2019 Acura ILX Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What's new

Refreshed exterior and interior designRevised dual-screen infotainment interfaceApple CarPlay and Android Auto now availableStandard AcuraWatch safety systemPart of the first ILX generation introduced for 2013

　　The 2019 Acura ILX gets a variety of updates this year. For one, there's new front-end styling, and that change alone might be enough for some shoppers to put the ILX on their list. The new grille is similar to those used on other newly designed Acuras, and it helps the ILX have a sportier look to it.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Acura ILX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$166/mo  for ILX Base

　　ILX Base

　　4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) - $25,900 MSRPPremium Package 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) (Most Popular) - $27,650 MSRPTechnology Package 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) - $29,550 MSRPPremium and A-SPEC Packages 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) - $29,650 MSRPTechnology and A-SPEC Packages 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) - $31,550 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　It also doesn't hurt that the ILX's price goes down for 2019, making it one of the least expensive entry-level luxury sedans around. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available, and they are welcome additions to the ILX's infotainment system. Basically, the Acura ILX offers a luxury badge and lots of standard equipment at a bargain price.

　　Unfortunately, the cost savings are apparent when you spend a lot of time in this car. The core of the issue is that the current ILX is based on the last-generation Honda Civic, a car that exemplified Honda at its most complacent. Acura has not been able to cover up all the cheap, hollow-feeling plastics or compensate for the worse-than-average cabin noise levels. Acceleration from the ILX's four-cylinder engine is also subpar.

　　The 2019 ILX is comfortable to sit in, and it comes from a brand with a reputation for reliability and easy ownership. But pretty much any other entry-level luxury vehicle offers a more rich and more upscale driving experience.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　The 2019 Acura ILX gets a variety of updates this year. For one, there's new front-end styling, and that change alone might be enough for some shoppers to put the ILX on their list. The new grille is similar to those used on other newly designed Acuras, and it helps the ILX have a sportier look to it.

　　It also doesn't hurt that the ILX's price goes down for 2019, making it one of the least expensive entry-level luxury sedans around. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available, and they are welcome additions to the ILX's infotainment system. Basically, the Acura ILX offers a luxury badge and lots of standard equipment at a bargain price.

　　Unfortunately, the cost savings are apparent when you spend a lot of time in this car. The core of the issue is that the current ILX is based on the last-generation Honda Civic, a car that exemplified Honda at its most complacent. Acura has not been able to cover up all the cheap, hollow-feeling plastics or compensate for the worse-than-average cabin noise levels. Acceleration from the ILX's four-cylinder engine is also subpar.

　　The 2019 ILX is comfortable to sit in, and it comes from a brand with a reputation for reliability and easy ownership. But pretty much any other entry-level luxury vehicle offers a more rich and more upscale driving experience.

　　

Driving

　　The ILX can be fun to drive, but the engine lacks power low in the rev range, which means you'll need to keep it above 4,000 rpm for best responsiveness. Luckily, the transmission is quick and smooth, and it responds rapidly to inputs.

　　

Acceleration

　　The ILX's non-turbocharged four-cylinder makes all its power high in the rev range, feeling and sounding best at 4,000 rpm or higher. While this is good fun in the right conditions, it leaves you feeling flat-footed driving in a city or stop-and-go traffic.

　　

Braking

　　The brakes are responsive without feeling grabby, with intuitive pedal response. The ILX tracks straight during panic stops.

　　

Steering

　　The steering is light but offers some feedback from the wheels, which can be lacking in this class. The quick turn-in and direct response help the ILX feel a bit sporty.

　　

Handling

　　The ILX feels planted, even over bumps, and is more than capable in typical driving. There's notable body roll, and for a sporty luxury vehicle the limits are low but pleasantly approachable. The car is quite balanced and will oversteer gently under braking.

　　

Drivability

　　The transmission shifts quickly and smoothly and responds immediately to manual inputs. In Sport mode it will stay in the powerband, but in Normal mode, it will shift frequently, unable to easily balance upshifts for economy and downshifts needed for power.

　　

Comfort

　　The ILX has comfortable seats and a ride tuned more for comfort than performance. The climate control system is functional and simple. But cabin noise is a prominent issue.

　　

Seat comfort

　　The front seat cushions are supportive and not overly firm. They should fit a variety of bodies and are good for long-range comfort. Ditto the contoured rear bench. But there's no real bolstering to speak of, an issue during spirited driving.

