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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  Second hand ILX 2.4L 6MT - 2014 Acura ILX
  By ryhi - June 30 - 1:05 am

  I was looking for a good commuter with a manual transmission I could hold on to of the next 15 years. I have owned 3 other Hondas so I have seen, first hand, how their powertrains hold up as I maintain them myself. I was interested in either the 16 Civic LX 6MT or the 16 Accord Sport 6MT. I, personally, like the new civic but, at the time, only the LX had the 6MT available. I didnt want to spend ~$19 grand on the base model, base 4 speaker stereo and wheel covers. I have been spoiled with the features Ive come to enjoy in my 2007 Accord EX-L Sdn V6 6MT, I know I was being too harsh on the LX. I began to seriously consider the Accord Sport, it is a gorgeous car on the outside, but I found I would have to give up many features: quality stereo, sunroof and (at the time) leather on the inside. I have always loved the powertrain of the Civic Si, excellent engine and transmission but personally, I didnt want the Si and wasnt too fond of the interior. To every man his taste. I then noticed the ILX. I would never consider buying one brand new for $30k+, but a clean white one at ~$21k @ 10,000 miles and in immaculate shape it became an excellent choice! The new Accord Sport is pushing ~$27k but I got so many more features with the used ILX. I have throughly enjoyed this car and even with the 6MT coming available in the EX-T Civic I find Im still enjoying my choice without regrets. (I would really be sad if a Leather/Manual/Turbo civic option had popped up), even with the turbo manual option the Apple Car play is great but it still lacks a bit of a list of features ILX has. Some features I have really enjoyed are the sound system, there is a Sub in the back and the higher wattage is very noticable, much better sound and intensity than my fully loaded 2007 Accord EX-L. The HIDs are excellent, I purchased the car in OR and drove it to CA during a rain storm at night to outrun a snow storm. Those headlights were impressive for that drive, I could see both sides of the road (worried about deer) and much further I have ever been able to see with my other Hondas, the handling is also very light and precise through the mountains. What I wanted in a commuter was good powertrain, this car always puts a smile on my face driving home, this is the best manual transmission I have driven and that engine note never gets old. This thing is quick. Even on starting the engine it reminds you of its capabilities with that aggressive engine note. Ive also been pleasantly surprised with the fuel economy. I commonly get ~40 mpg on my 40 mile commute one way, which includes hills and plenty of stop and go, I usually average 31MPG overall with lively city driving. On a longer drive to UT I saw an overall 34.5 MPG on the computer. Ive only put premium in it and honestly dont mind the extra dollar or two at each fill up. Even with the newer choices of the Civic Turbo manual and even the excellent Mazda 3 I still went with and couldnt be happier with my choice in the ILX. My only gripe, echoing the many, was no Navigation. Fortunately I have it in my Accord. Honestly, Its a pleasant convenience in it but wasnt a deal breaker in the ILX for me. The screen in the ILX is honestly rather poor, but the sound system quality is what I was looking for. Another gripe is the fact that it revs a little too high for my taste on the freeway, but I like the shorter gear ratio than those longer gears found the Mazda 3 6MT. The keyless entry and push button start has also an excellent feature Ive come to truly enjoy. If youre looking for a good option, the ILX is a solid choice if you can find a good one off lease. This car is a tidy package for the long run. Also the fact that someone designed it so the oil filter is conveniently on the bottom of the engine directly behind the oil drain plug (rather than spilling all over the back of the engine like on the Honda F series engine or spilling all over the subframe on the J series) is brilliant.

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  Can I have my TSX Back Please? - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Don Sutton - June 21 - 4:25 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda and my 2nd Acura. After 300K+ miles and 11 years, I gave my old 2004 TSX to my son who is still driving it. I decided to lease a new 2016 ILX after Acura did the redesign of the exterior and put back the peppy and quick VR4 that was in my TSX. On the plus side, the car is just like the TSX: great handling, terrific on corners and curves, super reliable, solid feel, awesome braking, beautiful long drive on the road touring vehicle, takes 5 passengers around town comfortably with room for luggage, and gets lots of compliments on the styling and interior design. Gas mileage is okay - but not the 29 mpg average promised. Only getting 27 consistently when 1-2 passengers, much less with a full car. On the minus side, I wish the car was like the TSX: the dual screen technology seems redundant and is very distracting compared to the single touch screen the TSX had, the acceleration is hesitant - the car seems to think about moving faster before it actually goes into gears. Gas mileage sucks in city driving. Freeway is 31mpg only, not the 35mpg promised. UPDATE after 1 Year: Exterior pain gets stained easily. Design flaw. Looks like the clear coat is easily damaged by on road flying liquids. OVERALL: Great car, just wish Honda/Acura had not removed the fun and simple aspect of the TSX. Sadly, sometimes I want to take back my old TSX from my son and give him the ILX....

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  Best Japanese car out there! - 2017 Acura ILX
  By Kane - May 31 - 6:46 pm

  My 2017 ILX, The day I was looking for a car. I scrambled from plenty of vehicles! First the Civic but to slow, Camry but no features, Rogue but too pricey, Sonata but too slow and expensive. Than I fell in love with my ILX, It was the best car I have driven out of all the four cars I listed. I drive 45 minutes from my house to Manhattan and it was saving me money and was a quiet and comfortable ride. I had a 2012 Passat SEL but I had so many problems and waste so much money that If I add all the maintenance prices plus the passat I could have boughten I Lexus or BMW, So I got the ILX. I had this for 2 years and no problems and at all. Its fast, reliable, fuel efficient and the money is worth it! My wife truly loves our ILX and I will hold on to it forever.

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  Midlife madness - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Fernando Rios - September 17 - 12:20 pm

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  Great car! - 2016 Acura ILX
  By BAN - June 19 - 1:49 am

  I got the Premium pkg. This car handles really well. Great pickup, very stable, breaks nicely, feels solid and safe. I am ver happy with the great mileage. The interior is nice and roomy. My husband and son in law, who are tall fit fine, no complaints. Great looker, I love this car. The Navi Im not too crazy about, but I just use my iPhone; for me, the rest of the great pros override this one feature.

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  Best Value - Entry level luxury sedan - 2016 Acura ILX
  By ILX2016 - May 17 - 5:57 am

  If youre in the market for an entry level luxury sedan, youre most likely considering the Audi A3, MB CLA or the BMW 320, along with the ILX. Pricing-wise, the base MSRPs are not that far apart; but, once you start adding options, the prices begin to spread apart. Comparing all the features in an Acura ILX with Technology Plus and A-Spec, the price differences can vary as much as $5k-$10k. Add to that the recent year-end incentives, and the price difference can go as much as $12k. Considering the reliability of Acura, and its traditionally high resale value, the ILX represents the best value in this category.

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  Bought 2 in one year - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Melissa - February 26 - 5:15 am

  Ok....so after driving my Mini Cooper hardtop and commuting 70 miles a day 6 days a week I decided it was time to trade in the stick shift and grow up. After looking at all the entry level luxury vehicles, I decided on the Acura ILX. My situation is, I wanted economical luxury. I wanted a car I could drive until the wheels fell off. I wanted a car that I didnt have to make difficult appointments for to get serviced or maintained. I didnt want to worry about what service needed to be done when the service due light came on....a burden I had driving the mini. For me, this car works great! I bought the premium package in black right around when they launched the 2016s... Drove it for a year and realized I had made a huge mistake. Black is a horrible color to keep clean when you commute and dont park in a garage! So when I took my car in today for its second ever service, I was somehow made an offer I couldnt refuse on a brand new white premium with ASPEC. There is a major difference between the two. I love the ASPEC seats and odometer and foot pedals. The front looks less like a beak! Im so glad I upgraded! Maintence is painless and affordable! No stress car for younger commuter! Im happy! ***update 1 year later. This car is a great commuter and is so easy for me to get serviced. No hassle ! Im so glad I got a white car because I think I only washed it 4 times in a year! Im driving the heck out of it and its great! Only complaint is the scraping if you exit a driveway or take a dip too fast.. you must be very very slow since the front end sits kind of low. Other than that, no complaints so far!

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  I love my new 2016 Acura ILX - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Steven Rosengren - December 6 - 2:57 pm

  I ended up trading in my 2016 Acura ILX after owning it for only 3 months. There was a brake defect where the brakes kept squeaking and after the rotors were replaced once and pads twice, the issue came back. I think a recall will come at some point, but I was not going to wait because I was very disappointed. The other Acuras I have owned have been great, I was very surprised that this car was released with this issue. I traded it for a Mazda CX-3 and it is more fun to drive and and feels more powerful then the Acura. The other issue with the Acura I noticed was the engine hum, it actually bothered my ears when I had the windows open. The 2014 Acura ILX I had I liked better overall after owning this one for 3 months. Before purchasing ask the dealership to give you one of their loaner cars that has a few miles on it and make sure you like driving it in everyday driving. I would recommend buying a used 2013-2015 ILX instead. Or a Mazda 3, I think the Mazda 3 GT would be more fun to drive everyday than the Acura.

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  More for the money!! - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Dorenes car - February 9 - 6:16 pm

  We were searching for a good lease rate and reliable vehicle that was stylish and had good ratings. This car has a sports car feel, fun to drive, and handles beautifully (except for a small turning radius)! The stripped down version gets you a sunroof, backup camera, and very nice front seat, all safety features, great Bluetooth, all for less than many non-luxury compacts, including the Civic, which has higher lease costs and less features for the price. Well worth our investment!!

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  Just the right car. - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Eddie Estares - May 1 - 7:28 pm

  My 2nd Acura to date and just like the previous one, its been great. Excellent highway mileage of 39 mi/gallon and is not a slouch if you want speed. The car handle really well around corners and have a very good braking system. We currently have 6 Honda made products; 2 Civic (2005 and 2007), 2 CRV (2009 and 2013), the Ilx, and a lawn mower and all have been super reliable. I place reliability above anything else and my experience with Honda cars have been excellent. Both Civicc and the 2009 CRV have way over 100k miles and not one ever had a single problem. I dont expect less from a Honda built automobile and I dont expect less from the Acura either.