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.
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
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.
|
Model |
Base |
Premium Package |
A-SPEC Package with Premium Package |
A-SPEC Package with Technology Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$26,100 |
$28,100 |
$30,100 |
$32,000 |
|
Key Features |
Rear Door Child Safety Locks |
Adds to Base features |
Adds to technology Package features |
Adds to Premium and A-Spec Package features |
|
Daytime Running Lights |
Blind Spot Monitors |
18-inch alloys |
Front Fog/Driving Lights |
|
|
Stability Control |
Satellite Radio |
LED Fog Lamps |
Keyless Ignition |
|
|
Lane Departure Warning |
7 total speakers with 1 subwoofer |
A-SPEC Sport Seats |
Climate Control |
|
|
Emergency Braking Assist |
4-way Power Passenger Seat |
USB with External Media Control |
Interior Air Filtration |
|
|
AM/FM Stereo with 6-total speakers |
Leather Upholstery |
Electric Power Steering |
Graphite and Chrome dash trim |
Also Read:
- 2021 Acura ILX released! Check out the Specifications and Features!
- The 2021 Acura ILX interiors feel very modern and practical
2021 Acura ILX Buying Advice
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.
Also Read:
- Used Acura ILX cars with a starting price under $9,000
- Check out Car Indigo Used Cars inventory and some really great deals on used Acura Cars near you!
2021 Acura ILX Engine and Performance
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.
Also Read:
- The 2021 Acura ILX has been redesigned very modestly in terms of looks
- Check out the 2021 Acura ILX Performance explained in detail!
2021 Acura ILX Fuel Economy
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
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 Exterior
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.
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 Safety
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.
View 2021 Acura ILX Safety Features >>
2021 Acura ILX Competition
2021 Acura ILX Vs 2021 Kia K5
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
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.
Also Read:
- What do the users have to say about the Acura ILX? Read User Reviews!
- Check out how practical is the new 2021 Acura ILX as a daily driver
2021 Acura ILX FAQs
What is the 2021 Acura ILX release date?
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.
2021 Acura ILX Latest Update
Questions & Answers
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2021 Acura ILX Consumer Reviews and Ratings
based on 5 ratings
POPULAR TAGS
2021 Acura ILX Overall Reviews
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.
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
Yoly garcia
2015 Acura ILX
4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5A)
User Overall Rating
Posted On: November 3, 2020
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
