2020 Acura ILX

Overview

The ILX sedan is essentially a gussied-up version of the already excellent Honda Civic. However, the Acura interpretation lacks the performance that its namesake promotes and the excitement that certain Civic models provide. Its dutiful powertrain and poised chassis are appreciated but we expect more driving engagement in this segment. Although a slew of desirable and high-tech features are standard, some aspects of it are showing their age despite a recent redesign. Still, the 2020 Acura ILX is a well-built and nicely priced alternative to more expensive subcompact rivals.

What's New for 2020?

Acura doesn't make any meaningful changes to the 2020 ILX lineup, which makes sense after it revealed a freshly updated version in 2019.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The sole powertrain is a 201-hp four-cylinder with front-wheel drive mated to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine revs easily and although the ILX isn't the quickest car in its class, its character makes us pine for the VTEC-powered Honda and Acura sedans from years gone by. Handling is poised and confident, but not particularly memorable; road and wind noise permeate the cabin here more than in rivals such as the Audi A3 or the Mercedes-Benz A-class, especially at highway speeds. Still, the smallest Acura sedan has excellent brake-pedal feedback.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The ILX earns fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, which are competitive to non-all-wheel-drive versions of the A3 and A-class. Over our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route, the ILX delivered exactly what it's window sticker said it would: 34 mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

As with other cars in this segment, the Acura ILX's cabin is roomy for the driver and the front-seat passenger but cramped for those in the rear. Standard equipment is plentiful and includes a sunroof, heated sport seats with power adjustments for the driver, and dual-zone automatic climate control. However, the dashboard design looks outdated compared with the slick-looking screens that adorn the dash of the A-class. While its interior cubby storage is nowhere near as useful as inside the Civic, the ILX has a large trunk that is begets the sedan's subcompact classification.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Surprisingly, a touchscreen infotainment system isn't standard on the base model, but Premium, Technology, and A-Spec models all come with an 8.0-inch unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. While Acura's dual-screen setup can be operated via physical knobs and buttons, the system's outdated graphic and lack of intuitive menus make it obsolete compared with more contemporary rivals.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The ILX earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but it was not named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The ILX also has a host of standard driver-assistance technology such as adaptive cruise control and more. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Acura covers the ILX with an excellent limited and powertrain warranty, but the luxury automaker doesn't provide the complimentary scheduled maintenance that some rivals do.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance