The 2021 Acura ILX MSRP starts at $26,100 & remains unchanged over the 2020 model year. Offered in a total of 5 different trim levels, the 2021 ILX offers a 2.4L Naturally Aspirated engine with a power output of 201 hp. As standard, the new 2021 ILX interior offers a long list of practical & modern features like Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility, leather upholstery, and more. The new 2021 Acura ILX also offers a choice between 6 different colors while the Apex Blue Pearl requires a package upgrade to Premium or A-Spec for an extra $2,000.
To add to the practicality, you can now own a new 2021 Acura ILX for $239/month for 36 months, with a downpayment of $2,799. However, this is a limited period offer. You can also get a customized lease plan for the 2021 Acura ILX according to your personal preferences. The Acura ILX receives tough competition from top-dogs of the mid-size sedan arena such as the Kia K5, Mazda 3, and Hyundai Sonata.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Pricing And Features
6.2
Engine And Performance
6.1
Fuel Economy
8.4
Interior
5.7
Exterior
7.0
Safety
8.1
Competition
8.0
Final Verdict
6.0
7.1
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
7.1
Overall Rating
The 2021 Acura ILX remains unchanged over the outgoing 2020 ILX. Powered by the same 2.4L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 cylinder engine, the 2021 Acura ILX horsepower figures go up to 201 hp, which is one of the highest in the segment. The ILX shares its underpinnings with its distant sibling, the Honda Civic. Being a part of the Honda Group, the ILX is one of the most reliable names amongst the competitors. It was awarded an overall rating of 81 points out of 100 by the J.D. Power ratings.
With a total of 201 hp at its disposal, the 2021 Acura ILX can complete a 0-60 mph sprint in a mere 6.4 seconds. Compared to the Kia K5 that does the same 0-60 mph in 8 seconds is way better. Acura also offers great lease plans with the 2021 Acura ILX with limited-time plans or even special tailored plans for each individual. The 2021 Acura ILX gets a base MSRP tag of $26,100 & the top of the line A-Spec with Technology Package goes all the up to $36,000.
2021 Acura ILX Sedan Front View
2021 Acura ILX Sedan Rear View
6.2/10 Pricing and Features
6.1/10 Engine and Performance
8.4/10 Fuel Economy
5.7/10 Interior
7.0/10 Exterior
8.1/10 Safety
8.0/10 Competition
6.0/10 Final Verdict
2021 Acura ILX Pricing and Features
6.2/10
The 2021 Acura ILX is offered in 4 different specifications: Standard, Premium Package, A-SPEC Package w/Premium Package, and A-SPEC Package w/Technology. The Standard trim is offered with a price tag of $26,100 which goes all the way up to $32,000 for the top-of-the-line specs. The same 2.4L Naturally Aspirated Inline 4 cylinder is offered across the complete line-up.
As standard, the 2021 Acura ILX gets some of the top safety and luxury features like a Keyless Access System with Acura Personalized Settings, Smart Entry, Pushbutton ignition, Leather-Wrapped steering wheel, Siri Eyes Free, and many more. However, the base trim still lacks the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, which are then offered as standard in the 'Premium' and above trims.
Even the ‘Base trim’ of the 2021 Acura ILX is very well equipped and comes with a very affordable price tag. However, we would surely recommend the Technology Package. It's generously priced and offers many top-notch features in return. With the Technology Package, you also get 10-speaker Surround Audio and Acura's Connected Services.
The ILX's powertrain seems to be aged, but the slick dual-clutch shifter comes to the rescue. The 2021 Acura ILX is equipped with a Naturally Aspirated 2.4 Liter Four Cylinder engine which packs a total of 201 Horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The only available engine is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic shifter which is made with the help of Acura's racing division.
The dual-clutch transmission on the Acura ILX is a game-changer. It shifts almost buttery smooth and offers a healthy acceleration. The slick DCT helps the 2021 Acura ILX to cross the 60 MPH mark in a mere 6.4 seconds. Also, the 14.9 seconds quarter-mile timing of the ILX is way swifter than the rivals. It further attains a top speed of 130 mph with the help of the slick 8-speed shifter.
