2021 Acura ILX

Price Range: $17,990 - $26,998

Acura ILX Technology and A-SPEC Packages Sedan Exterior Shown

Below Average

The 2021 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.

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Acura ILX for Sale

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Average price: $18,991

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Appraise My 2021 Acura ILX

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Many tech features are outdated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

Overview

Written by automotive expert Travis Langness

12/17/2020

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.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Below Average

6.6

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Acura ILX on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

6/10

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.

Comfort

6.5/10

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.

Interior

6.5/10

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.

Technology

6/10

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.

Storage

6.5/10

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.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

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.

Value

8/10

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

6.5/10

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.

For sale near Columbus, OH

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2021 Acura ILX
Sedan w/Premium and A-Spec Packages
$18,898
good price
$1,032 below market
- 84,165 miles
- 24 City / 34 Hwy MPG
- 2 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Columbus, OH
Modern Steel Metallic 2021 Acura ILX Premium and A-SPEC Packages FWD 8-Speed Dual-Clutch 2.4L I4 DOHC i-VTEC 16V ONE OWNER!!, LEATHER, MOONROOF SUNROO...
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (24 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
19UDE2F85MA009581
Stock:
MA009581
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
09-09-2026
New Listing
Stock photo^**
2021 Acura ILX
Sedan
Not Priced
- 94,160 miles
- 24 City / 34 Hwy MPG
- 2 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Columbus, OH
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (24 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
19UDE2F33MA006487
Stock:
MA006487
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
10-05-2026

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2021 Acura ILX trim level differences

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 the 2021 Acura ILX trim levels in-depth.

Which ILX trim 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 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

27 reviews

5(67%)

4(11%)

3(4%)

2(11%)

1(7%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

2020 ILX an Incredible Vehicle

Rob, 05/14/2020

2020 Acura ILX Technology and A-SPEC Packages 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM)

Before purchasing this car, I did a TON of reading both professional and consumer reviews as well as watching YouTube review videos. Some professional reviewers get behind the wheel, floor the gas pedal, and then say it's noisy and not fast enough. But the truth is most drivers don't floor the gas in everyday driving. For a driver like myself going to work every day in a normal commute I …

Good bang for the buck

D, 03/19/2021

2021 Acura ILX 4dr Sedan w/Technology and A-Spec Packages (2.4L 4cyl 8AM)

Great entry level luxury sedan, from the sporty look and feel to the excellent handling. We opted for all the upgrades, A-spec, premium and technology packages. Nice jump off the line, but not as robust once going 60 or more, but that is a tradeoff. The voice navigation system is well done, allowing for hands free lookup and routing to restaurants, shopping and other points of …

Sporty GoGetter on California Freeways

DonLBCA, 08/06/2020

2020 Acura ILX Premium and A-SPEC Packages 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM)

I LOVE this Sporty Car! It handles amazing, rides amazing, my clients and friends Compliment it as Better than their BMWs and Mercedes, - especially considering the Great Gas Mileage and Price. Great Bang for Your Buck if you Live in Your Car like I do. This Car Zips around traffic, and gleefully Cruises at 80mph for Hours without a Hiccup. The Sport Mode is Terrific in the California …

The Best Car I've Ever Owned

Scott, 07/04/2020

2020 Acura ILX Premium Package 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM)

I first saw the ILX at the auto show near me in February and was immediately drawn in by its styling, logical controls, and price. My daily driver was a 2011 Civic at the time, which had been consistently reliable and had a nice character to it. (It's now my second/backup car; why get rid of a perfectly good vehicle?) Honda's reputation for quality and reliability was the first factor in … my decision to look further into this car. When I started researching it, I was shocked to see so many negative reviews. Then I realized what they were comparing the car to. This isn't one of those cars that young people drag down the freeway. It's also not an Audi or Mercedes in terms of price (I even cross-shopped the Mercedes-Benz A220 along with the Honda Accord). What this car truly represents is a step between mainstream vehicles (Accord, Camry, etc) and full-blown luxury (BMW 3 Series, Audi A4). It's a spot which, at one time, belonged to the Oldsmobile Cutlass. You bought a Cutlass to step up from Chevy and after you had your performance car phase with Pontiac. It wasn't a Cadillac, but you didn't need a Cadillac--just something that was a little nicer than your Malibu. Oldsmobile (and Mercury, for that matter) are long gone, so many people have trouble placing a "step up" model these days. What the ILX gives you is a car that is fun to drive, is very comfortable, and is easy to use. Controls are often difficult to figure out on new cars; even something as simple as shifting into drive can be a challenge for someone who hasn't bought a new car in a while. The ILX uses traditional controls and was very easy to learn, even coming from a low-tech model like a 2011 Civic. It's also nice to see a car with a non-turbo engine and a regular automatic transmission rather than a CVT. You even get a CD player. Some of us appreciate the old-school touches like that, especially knowing what long term reliability and proven performance look like! I have no problems with the interior materials, and I even sat in the A220 and rented an Evoque last year! The leather is high grade and the plastic, in no way, feels cheap. The steering wheel has a very nice feel to it as well. The dual screen setup, to me, is a huge perk. I worked with a similar system on an older Accord a few years back and I'm shocked Honda seems to want to phase it out. It was easy to learn and works very well. Again, it's a proven winner. Regarding comparisons to Civics--I have a Civic and have driven the current model. These are two entirely different vehicles in character and refinement. The Civic may have more performance options in the Si trim, but if you're buying the ILX, you're probably looking more for refinement, not to win a drag race. That's what this car gives you--a lot of luxury in a small package. Just because it's derived from the Civic doesn't make it a Civic. Remember, the CR-V was also derived from the Civic platform and is an entirely different vehicle. As a longtime Civic owner, I can also tell you that being related to the Civic is a good thing. Aside from age-related maintenance like a muffler and brakes, my Civic has never let me down, 145K miles later. I drove an Accord as well and it's a similar car in terms of feel, but smaller. In fact, the ILX feels more like a small Accord with a few refinements. A comparably-equipped Accord is bigger, but $5000 more. If you don't consistently haul around passengers but want the luxury, go for the ILX. The Accord is a little bit quieter in terms of road noise if that matters to you, but also has a steeper learning curve with some controls. To sum this up: test-drive the ILX and see for yourself what a wonderful car it really is. I've enjoyed every minute behind the wheel of mine since purchasing it and am looking forward to having it as my daily driver for a long time.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Acura ILX, so we've included reviews for other years of the ILX since its last redesign.

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2021 Acura ILX Features & Specs

Est. Market Value	$20,873
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$218/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Reliability

The 2021 Acura ILX has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, ranks it #1 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent

#1 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$372/yr

vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car

Frequency

0.86x/yr

vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car

Severity

4.4%

vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2021 Acura ILX

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Compare the Acura ILX

Acura ILX
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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.

Compare Acura ILX & Mercedes-Benz A-Class features

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.

Compare Acura ILX & Audi A3 features

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.

Compare Acura ILX & Volvo S60 features

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.

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	10.7%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Not Tested
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good

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. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2021 ILX gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 27 reviews) 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

Learn more

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 4-star 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. Our consumer reviews show that the 2021 ILX gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 27 reviews). 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 Package (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) which starts at $30,000
4dr Sedan w/Technology and A-Spec Packages (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) which starts at $31,850

Learn more

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 Package (2.4L 4cyl 8AM). For a full list of ILX models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$218/mo

$228/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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