Acura has refreshed the ILX for the 2019 model year, marking the second time the compact sedan has been revised since its introduction in 2013. The ILX has always had a hard time standing apart from the Honda Civic, which it's based off of, but that changes with the latest model that has a new look and more technology features.
The most obvious part of the refresh is the new exterior design that sees the sedan get Acura's corporate nose. The brand claims that the ILX is all new from the A-pillars forward and gets inspiration from the Precision Concept from the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. Other notable changes at the front include Acura's seven-element Jewel Eye LED headlights and a chiseled hood. The rear of the sedan also gets a new look with a redesigned fascia and new taillights.
Changes have also been made to the interior, but they're not as big. The sedan still has a two-screen layout, but the interface system gets new software that improves response time and now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The seats have been restyled and the driver's seat gets power-adjustable lumbar support as standard.
While the new exterior design was sorely needed, the new tech features are what really make the ILX more attractive. AcuraWatch is now standard on the sedan, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and road departure mitigation.
Acura has also given the new ILX the A-Spec treatment, which sees the sedan wear dark chrome trim pieces on the outside, bespoke 18-inch wheels, a gloss-black rear spoiler, graphite-silver dash accents, an A-Spec steering wheel, and aluminum sport pedals. The A-Spec model also gets special sport seats with contrast stitching and Ultrasuede center panels. All of this is done to give the ILX A-Spec a sporty edge over other trims.
Regardless of what variant you go with, the ILX continues to be powered by a 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-four engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission is as standard, as is front-wheel drive.
Pricing for the 2019 ILX hasn't been announced yet, but we expect the sedan to start at approximately $29,095 (which includes the $995 destination fee). The vehicle arrives in dealerships across the country in October.