The compact luxury sedan market tells an interesting tale of balance. Cars in this segment must deliver premium features without the premium price tag that typically comes with larger luxury vehicles. The Acura ILX (DE3) managed this balancing act from 2018 to 2022, marking the final chapter of its first generation.
This last iteration of the ILX emerged as Acura’s answer to a growing demand for attainable luxury. While based on the Honda Civic’s platform, the ILX carved out its own identity through distinctive styling and upmarket amenities, proving that luxury doesn’t always require a hefty investment.
Performance That Speaks Volumes
The heart of the ILX beats with a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine, pushing out 201 horsepower at 6,800 rpm. Unlike many competitors who switched to smaller turbocharged engines, Acura stuck with this tried-and-true powerplant, delivering linear power delivery and immediate throttle response.
“After driving the ILX for six months, I’m impressed by how the engine maintains its smoothness even at high RPMs. The power delivery feels more natural than my previous turbocharged vehicle.” – Mark Thompson, ILX owner since 2019
The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission deserves special mention. Its quick shifts and intelligent gear selection make daily driving a breeze, while the torque converter eliminates the low-speed jerkiness common in other dual-clutch systems. Highway passing maneuvers feel confident, with the transmission dropping multiple gears when needed.
The suspension setup brings another pleasant surprise. MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear configuration strike a sweet spot between comfort and handling. Body roll stays minimal through corners, yet the ride quality remains composed over rough pavement.
Design Evolution: More Than Meets the Eye
The 2018 refresh brought the Diamond Pentagon grille, aligning the ILX with Acura’s newer design language. Clean body lines and LED lighting create a sophisticated presence that ages gracefully. These key design elements helped maintain the car’s visual appeal throughout its production run:
- jewel-eye LED headlights with a distinctive light signature;
- sharply creased hood and character lines;
- chrome accents that highlight without overwhelming;
- A-Spec package adding dark chrome and larger wheels;
- integrated rear spoiler enhancing the sporty profile.
The exterior dimensions hit the sweet spot for urban environments. Parking proves manageable, while the wheelbase length maintains passenger comfort. Paint quality and panel gaps show attention to detail expected from a premium brand.
Interior Comfort: Where Luxury Meets Practicality
Step inside, and the ILX greets you with a driver-focused cockpit. The front seats offer 8-way power adjustment, finding that elusive balance between support during spirited driving and comfort on longer journeys.
“The interior layout just makes sense. Everything falls naturally to hand, and the materials feel substantial. My previous BMW 2-Series actually had more hard plastics.” – Sarah Chen, ILX A-Spec owner
Material quality exceeds expectations at this price point. Soft-touch surfaces cover frequent contact points, while metallic accents break up the dark interior theme. The A-Spec trim adds red gauges and contrast stitching, injecting some sporting character without crossing into gaudy territory.
Rear seat space might surprise those familiar with the segment. Two adults fit comfortably, though the sloping roofline does impact headroom for taller passengers. The 12.4 cubic feet trunk handles weekly groceries or airport runs with equal capability.
Technology and Safety: A Step Ahead
Acura packed the ILX with an impressive array of safety features. The AcuraWatch suite includes:
- collision mitigation braking;
- adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow;
- lane keeping assist system;
- road departure mitigation;
- multi-view rear camera.
The dual-screen infotainment setup initially seems complex but becomes intuitive after a short learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration brings familiar smartphone interfaces to the upper display, while climate controls remain readily accessible on the lower screen.
The Final Verdict
The Acura ILX’s departure from the market in 2022 marked the end of an era. Despite sharing foundations with the Civic, it successfully carved out its own identity through thoughtful engineering and premium touches.
Looking back, the ILX represents a unique value proposition in the entry-luxury segment. It prioritized reliability and proven technology over cutting-edge features, appealing to buyers seeking long-term ownership satisfaction.
Pros and Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Reliable naturally aspirated engine with proven track record | Aging platform compared to newer competitors |
| Smooth and responsive 8-speed dual-clutch transmission | Interior design shows its age in certain areas |
| Comprehensive safety features as standard equipment | No all-wheel drive option available |
| Excellent value retention compared to European rivals | Limited customization options |
| Lower maintenance costs than competitor brands | Fuel economy lags behind turbocharged alternatives |
| Premium audio system delivers impressive sound quality | Dual-screen infotainment may feel dated to some |
| Spacious trunk for the segment | Conservative styling might not appeal to all buyers |
The ILX’s final years proved that luxury doesn’t always require the latest technology or the highest price tag. Instead, it demonstrated how thoughtful engineering and attention to detail could create a compelling entry-luxury package that stood the test of time.