2021 Acura ILX
| MSRP | $28,995 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $28,839 |
What Should I Pay
2021 Acura ILX Review
Pros
- Plenty of features for the money
- Good fuel economy
Cons
- Lightweight, plasticky interior trim
- Overly stiff ride
- Many tech features are outdated
- Leisurely acceleration, especially for the class
What's new
- Navigation system adds real-time traffic information
- Part of the first ILX generation introduced for 2013
The ILX is a small entry-level luxury sedan from Acura. The least expensive vehicle in the automaker's lineup, the ILX offers a luxury badge at an affordable price. As you'd probably expect from a luxury brand, the ILX comes with lots of standard safety features, but there are some missing elements. Unlike rival sedans from BMW and Mercedes, the 2021 Acura ILX doesn't feel as modern or as special as it should. It also doesn't feel as refined as it should. To find out more about the ILX and how it stacks up against competitors, read the full Expert Rating below.
Our verdict | |
The Acura ILX feels like a car stuck in time. It looks fairly stylish and in line with Acura's other products, but the interior, powertrain and technology features are dated and not up to the standard set by the segment leaders. That said, the ILX is significantly less expensive than rivals such as the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. | |
How does the ILX drive? | |
Overall, the ILX is underwhelming to drive. Acceleration is sluggish, and you really have to dip into the gas before it picks up. Passing on the highway and accelerating on an on-ramp are fine but a step or two behind what you experience in the class leaders. Performance from the brakes and steering are equally lackluster. Emergency braking distances are also longer than average. The ILX improves when experienced at a higher pace, with relatively agile handling. There's a moderate amount of body roll, but the ILX works with it and feels mostly composed. Better tires could go a long way since the standard all-season rubber doesn't match what the ILX feels like it could deliver. The dual-clutch transmission is a high point, with quick, smooth shifts and none of the low-speed lurching you'll find in less refined transmissions. | |
How comfortable is the ILX? | |
The ILX doesn't meet our standards for how comfortable a luxury car should be. The driver's seat is comfortable enough, with decent bolstering and soft cushions, but it lacks the same level of adjustment you'll find in competitors. The cushions only go so far to smooth out the ILX's less-than-stellar ride. It feels a bit too firm all the time. While that quality helps the car feel sporty and nimble, it also means the ILX crashes over bumps. The cabin is also just too loud. The idle is rough, and the buzzy engine's exhaust note never goes away. There's also a good bit of wind and road noise, especially at highway speeds. You just don't get the same level of isolation you do in other cars in this class. | |
How’s the interior? | |
Acura's two-screen infotainment system is disappointing. It's unclear what information gets sent to which display without pulling out the menu, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay appear on the top non-touchscreen display. The menus aren't intuitive to navigate, and overall it's several steps behind the class leaders. Controls not linked to the infotainment system are much better. They're easy to read and reach, and most major systems have dedicated buttons. The relatively roomy interior is let down by a driver's seat that won't go down far enough. On more than one occasion, one of our test drivers hit his head on the roof when driving over large bumps. Otherwise, there is ample legroom and shoulder room, and backseat passengers won't feel confined or compressed. The view out of the ILX is also fine, with large windows and relatively thin windshield pillars. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The ILX is way behind the times in terms of tech. The infotainment system is the same one you found in Honda and Acura products five or so years ago and hasn't been updated since. The two-screen setup is frustrating to use. The audio quality is fine for audiobooks and podcasts but lacks pop when playing music. Likewise, the ILX's driver aids feel a generation behind the leaders. The system is cautious and unrefined, sending up false readings on multiple occasions. The adaptive cruise control leaves large gaps and doesn't work below 20 mph, a major knock since that's when these systems are often most useful. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The ILX's storage is a mixed bag. Most modern small sedans have places to hold a phone and door pockets large enough to store a bottle of water or two. The ILX does not. The center console is a decent size, but the bin in front of the shifter is small and the front door pockets are narrow. The rear lacks pockets altogether. The 12.4-cubic-foot trunk is a nice size and roomier than the trunks of cars such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, but the trunk hinge design cuts into overall storage. Things are a bit more sunny when it comes to installing child safety seats. The rear doors open relatively wide, and there's a decent amount of space. Larger rear-facing seats might be a tight fit, but that's not unusual for vehicles in this class. The outboard rear seats both have car seat anchors that are relatively easy to access. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
The EPA estimates the Acura ILX gets 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We managed an impressive 33.3 mpg on our evaluation route. That's as good as or better than just about every other entry-level luxury sedan. | |
Is the ILX a good value? | |
The ILX is priced significantly less than its rivals. It's not lacking features either. There's also a decent suite of standard driver aids such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. In interior quality, it isn't quite as premium as other luxury sedans, but it's a step up from what you'll find in most cars at this price point. The warranty coverage is typical. Acura offers a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. You also get four years/50,000 miles of roadside assistance, though there's no included maintenance as you'll find with some rivals. | |
Wildcard | |
The ILX looks sharp. The design is handsome without feeling overdone, and there are obvious connections to Acura's other models, including the NSX. The interior too looks pretty good, though it's not quite as good-looking as the exterior. Unfortunately, it's not quite as good to drive as it looks. The ILX shares some mechanical bits with the old Honda Civic Si, including the 201-horsepower 2.4-liter engine. The issue is that the power is all at the top end, so you really have to work to get peak performance. And while the chassis feels pretty nimble, the lifeless steering dampens much of the fun. | |
Which ILX does Edmunds recommend?
