Acura’s premium compact sedan, the ILX offers near-luxury appointments and upscale looks at friendly price. A newcomer to the U.S. market, the ILX enters its second model year for 2014.
What's New for 2014
To reinforce its luxury aspirations, and to further differentiate it from the Honda Civic with which it shares a platform, Acura added standard equipment like leather seating with driver power and heat in front, and 17-inch wheels.
Choosing Your Acura ILX
The ILX comes with one of two engines:
- A 150-horsepower 2-liter four-cylinder matched to a five speed automatic transmission, and good for 28 mpg in combined driving.
- The optional 2.4-liter boosts output to 201 horsepower, drops fuel efficiency to 25 mpg combined, and requires a six-speed manual.
Given its efforts to position the ILX as a luxury car, Acura has made a few odd packaging decisions. If you want the larger engine, you can't have an automatic transmission or a navigation system.
The model lineup has been renamed this year to reflect transmission type rather engine displacement:
Despite its high content, the ILX is off to a slow start. The tepid sales have nothing to do its quality, but the lack of an automatic transmission in the 2.4-liter model. Low demand means greater bargaining power for you when shopping.
If you prefer shifting for yourself and don't mind the absence of navigation, the 2.4 is our choice for an enjoyable near-luxury driving experience.