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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  Issues with infotainment - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Donald Bassett - January 26 - 2:06 pm

  This is my first Acura and generally I am very happy. I havent had it in for the first service yet but wanted to know if anyone is having issues with the infotainment system. About once a week when I start the car the radio stations will come up with all the programmed numbers wrong. The stations are correct if you select them but the numbers displayed are wrong. Sometimes it will correct itself after a while and sometimes it wont. Twice the backup camera has not gone off when I shift out of reverse and the upper display stays on the back up camera the entire time I am driving. Next time I start it will go back to normal.

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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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  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.

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  A new Dud - 2017 Acura ILX
  By Laurel Blue - December 21 - 6:52 pm

  I just leased a new 2017 Acura ILX two months ago. This was the seventh Acura Ive owned or leased, beginning with the 5 cylinder Vigor many years ago. I loved each and every one of these cars...except this one. I HATE it. There should be a warning sign on these- "Watch out! Buy this if youre a dummy." The "new" 8 gear transmission, with two clutches, is way too complex and does not offer performance as Acura bills it. The car hunts for gears as you accelerate, and has very little power from 10mph to 40 mph when you are accelerating. The car lugs in the lower gears. My previous car, a 2014 Acura ILX was perfection itself. I should have kept it. The most annoying aspect of this new car? The muffler. Acura is apparently ignoring its traditional (loyal) adult audience and seeking to attract new users that are young men in their 20s. So they have "boosted" the HP, but this is not accurate. The car is much less powerful than before, despite the claims for higher HP. And it is supposed to be thriftier on gas, but so far (I now have a little under 2000 miles) it is not as much of a gas-saver as was my 2014 Acura ILX. The worst thing? The muffler. It is noisy as all get-out. I suppose this was to attract those young males. I would do anything to get a different muffler that is quiet. I do not wish to hear the constant "throaty growl" Acura has decided is necessary. I keep thinking 33 tortured months to go...Arrgh.

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  Snazzy Little Car - 2017 Acura ILX
  By Tricia - December 4 - 8:57 pm

  When we decided to buy a new car we looked at the Honda Accord, Subaru Legacy and the ILX. The Subaru had a lot of safety features but wasnt very attractive. Honda surprisingly didnt ride that smoothly and if I wanted all the bells and whistle was very pricey. We have a 2006 TL and it has been a great car so we decided to look at Acura and the last car we saw was the ILX and it was IT! The ride was smooth and had much more power than I thought it would, it has all the bells and whistles I wanted and the safety features that Subaru has. We were able to get the Tech Plus for a price lower than both the Honda and Subaru with the features we got. Ive had the car a couple of weeks and the gas mileage is great and Im truly enjoying it. Ive had several people comment on how good looking the car is. I see other reviews slamming this car but this 60 year old Nana with a snazzy red little car couldnt be happier.

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  The good , the bad, and the ugly - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Jeff - August 28 - 3:52 am

  I was looking forward to driving this car because I liked the styling and have owned two Acura TLs. After owning 10 Hondas also , I thought Id check it out The car has a nice cockpit but no lumbar support or adjustment so it was out for me with back issues. It is laid out nicely but storage is the least Ive seen in any other car. console compartment is small and cheap feeling and the door storage can fit a tennis ball?? My main compmaint is a general one with the CVT transmission on ANY car. It COMPLETELY takes the fun out of driving and one feels like theyre a passenger in a very expensive lawn mower or sewing machine. These transmissions are solely for fuel effiiciency. Very effective for that but thats where it ends. In one minute I knew this wasnt the car for me. It shifted five times before I got to 26 mph. The 8 speed transmission makes this worse Over al the car has great styling and will last for hundreds of thousands of miles like all Japanese cars. I just want to actually enjoy the driving experience. Acura is only better than Honda of you can spend over $30K. The Civic is a superior car to the ILX and less expensive. Back to Honda or maybe Subaru

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  Expensive Name with Basic Entertainment - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Monica - March 31 - 1:11 am

  Very disappointed in the hands-free system when in actuality its Hands-On. You can only dial numbers that are stored in your speed dial other than that you are having to use your phone to dial numbers. While driving your phone book and dialing is not accessible which is the reason why you need these options accessible to you while driving so that it can be hands-free. I feel as though for this car to cost so much that I paid for a basic Ford Focus entertainment system on the inside of it. This car doesnt have a dial pad to dial a number you have to roll the button and push the numbers which is Hands-On. The technology in this car doesnt make sense and is not a safety feature as they say it should be. I feel as though for this car to be as expensive as it is that this Siri radio should have come along with it. But no its a basic radio station with speakers that are not loud at all and theres no touchscreen to do anything. This is by far the worst car Ive bought and wish I would have kept my Hyundai Elantra which features on the inside were so much better than this Acura and I paid 10 - 15 G less. Ive contacted Acura numerous of times with only to be told that this will go in a file for my complaints. I sure wish they would give me another car with the features that are basic in other cars or buy this one back. This is a $30,000 car and I am so disappointed in it . I advised them that I would sell them this car back in a heartbeat and now Im stuck with an expensive car with basic features and a High car payment. So definitely think twice about buying the ILX because you will really be disappointed in the features that they offer you in such an expensive body. Review: nothing has changed for the better. No room in car and Ive almost received ticket due to having my phone in hand for trying to make a phone call because the Calling system in the car is poorly done. Ive call the company and they still have not tried to rectify my problem or even offer me a better car from my money. Their attitude is oh well. They may would have helped me If I was of political or entertainment status.

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  Survey - 2016 Acura ILX
  By Raul Ramon Nevarez - March 27 - 8:19 pm

  Complete style

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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.