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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  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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  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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  Piece of you know what! - 2017 Acura ILX
  By Catrina - December 19 - 6:52 pm

  I have owned two previous Acuras and loved them. This vehicle is poorly made. I had 18 things wrong with it, and the dealership and Acura customer service were unwilling to assist me. What a way to treat a loyal customer! Do not waste your time or money!!! Traded it in for a Lexus!!!

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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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  So Very Disappointed! - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Cheryl Steeper - September 15 - 3:42 pm

  Wanted to stay with Honda products, having been an owner of Honda or Acura since 1980. Like the exterior styling of this car very much. However, I have a spine condition and find the buckets are too deep and make my back hurt after 30 minutes. Hate the hesitation with acceleration & feel like Im driving a tank, but need to make allowances here since I am coming for a car that has 260 hp. Wish I had gone for the Navi on upper level package because there is a stupid black screen behind the clock that is distracting. The cabin feels claustrophobic and small. The seating adjustments are not enough. Im trying to find a seat cushion to fix the bucket issue, but everything pushes my head into the headliner. Ive had this car for 3.5 weeks and am counting the days until I can sell it & get something else. Ive sat in every Honda and Acura product and only found 3 seats that were comfortable for my back...Honda Fit & HR-V, and Acura TLX. Latter is too big and hated the push buttons (had those on my teenage car and not going back!), car also too big. Fit is OK, but feels like Im downgrading from old Acura. HR-V was OK, but dont want an SUV. Finishes on interiors of Honda & Acura products really cheaped out now. Still looking for something to replace this Acura ILX. SOOOOO very disappointed in Honda/Acura now. Feeling really let down by this manufacturer.

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  Deserves one more star but please read it. - 2016 Acura ILX
  By PJ - May 16 - 3:55 am

  I got my car back in April of 2015. Reason I took off one star is squeaky front brakes issue. Its factory defect and acura is aware of it (Please google on tgat issue if you are interested). Acura did not want to change my brakes at time I came in and I dont have any more time to waste with them so I live with it. Its a huge disappointed especially for a brand such as acura. Another star I taken off because I believe few other things could have been better. Such as, very rough ride over uneven pavement and especially potholes. No 40/60 rear fold, whole rear seat just folds. Steering is a little numb as well. Not too much headroom for tall drivers. Never the less its an enormous value. For $27k you get compact (a plus for some) 0-60 in less than 7 seconds, great fuel economy, decent handling, sunroof, keyless entery, duel clutch transmission, full Led head lights, Adaptive cruise, crush prevention system, auto dual climate, heated seats and mirrors, back up cam, Acura badge (Might matter to some.

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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!!