Used 2022 Acura ILX

The 2022 Acura ILX premium compact sedan is the cheapest new Acura and one of the most affordable luxury cars. Yes, it’s based on the Honda Civic, but keep in mind that the Civic has evolved into a brilliant machine. So Acura is already starting from an advantage.

For young drivers looking to move up in the automotive world, wanting something better than the Corolla they had in college, the ILX is a great next step. And not just because it drives well and is generally classy.

From a cost of ownership perspective, the ILX is unrivaled among entry-level luxury cars. We’ve done plenty of homework on this subject, because we give out 5-Year Cost To Own awards every year. The last time the ILX won its category was, oh, 2021. The time before that was 2020 and the time before that was 2019 and the time before that…

Granted, an ILX won’t thrill like a BMW 2 Series, but that car is about $10,000 more. As the hours behind the wheel mount up, though, and the days and months of owning the car turn into years, people find that the ILX has its own particular charm.

There aren’t going to be many occasions when an ILX driver will be gunning the engine to 6,800 rpm and accessing maximum output of 201 horsepower. That’s a lot of effort for little reward.

Accelerating up to freeway speed needs that heavy right foot. When trying to overtake, drivers will wish their right foot was even heavier. Or, preferably, that the engine had more than 180 lb-ft of torque, which doesn’t create much thrust. Nor is the cabin as quiet as it should be for a luxury car.

Around town, though, the relative lightness of the ILX and well-tuned chassis give the car a spry feel. And the quick-shifting transmission is a bonus. The car’s compact footprint is also a boon when parking.

Many good things, offset by a few disappointments. That could describe the 2022 ILX as a whole, but specifically its cabin. Space up front is ample, the seats are comfortable, and there’s a choice of pleasing color schemes.

We can’t quite believe we’re writing this, but the standard infotainment system has a 5-inch display. That’s tiny. And Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration is not included. The Premium package rectifies that situation.

Rear legroom of 34 inches isn’t particularly accommodating. But if someone was thinking of buying a luxury compact car, they probably aren’t planning on driving around with three other adults on a regular basis.

Their luggage may not fit anyway, since the trunk measures 12.4 cubic feet. Trying to fit any more than three golf bags is optimistic. The rear seats do split and fold however, for a little cargo-carrying flexibility.

Everyone has their own tastes, so the merits or otherwise of the Acura ILX’s exterior design are neither here nor there. However, we think the current corporate styling approach has more to say for itself than what came before, which is a good thing.

The A-Spec treatments of a black mesh grille and gray alloy wheels definitely add presence. Premium pearl-effect paint finishes of white, black, blue or red add $500 to the final cost.

PREMIUM PACKAGE
Essentially, this is the trim that’s a step up from the base model and brings many of the features that most people will want in an entry-level luxury car. Such as a useful-sized infotainment display, smartphone integration, and blind-spot monitoring.

8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Acura (and parent company Honda) has enjoyed plenty of success in motorsport. One of the upshots is that some track technology trickles down into road cars. Like this dual-clutch automated transmission with shift paddles mounted beneath the steering wheel. Shifts are super-fast and super-smooth, and the unit can work hard without issues.

The basic 2022 ILX comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/daytime running lights/taillights, heated side mirrors, keyless entry/ignition, powered moonroof, heated front seats, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, simulated leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ambient cabin lighting.

The standard infotainment system’s 5-inch display and lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration are good reasons to forgo the base model and choose the Premium package.

The safety department looks healthier, bringing forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, plus adaptive cruise control.

Pricier versions of the 2022 ILX sound like the base model with option packages, but buyers can’t really pick and choose which packages they might want.

For $2,000 more, there’s the Premium package. This adds 17-inch alloy wheels with noise-reduction technology, 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, perforated leather seating surfaces, blind-spot monitoring, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, upgraded audio system, and a self-dimming rearview mirror with a garage door opener.

Another $2,000 brings us to the 2022 ILX with the Premium and A-Spec packages, where things become decidedly sportier. As well as black exterior elements that extend to a rear spoiler and rear diffuser, the ILX gains LED fog lights and 18-inch noise-reducing alloy wheels finished in Shark Gray.

The interior has A-Spec sport front seats covered with a mix of perforated leather and simulated suede, a special A-Spec steering wheel, red instrument panel, and stainless steel pedals.

At the top of the lineup, the Acura ILX with Technology and A-Spec packages builds on all that’s come before, while adding navigation with real-time traffic updates and route calculation, GPS-linked climate control, and an excellent 10-speaker ELS Studio audio system.

Just plain old natural aspiration (no turbochargers or superchargers) works for the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine in the 2022 ILX. Then again, perhaps a turbo might have been a good idea, since 201 horsepower is on the low side for a luxury car these days.

Only the front wheels receive drive, courtesy of an 8-speed automatic transmission. And Acura recommends premium gasoline.

2.4-liter inline-4
201 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
180 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/34 mpg