premium (leather pwr pass /drvr seats, etc.) Acura Watch Plus fully loaded (not A Spec) with 100,000 bumper to bumper, free roadside assistance, those expensive rubber trunk/floor mats,and 7 complimentary oil changes /tire rotations for $27,000 and 0% financing. It handles like my old 1997 A4 Quattro 6 speed and not like the over priced, poorly designed, bastard-driving Audis-BMWs-Mercs of this generation. I used the paddle shifters to easily drive through icy conditions and felt incredibly safe. It corners as well as my old A4, looks great, and with the Acura Watch Plus, I feel safer than I did in my large SUV. Use your turn signal and the car tells you everything around you. Forget about the turn signal light on the side mirrors, you dont need it. Rear camera, lane departure, adaptive cruise, brake warning, BLIS, all standard with the Acura Watch Plus. The best part is the driver can not only manually enable and disable, but also modify the settings for almost each feature. Couldnt do that with the Volvo, Audi, BMW or Merc I test drove. Got a job in LA and drove this car I-40 from NC to CA and at one point on cruise control, I looked down and the meter registered 500 miles before empty. Normal city driving is usually closer to 350 miles per tank. Cruising at 90+ felt like 55...so watch the speedometer. The nav system takes about 20 seconds to register once you start the car, but it got me through 2500 miles and not one wrong turn. It even automatically reset the time zones for me. I knew exactly where I was all the time. The complaints about its awkwardness is probably from some professional reviewer who was paid by Volvo. The bluetooth is clean and clear and Siri sync works 99.5% of the time if only Apple would update software more often. If I had to complain, the pass through is right at the wheel house, so it narrows and you lose about 12 inches of space where the seat drops. But I was still able to load the trunk with two 40" LED TVs with oops I forget to pack this in the moving van room to spare. People are really impressed with its comfort and style. I drove 2500 miles in 3 days and the seat was incredibly comfortable. Best part is I laugh when I pull up to get gas and all the PREMIUM UNLEADED people watch their $$$ pour right into their tank. My 1997 Audi was great, but when it needed repairs $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and $$. Ive owned American muscle cars and European sport sedans and a crappy Nissan Maxima swearing I would NEVER buy a Japanese car again. This Acura is the best car Ive EVER owned and I know I will easily and safely get over 100,000 or miles out of it. Shhhh... dont let the secret get out.

• 

  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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  Electronic safety systems reduce driving effort - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Bec703 - September 4 - 9:03 pm

  **NOTE** ILX not TLX -- I liked everything about this car except for a few items -. Hate the speech recognition system: doesnt recognize my commands, very inflexible command structure,. Cabin noise is to high with the premium tires, the navigation system is not compressive with current systems., even, no speed limit indication, messy to input destinations and 2nd waypoints. The good thing is Siri works well and does understand voice commands. Likes: snappy, 8 speed transmission is outstanding, Best reason to own are the electronic safety controls. These take about 50% of the effort out of long distance driving. Also getting 39 mpg on highway trips. Low roof for tall people

• 

  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.