While the base ILX comes with a number of standard safety features, we recommend upgrading a bit by going with the optional Premium package. It adds smartphone integration along with an upgraded stereo and some improved interior materials. Plus, the Premium adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert — one of the few safety features that doesn't come standard on the ILX.
Acura ILX models
The Acura ILX starts with a reasonably well-equipped base trim level and offers three major upgrade packages: Premium, A-Spec and Technology. All trim levels use a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (201 horsepower, 180 lb-ft of torque) paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The ILX is front-wheel-drive only.
Compare dealer price quotes
2021 Acura ILX pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Base
2.4L 4cyl 8AM
Edmunds suggests you pay$28,839
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Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $27,950
- MPG & Fuel
- 24 City / 34 Hwy / 28 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed automated manual
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 201 hp @ 6800 rpm
- Torque: 180 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 182.2 in. / Height: 55.6 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: N/A
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 70.6 in.
- Curb Weight: 3122 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 12.4 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite ILX safety features:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Warns if a front collision is imminent and will apply the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.
- Keeping Assist System
- Warns if you are drifting out of your lane without signaling and will nudge the car back if no action is taken.
- Blind-Spot Information System
- Indicates if a car is lurking in your blind spot and will beep if you signal for a lane change in that direction.
Acura ILX vs. the competition
2021 Acura ILX
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Acura ILX vs. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Refined, comfortable and fun-to-drive, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is our top choice in the small luxury sedan segment. The A-Class has an excellent cabin and lots of modern tech too. It does, however, come with a larger price tag than the ILX, especially when you start adding even just a few options. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Mercedes-Benz A 220.
Acura ILX vs. Audi A3
Small and sporty, the Audi A3 is much more fun to drive than the ILX. For its part, the ILX is more spacious, with a much larger trunk, a more comfortable ride on the highway, and more room in the back seat. But if you're mainly focused on the thrills of the driving experience, we'd recommend the Audi.
Acura ILX vs. Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 is a bit larger than the ILX, but it offers similar cargo space and a bit more legroom in the rear. The S60 also has a much wider array of available powertrains, ranging from the standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine all the way up to a turbocharged and supercharged plug-in hybrid. And if comfort is your top priority, the S60 has some of the best seats in the class.
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FAQ
Is the Acura ILX a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 ILX both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.6 out of 10. You probably care about Acura ILX fuel economy, so it's important to know that the ILX gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the ILX has 12.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Acura ILX. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Acura ILX?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Acura ILX:
- Navigation system adds real-time traffic information
- Part of the first ILX generation introduced for 2013
Is the Acura ILX reliable?
To determine whether the Acura ILX is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the ILX. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the ILX's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Acura ILX a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Acura ILX is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 ILX and gave it a 6.6 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 ILX is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Acura ILX?
The least-expensive 2021 Acura ILX is the 2021 Acura ILX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $25,950.
Other versions include:
- 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) which starts at $25,950
- 4dr Sedan w/Premium Package (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) which starts at $27,950
- 4dr Sedan w/Premium and A-Spec Packages (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) which starts at $29,950
- 4dr Sedan w/Technology and A-Spec Packages (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) which starts at $31,850
What are the different models of Acura ILX?
If you're interested in the Acura ILX, the next question is, which ILX model is right for you? ILX variants include 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM), 4dr Sedan w/Premium Package (2.4L 4cyl 8AM), 4dr Sedan w/Premium and A-Spec Packages (2.4L 4cyl 8AM), and 4dr Sedan w/Technology and A-Spec Packages (2.4L 4cyl 8AM). For a full list of ILX models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more