Models
2021 Acura ILX
2021 Kia K5
2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Mazda 3
MSRP
$26,100
$23,590
$23,700
$22,850
Engine
2.4L NA Inline-4
1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4
2.5L NA Inline-4
2.5L NA Inline-4
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automated Manual
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
Power
201 hp @ 6,800 RPM
180 hp @ 6,000 RPM
191 hp @ 6,100 RPM
186 hp @ 6,000 RPM
Torque
180 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM
195 lb-ft @ 4,320 RPM
181 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
186 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
0-60 MPH
6.4 sec
7.8 sec
7.8 sec
7.5 sec
Quarter Mile
14.9sec
16.0 sec
16.0 sec
15.5 sec
Top Speed
130 MPH
130 MPH
130 MPH
130 MPH
With the 201 horsepower output, the 2021 Acura ILX seems to outperform most of its worthy rivals. The naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine packs enough torque to get your wheels rolling in no time. With the smallest block at its disposal, the 2021 Kia K5 gets the least power at its disposal. The 2021 Sonata on the other hand gets the biggest block as standard, however, it shares the same 0-60 mph timing with the K5.
The Acura ILX offers a decent fuel economy but it ain't gonna save you that much bucks on the fuel station. The Acura doesn't seem to be as stinting as some of its rivals in terms of fuel. The 2021 Acura ILX does 24 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway giving a combined 28 mpg. Also, the ILX sports a very tiny fuel tank as compared to the rivals. This gives it only a 369 miles combined range whereas rivals reach above 400 miles.
Models
2021 Acura ILX
2021 Kia K5
2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Mazda 3
MPG (City)
24
29
28
26
MPG (Highway)
34
38
38
35
MPG (Combined)
28
32
32
30
Fuel Capacity
13.2 gallons
14.8 gallons
14.8 gallons
13.2 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)
316.8/448.8/369.2 miles
429.2/562.4/473.6 miles
414.4/562.4/473.6 miles
343.2/462/396 miles
In comparison, the Kia K5 & its sibling Hyundai Sonata offers the best in class mileage with 32 mpg in combined traffic conditions. Although the 2021 ILX offers a decent fuel-economy, it still lacks behind its rivals in the segment. The Kia K5 stays at the top of the charts in terms of mpg figures.
2021 Acura ILX Interior
5.7/10
The 2021 Acura ILX interiors are practical and fairly well equipped. Though the controls are well placed and easy to reach, the dashboard feels cluttered and the material quality doesn't impress much. With an extra $2,000, the Premium & A-Spec Packages do more justice to the interiors. The 2021 ILX dash gets a big 8.0-inch touchscreen but the overall cabin remains unimpressive.
The front seats are draped in synthetic leather and give the cabin quite a premium look but it's still not downright luxurious. A standard eight-way power-adjustable driver seat is a plus point. Also, the Premium Package gets you leather upholstery and power-adjustable passenger seats. The overall interior seems nice but we can't directly deem it luxurious.
Models
2021 Acura ILX
2021 Kia K5
2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Mazda 3
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
38.0/55.6/42.3
39.2/57.8/44.3
39.8/58.1/45.5
38.0/55.7/42.3
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
35.9/53.6/34.0
37.8/56.9/38.3
37.8/56.4/35.6
37.3/53.5/35.1
Cargo Space (cu.ft.)
12.4
16.0
16.0
13.2
The trunk space of the 2021 Acura ILX measures just 12.4 cu.ft. and is well below what most average rivals have on offer. The good news is that the Premium Package costs just $1,850 more than the base, and adds standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also adds satellite radio and a 7-speaker sound system with a subwoofer.
2021 Acura ILX Sedan Dashboard2021 Acura ILX Sedan Front Seats2021 Acura ILX Sedan Rear Seats2021 Acura ILX Sedan Steering Wheel2021 Acura ILX Sedan Infotainment System2021 Acura ILX Sedan Instrument Cluster
2021 Acura ILX Exterior
7.0/10
In terms of exterior features, the 2021 Acura ILX gets the signature Jewel Eye LED Headlight design along with heated side mirrors as standard. However, as you move up the ladder, for a price of $30,100, the A-Spec package also offers dark chrome accents along with a piano black rear spoiler. The A-Spec package also adds side underbody spoilers as standard.
2021 Acura ILX Sedan three quarter view
The 2021 Acura lLX also incarnates a newer and bigger grille which doesn't add much to the stylistic aspect of the car. The ILX does have those standard LED Headlights upfront which adds a little panache to the front fascia. As a whole, the 2021 ILX's exterior seems just a slapdash work from Acura and it can't really hold your gaze for too long.
Models
2021 Acura ILX
2021 Kia K5
2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Mazda 3
Curb Weight
3,095 lbs
3,470 lbs
3,298 lbs
3,071 lbs
Length
182.2"
191.8"
191.1"
183.5"
Width
70.6
72.9"
73.2"
70.7"
Height
55.6"
58.2"
57.7"
56.9"
Ground Clearance
5.3"
7.8"
5.3"
5.5"
Wheelbase
105.1"
112.2"
110.4"
107.3"
The 2021 Acura ILX gets the most compact design in the segment and that explains the slightly cramped interior. Though the shorter wheelbase helps in cornering narrow turns better and the low altitude helps in adding stability to the ride. The Ford Fusion is the longest of all rivals and also has the highest ground clearance of 7.8 inches.
2021 Acura ILX Sedan Front View2021 Acura ILX Sedan Rear View2021 Acura ILX Sedan Front Side Three Quarter View2021 Acura ILX Sedan Front Side Three Quarter View2021 Acura ILX Sedan Front Side Three Quarter View2021 Acura ILX Sedan Side View2021 Acura ILX Sedan Wheel
2021 Acura ILX Safety
8.1/10
Acura might receive some controversial views for its interior but it gets some real good compliments from National Agencies for its safety. The 2021 Acura ILX brings the same active safety features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking assist, and active lane control. It performs well in crash tests of both testing agencies.
The NHTSA seems to be a little generous and awarded the 2020 ILX an overall 5-star rating. Yet, the ILX scores only four stars in frontal crash and rollover tests. The ILX also performed quite well in IIHS tests but wasn't considered for the Top Safety Pick because of the poor headlight rating. Nevertheless, it got a "Superior" rating for its automatic emergency braking system.
The Kia K5 is a seasoned mid-size sedan and it knows how to get the attention of drivers. It offers a perfect blend of performance and luxury which seems very compelling. The K5 provides decent performance and breathtaking acceleration. Also, the fuel economy is quite good and it gives a long 500 mile combined range with the bigger fuel tank. So, K5 might be the optimal choice for you if you want to have the most bang for your buck. But if you still want an Acura inside your garage, you might step up to the bigger TLX.
2021 Acura ILX Vs 2021 Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 puts out less power than the ILX but feels considerably strong while driving. Nevertheless, it's the Acura ILX which hits the 60-mph mark first. Considering the interior, the Mazda has a well-laid interior with which the ILX can't compete. Also, the Mazda has the best-in-class fuel economy amongst the competition. So, if you want a more practical yet feature-rich sedan which has kept up with time, go with the Mazda.
2021 Acura ILX Final Verdict
6.0/10
The Acura being the luxury division of the Honda has some niceties in it, but it isn't downright luxurious. That said, the interior feels dated while the exterior also isn't refined for the 2021 model too. Yet, some might fall for Acura's swift acceleration and the slick DCT but we don't find anything else much impressive. Still, the Acura deserves a glance as it's the least maintenance luxury sedan available at a great price tag.
The 2021 Acura ILX has already been released and is now available at your nearest Acura Dealerships.
What are the colors are offered with the 2021 Acura ILX?
The 2021 Acura ILX is offered in a choice of 5 different colors: Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Performance Red Pearl.
Does the 2021 Acura ILX has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, the 2021 Acura ILX gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard features with the Premium and above trim levels. The base-level trim still lacks these features.
Has the 2021 Acura ILX been redesigned?
No, the 2021 Acura ILX is a carry forward version to the outgoing 2020 model year.
Premium and A-SPEC Packages 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM)
9
User Overall Rating
Posted On: February 9, 2021
Perfect vehicle for long road trips.
Pros - Performance - looks - GPS linked climate control
Cons - Nothing at all
I would give it a 10 for the driving performance. Tremendous amount of power always a tap of foot away. I've the best climate control there is that sets the interior temperature based on the outside all by itself It have enough legroom or sideroom. The seats are providing enough support to feel the comfort. It also has plenty of floor space at back to store stuff Well the design is the best part of the ILX or any Acura for that matter Rear camera comes with dynamic guidelines which helps to safely back out the car into the narrow spaces I want something reliable in gas mileage as well as high safety, I'm pretty happy that I got both things in a single car right now. I got this car for the reasonable MSRP price of $29,750. Great and timely service, as long as you schedule appointments ahead of time. They are really good on service.
Premium and A-SPEC Packages 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM)
7
User Overall Rating
Posted On: December 17, 2020
Acura ILX live - laugh - luxury. Get up, get in, and drive
Pros - Everything!
Cons - For my particular car, I really have nothing to complain about.
Love it! Absolutely love it! Not only is it an easy car to work on but it's an amazing car all the way around!! Amazing!!! I absolutely love the sway bar! I live in the mountains so getting to town I have to go through a curvey mountain and my car makes that so easy!! And not only is it a "cornering machine" but it also does haul my 3 kids myself and their daddy everywhere we need to go, and that too wonderfully!! Seat warmers!!!!! We have big winter's up in our mountains and the seat warmers are my best friend when it gets 2?out! Also, as I mentioned earlier absolutely love the sway bar!! I love the looks, I love everything about my car!! I feel like my car is just roomy enough! Not too spaced out and not too crowded! Visibility is great!! And absolutely amazing seats! I LOVE THE LOOK OF MY CAR!!! My favorite part is the color! The dark silver-grey color is my absolute favorite. I also love that I have a spoiler! Other ILX's I see without a spoiler look funny to me. Absolutely love the appearance! Love the feel of driving! Feels safe!! I know my car very well, the airbags had a recall but once that was fixed everything is great again! Yes. So Reliable! I paid $19,000 for my car from a private owner and I think I got a great deal! It's been about 2 years now and she has done great! She is my daily driver and I drive 30 miles to work and 30 miles back every day! I bought it from a private owner and he was awesome! He even took off $100 because the tire didn't have much tread left
very good and can see clearly everything is fine about it
Pros - Mileage, fast, price
Cons - All good
Very economic as to gas i spend on it very nice and simple looking. reliable and good visibility. good car to drive in. air doesnt get in when driving good features nice interior design. can go to many places and feel safe while driving. never had an accident and feels good driving it. is a very good experience as to maneuverability and drives good. Highly recommend it economic and fast as to getting places, good side mirrors i feel very good when driving this car and visibility is good too Looks good. I like a car that looks simple and not too exaggerated. I love how the kept it decent and elegant Feels very safe when driving. Never had a accident while driving this car Very safe and reliable would recommend to other buyers looking for a safe car paid used so price was good for the car i got..configuration was good too very good and friendly experience helped me choose the right car for me
Acura ILX live - laugh - luxury. Get up, get in, and drive
Love it! Absolutely love it! Not only is it an easy car to work on but it's an amazing car all the way around!!
by Shyann
9
User Overall Rating
very good and can see clearly everything is fine about it
Very economic as to gas i spend on it very nice and simple looking. reliable and good visibility. good car to drive in. air doesnt get in when driving good features nice interior design. can go to many places and feel safe while driving. never had an accident and feels good driving it.
by Yoly garcia
7
User Overall Rating
My car is decent and I can drive it without any difficulty most of the time.
The price of the car is cheap and is good to buy a good car. Throughout the usages, I would keep using this car until I would get a new one. But for now, I like the way I drive the car.
by Jadon Thai
7
User Overall Rating
Acura ILX review
Absolutely! This car is a fantastic choice. it's a good car if you have a small family. it's roomy, it's durable, the color and stably of the car is fantastic. The trunk space is big. it's overall a good car.
