What's New
- After updating its styling in 2019, Acura has made no changes to the 2021 ILX
Pros & Cons
- Solid value
- Comfy front-row seats
- Plenty of standard equipment
- Noisy on the road
- Soft driving experience
- Teeny-tiny back seat
Acura ILX Overview
While Acura’s other vehicles get all the attention, the subcompact ILX sedan has plugged along out of the spotlight in the automaker’s lineup since 2013. Those early examples even earned a spot on our 2021 list of the Best Used Cars For $15,000 because they’re not dramatically different from the ones you can buy new from the dealer today. That said, the ILX did get major overhauls in 2016 and 2019. The first revamp brought more technology and axed the model’s lower-powered engines. 2019’s makeover brought more technology and updated styling. The automaker made no changes to the model for 2021.
Those updates help, but they can’t entirely disguise the fact that the ILX is based on the circa-2012 Honda Civic. Despite its advancing years, the ILX has remained popular within its small niche, keeping pace with many of its rivals. The Acura sold almost 14,700 units in 2019 and well over 13,000 in 2020. That compares decently with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, 17,600 of which rolled off dealer lots in 2019.
Like most subcompact premium cars, the ILX is aimed at younger buyers who don’t always need lots of interior room. The front seats are comfortable and capacious but the back is tight. The 12.4 cubic-foot trunk, on the other hand, actually compares pretty well to the class overall. The ILX lags rivals in driving experience, however. It’s a poised handler but lacks power compared to cars like the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe or (admittedly larger) Cadillac CT4. It’s also fairly noisy inside at speed, and the base model lacks a proper infotainment system.
Still, the littlest Acura has a strong value proposition. It brings a reputation for quality and a long list of standard features to the table for a modest price tag, just $27,545 to start, about $7,000 to $10,000 less than some competitors. Outfitting the ILX with almost every available option still yields a car that stickers around the base price of the rival A-Class.
Trim Specifications
Acura offers the 2021 ILX in three configurations: Base, Premium Package and A-Spec Package. All models are powered by the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.
The base ILX starts at $27,545 and comes with 17-inch wheels, a power moonroof, LED headlights and daytime running lights, sport seats with leatherette upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control a smart entry system with push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, active sound control, ambient interior lighting, six speakers, Bluetooth, USB inputs and Pandora compatibility. Standard safety gear includes forward collision warnings and automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. There’s also a multi-view rearview camera system. Strangely, the base model does not include an infotainment touchscreen, a major omission.
Acura defines its models by packages rather than conventional trims, but the $2,000 ILX Premium Package (total MSRP: $29,545) adds sport seats with Milano leather upholstery and contrast stitching, memory driver’s seat positioning, a premium audio system, SiriusXM radio, HD radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts. The package also brings an 8-inch infotainment screen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, though it still isn’t quite a modern system, inputs are controlled by a second screen located lower on the dashboard.
Two more packages can only be unlocked if you purchase the Premium Package. The sporty-looking A-Spec package, an additional $2,000 (total MSRP: $31,545), adds LED fog lights, aggressive exterior styling elements and A-Spec seats with perforated Milano and “ultrasuede” upholstery.
The Technology Package ($1,900) can be added with or without the A-Spec, and includes navigation with 3D view, GPS-linked climate controls, a multi-view rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, and updated audio. A large number of wheel and accessory items are available to personalize the ILX, though they can add up.
Warranty
4 Years/50,000 Miles
6 Years/70,000 Miles
5 Years/Unlimited Miles
4 Years/50,000 Miles