What's New
The big deal for the 2020 Acura ILX is that nothing is changing, even the price. The premium compact sedan received a significant update in 2019 which brought the brand’s latest exterior styling theme, increased safety technology, and even a price reduction. Still, the interior feels a bit uninspired compared to others in its class.
Choosing Your Acura ILX
The Acura ILX is offered in four trims: ILX, Premium, Technology, and A-Spec. Pricing starts at $26,895 for the base ILX and climbs to $30,745 for the A-Spec.
Engine Choices
The ILX is exclusively available with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 201 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels by an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that integrates a torque converter for smoother takeoffs from stops.
The setup achieves an EPA-estimated 24 miles per gallon city, 34 mpg highway, and 28 combined.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The ILX is a five-seat sedan. Its 34 inches of rear legroom and 12.4-cubic-foot trunk are notably less than the Honda Civic, which rides on a newer platform.
Safety Features
The base ILX includes a near-full roster of active safety equipment and advanced driver aids, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are included on all other trims.
Connectivity
The base ILX utilizes a five-inch touchscreen, but most everybody will want to move up to the Premium's 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth, a USB port, Pandora compatibility, and Siri Eyes Free are included on all trims. Navigation is standard starting with the Technology trim.
The entry-level ILX includes 17-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and heated side mirrors. Proximity entry makes way to the leatherette covered seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
The ILX Premium trim receives several updates to the interior. In addition to the upgraded infotainment system, it adds leather seating, memory functionality for the driver's seat and side mirrors, and a four-way power passenger's seat. The exterior is distinguished by differently colored wheels, and safety is enhanced with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
The ILX Technology trim builds on the Premium and adds navigation, AcuraLink connected services, dynamic guidelines to the rearview camera, and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Studio audio system.
The ILX A-Spec also builds on the Premium but adds a sportier exterior and interior. A dark chrome grille surround, darkened headlight and taillight housings, LED fog lights, a black rear diffuser and spoiler, and 18-inch black-colored wheels give the exterior its own look. Suede-inserts for the seats, unique trim pieces, an ebony headliner, and stainless-steel pedals contribute to the sportier sense from inside.
Compare ILX Trims Side-By-Side
The 2020 Acura ILX A-Spec feels like a return to the days of the Integra with a strong sense of value and sport. The base trim is worth passing over as it lacks the better infotainment system, so start your search with the Premium.