Acura ILX

Name: 2021 Acura ILX
Brand: Acura

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Sometimes you just can't transcend humble origins. Trying to make a premium model out of the previous generation Honda Civic is a fool's errand, as proven by the Acura ILX. Adding projector headlights and slapping the Acura badge on the car shouldn't deceive anyone. There is nothing wrong with the concept of providing an upscale experience in a small package, but the ILX's hard ride and loud cabin undermine the intended upscale experience. Charging a premium for the ILX amounts to some chutzpah on Honda's part.

2021 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

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Acura ILX

vs. Similar Cars

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

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2021 Luxury small cars Ratings

2021 Acura ILX

$18,725 - $21,700

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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EPA MPG 28 mpg

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20 miles

25 mpg

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EPA MPG 27 mpg

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EPA MPG 27 mpg

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EPA MPG 29 mpg

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2.4-liter 4 (201 hp)

8-speed sequential

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2016-2022

2016 Redesign Year

Facing modest sales and negative reviews, Acura made extensive changes to their entry-level luxury compact for 2016. Engine choices shrank to one, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a standard dual-clutch transmission, which is clunky and reluctant to downshift. As in other Acuras, the dual-screen infotainment system proved unintuitive to use. More luxury features were added, and the optional AcuraWatch system included forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Handling is sound, but the ride is stiff and choppy, road noise is pronounced, and the driver's seat lacks lower back support, all of which undermine the ILX's pretense of affordable luxury. While the ILX is based on the previous-generation Honda Civic, the redesigned-for-2016 Civic proves to be a more fulfilling and enjoyable car than the Acura.

2013-2015

2013 Redesign Year

Acura's entry-level luxury compact sedan shares its underpinnings with the Honda Civic, but it has different suspension tuning, as well as fancier features and nicer interior materials. Three four-cylinder engines were available: a 2.0-liter base, 1.5-liter hybrid, and a high-revving 2.4-liter four that was mated solely to a six-speed manual. The base engine and five-speed automatic are refined and economical but acceleration is uninspiring. Controls were simple enough, especially without the navigation system, and the rear seat was spacious for a compact sedan. The ILX offered limited variations; the Premium package added HID headlights and satellite radio, while the Technology package threw in navigation and an upgraded ELS surround audio system. Model year 2014 saw the addition of heated leather seats and active noise cancellation. Handling is sound, but the ride is choppy and road noise is pronounced, undermining this Acura's "affordable luxury" promise.