　　

Ride comfort

　　The ride is compliant without feeling floaty, tuned more for comfort than handling performance. Most drivers will appreciate the softer calibration.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　The engine sounds healthy at all speeds, but noise is an issue in the ILX. Road and tire noise is intrusive at freeway speeds, and there's not as much isolation from external noises as in other luxury cars.

　　

Climate control

　　The ILX comes standard with a dual-zone climate control system that's simple and functional.

　　

Interior

　　While some surfaces have nice soft-touch coverings, the bulk of the ILX's interior feels hollow and plasticky — an unfortunate carryover from the ILX's last-gen Civic roots. The controls are simple and easy to find, but otherwise the interior feels tighter and less premium than those of rivals.

　　

Ease of use

　　The dual-screen infotainment system adds unnecessary complication, but the physical controls are clearly labeled and easy to find.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　The seats are high relative to the ground, and the front door openings tall and square, making for easy front ingress and egress. The tighter back seat requires ducking down a bit, but overall it's easy to slide in and out of.

　　

Driving position

　　You feel relatively high up in the ILX, with armrests and controls somewhat low compared to your position. It's not ideal for sporty driving, but it's comfortable enough.

　　

Roominess

　　Rear passengers will notice a lack of legroom, although headroom is enough for average-size adults. The front seat offers sufficient elbow and knee room, although taller-than-average drivers might find headroom a bit tight.

　　

Visibility

　　The front windshield pillars hamper your view for turns, but otherwise there's good visibility in the ILX. It's pretty easy to see out the back and over your shoulders, and the rearview camera provides a large — though not high-definition — view.

　　

Quality

　　The ILX is cursed with economy-car bones that it simply can't cover up. The seats and steering wheel, along with some important touchpoints, feel nice, but otherwise the prevailing impression is of hard, cheap plastic. We also noticed some creaks and rattles, which added to the impression of below-average materials quality.

　　

Utility

　　The trunk is reasonably sized at 12.4 cubic feet, but there's a distinct lack of good storage options for small items around the cabin. LATCH points are at least clearly marked, although bulky rear-facing seats will impede front-seat movement.

　　

Technology

　　While the ILX comes with a lot of the features you expect from a luxury car, they largely feel firmly rooted in last-generation technology. If you're upgrading from an older car you're liable to be impressed, but shoppers who have sampled current luxury tech features will be underwhelmed.

　　

Audio & navigation

　　The dual-screen infotainment system is an unnecessary complication, requiring the user to learn which commands and features run on which screen and to regularly switch between touch and dial-based interfaces.

　　

Smartphone integration

　　While Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration are available, the interface doesn't use the ILX's touchscreen for some unfathomable reason. Instead, you have to use a dial to navigate your phone.

　　

Driver aids

　　All the driver aids you expect are present, but none come from the most recent generation of technology. Adaptive cruise operates smoothly for the most part, but it cuts out automatically below a certain speed, requiring the driver to take control when traffic slows.

　　

Which ILX does zzdcar recommend?

　　Get the ILX with the Premium package. It combines a low price with basically all the features you'll need. You'll miss out on the navigation system from the more expensive Technology package, but this year's new smartphone integration lets you use your favorite nav app anyway.

　　

2019 Acura ILX models

　　The Acura ILX starts with a reasonably well-equipped base trim level and offers three major upgrade packages. All trim levels rely on the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 201 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and powers the ILX's front wheels.

　　Standard equipment on the ILX includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, LED head- and taillights, proximity entry and push-button start, a power sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats and faux leather upholstery. The base model makes do with a single-screen infotainment system with Bluetooth audio streaming and a six-speaker stereo system.

　　The AcuraWatch suite of safety features and driver aids comes standard, so the ILX has forward collision alert with emergency automatic braking, lane keeping assist and road departure mitigation, and even adaptive cruise control (although it doesn't operate below 25 mph). A rear camera with multiple view options is also standard.

　　Adding the Premium package brings you blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, perforated leather upholstery, a four-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Premium package upgrades the infotainment system with a second touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a subwoofer.

　　From there, the Technology package also adds navigation with real-time traffic, AcuraLink services integration, a premium 10-speaker stereo, and dynamic guidelines for the rearview camera display.

　　The A-Spec package can be added to the base car or in conjunction with either of the other upgrades. It's primarily an appearance package, with unique trim and interior colors and faux-suede seat inserts. It also sports 18-inch alloy wheels with slightly wider tires.

　　Jump to:Related 2019 ILX articles

　　

2019 ILX Highlights

Trim: BasePremium PackageTechnology PackagePremium and A-SPEC PackagesTechnology and A-SPEC PackagesBase

　　

Base MSRP	$25,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$166/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles