Used 2021 Acura ILX

Not only is the 2021 Acura ILX compact luxury sedan a gateway into the premium world of Acura ownership, it might also serve as an introduction to luxury motoring in general. That’s because it’s one of the least expensive brand-new luxury cars on sale in the United States. Yet it can still compete with sophisticated European rivals like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3.

Based on the previous-generation Honda Civic platform, the ILX is a completely convincing premium vehicle with a comfortable cabin full of many luxury and safety features. It also has responsive handling. Its 2.4-liter engine isn’t the most inspiring, but it does the job and returns acceptable fuel economy in the process.

The ILX holds its value well, enjoying one of the lowest ownership costs of any car in its class. It has won KBB’s 5-year Cost to Own Award (for entry-level luxury cars) five years in a row, the most recent being 2020.

Small-displacement turbocharged engines power most of the 2021 ILX’s rivals. Acura has chosen to stick with its 2.4-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder unit.

It produces 201 horsepower, which is a respectable amount for the class, at least at the base level. Its slick twin-clutch 8-speed automatic transmission is also a cut above.

The ILX feels quick off the line, with plenty of punch for dashing through that gap in traffic. On the highway, however, power doesn’t come in with gusto until the tach needle edges past 4,000 rpm.

The ILX’s 180 lb-ft of torque is the culprit here. That figure is near the bottom of the class, and definitely noticeable when trying to pass at high speeds.

However, there’s a lot more to like about the ILX, such as responsive handling, snug seats, and good brakes. There is some noticeable road noise inside the cabin, especially over rough surfaces, but the ILX’s 34 mpg on the highway is another definite plus.

The ILX’s 5-seater interior is mostly impressive for the money. High points include comfortable and well-bolstered front seats, an excellent driving position, and snazzy color choices that include Ebony, Espresso, and Ebony/Red in the sporty ILX A-Spec variants.

However, the optional navigation system looks dated, along with some of the plastic parts around the center storage area. Base models have only a small, 5-inch infotainment screen.

Things improve with the Premium package, which brings a twin-screen setup. The 8-inch upper screen is ready to connect to an Apple or Android phone, the bottom unit handles climate settings, audio info, and other data.

The ILX’s rear seats are on the stingier side space-wise, no big surprise given this car’s small dimensions. Unfortunately, even the top versions lack rear air vents. Standard folding rear seats help improve the flexibility of the trunk’s smallish 12.4 cubic feet of cargo room.

The 2021 ILX has the now-familiar Diamond Pentagon grille, the last member of the Acura family to receive this treatment.

A makeover in 2019 reworked the ILX’s front end from the A-pillars forward. The rear also had some tweaks, with the license plate holder moving from the center down to the bumper, giving a lower, sportier impression.

Those changes worked well. A-Spec models have a spicier feel with exclusive 18-inch wheels, dark chrome grille, gloss-black rear spoiler, and darkened exterior elements like the headlights and taillights.

ACURAWATCH
Standard in every 2021 Acura ILX compact-luxury sedan, the AcuraWatch system includes a set of driver aids that are increasingly necessary in modern driving conditions. In the bundle are lane departure warning/assistance, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Unusual in a car at this price, the ILX’s 8-speed automatic transmission contributes to both performance and fuel economy. The dual-clutch transmission was developed with input from Acura’s racing division and provides manual control with paddle shifters mounted beneath the steering wheel.

In its least expensive form, the base 2021 ILX has a powered moonroof, keyless entry/ignition, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Plus, the AcuraWatch array of safety and driver assistance systems (see Favorite Features).

For just $2,000 more, the Premium package adds desirable features like the twin-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, leather-trimmed sport seats, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, satellite/HD Radio, and a universal garage door opener.

After the Premium package comes the Technology package, adding navigation with real-time traffic updates, a multi-view rearview camera, AcuraLink smartphone app integration, and a sweet-sounding 10-speaker ELS Studio audio system.

The A-Spec package can be added to ILX models with the Premium or Technology packages. ILX A-Spec variants bring no extra power, but add sporty flair with larger wheels, plus specific exterior and interior cosmetic elements.

The Acura ILX has a naturally aspirated (no turbochargers here) 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine connected to an 8-speed twin-clutch automated transmission. Paddle shifters mounted beneath the steering wheel are standard, allowing the driver to change gears whenever the mood arises.

The Mercedes-Benz A 220 has a smaller turbo engine and a 7-speed transmission. The ILX’s setup is nevertheless commendable for its refinement and immediate power delivery. Unlike many rivals, the ILX comes solely with front-wheel drive.

Averaging around 28 mpg, the ILX’s engine is an efficient operator, but Acura recommends using pricier premium 91-octane 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