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- Highs Good value for a luxury nameplate, nimble handling, roomy front seat.
- Lows Honda Civic roots are apparent, cramped rear seat, power is just okay.
- Verdict The ILX provides solid value, but its Civic foundation places it behind many rivals.
Overview
Acura’s entry-level premium sedan, the ILX, bowed in the 2013 model year. It shares its platform and much of its design with the ninth-generation Honda Civic. The 2017 ILX is not as up-to-date as the lower-priced Civic, which was replaced with an all-new 10th-generation model for 2016. The ILX does offer more premium amenities than top-spec versions of its commodity-brand sibling, and for just a bit more money, making the compact Acura a half-step upmarket to its closest competitors, the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-class.
What's New for 2017?
After a mid-cycle refresh for the 2016 model year, the 2017 ILX carries over with just the addition of three new paint-color options: Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and San Marino Red.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $28,955
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
With the ILX's 2016 model year update, Acura dropped the sedan’s base 2.0-liter inline-four, as well as its six-speed manual gearbox option. Now, the sole powertrain is a 2.4-liter four rated 201 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. It comes mated to Honda’s unusual eight-speed automatic transmission, which has both a dual-clutch setup and a torque converter. We found that the new transmission, which replaced a conventional six-speed automatic, “drops cruising revs to a palatable level,” but the new powertrain still doesn't offer thrilling performance. The mid-cycle update also changed the electronic power steering’s calibrations, making the steering a bit slower but also more direct. With a beefed-up front suspension, the ILX's handling is light and nimble, although with new 18-inch wheels and tires, the rear suspension can be harsh over rough roads.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The interior of the ILX is fine for those seated up front, though space is at a premium for adults in the second row. A base Acura ILX starts a couple thousand dollars above a top-spec Honda Civic, one generation newer. There are a few specific Acura touches, such as the double touchscreen infotainment system and higher-grade leather trim. The more luxurious Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-class start at about the same price, but while they quickly get more expensive as you add individual options, the ILX offers relatively affordable multiple-feature value packages, including AcuraWatch Plus, Premium, Technology Plus, and A-Spec. These add such features as driver-assistance tech, upgraded leather upholstery and infotainment capability, and exterior accessories. Cargo space measures in at around 12 cubic feet, and the folding rear seat back helps expand trunk volume when hauling bulky objects.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Standard tech for the ILX includes a 5.0-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a six-speaker stereo. Higher trims and options bring such features as a 7.0-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium audio system with 10 speakers. The On-Demand Multiple Use Display (ODMD) infotainment touchscreen allows the user to choose an audio source, then provides just the controls needed for that source, in order to cut down on the number of buttons. The ODMD includes Siri eyes-free voice command control and SMS and MMS text capability.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Acura ILX’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
