2020 Acura ILX

Acura provides the ILX in five varying trims. The barebone base trim starts at $25,900 and goes all the way up to $31,650 for the Technology and A-SPEC Package trim. All trims are powered by a 2.4L inline four-pot engine that throws out 201 horses and 180-pound feet of torque. The engine is coupled to an 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and the drivetrain is configured in FWD across all trims.

While the base trim also packs all the essentials but it's the higher variant that actually does the talking. Various premium features like leather upholstery and a GPS enabled navigation system adds to the creature comforts on offer.

Trims	Base	Premium Package	Technology Package	Premium and A-SPEC Package	Technology and A-SPEC Package
MSRP (FWD)	$25,900	$27,750	$29,650	$29,750	$31,650
Key Features	Power Moonroof with  remote operation	All the features in Base trim included and:	All the Features in Premium Package included and:	All the features in Premium Package included and:	All the Features in Technology Package included and:
	Jewel Eye LED Headlights	Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror	GPS Linked Climate Control	Unique Interior upholstery colors	AcuraLink Connected Services
	17-inch split-spoke alloy wheels	Front Passenger 4-Way Power Seat	Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines	A-SPEC Sports seats with ultra suede-trimmed interior	Graphite and chrome dash trim
	Heated Side Mirrors	2 Driver Position Memory for Seats and Side Mirrors	Acura Navigation with 3D view	18-inch alloy wheels with Shark-grey finish	Stainless Steel Sport Pedals
	Acoustic Glass Windshield	Acura Premium Audio System	ELS Studio Premium Audio System	LED Fog lamps
	Leatherette wrapped sport seats	Sports seats with perforated leather upholstery
	Heated Front Seats
	Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
	Acura Watch driver assistance suite

Which 2020 ILX trim should you go for?

We recommend you to confidently go for the Technology and A-Spec Package trim as it packs more bang for the buck. It includes creature comfort features as well as much needed safety and assistance features at a reasonable price of $29,650.

Honda's engineers equipped the ILX with a potent 2.4L Inline-4 engine mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the powertrain can amass 201 horsepower and 180-pound-feet of torque, the advanced 8-speed automatic unit makes sure that power delivery is linear and refined. Together they channel power to the front wheels of this car. 

The entire car has been constructed to look and feel more aggressive. Right from the engine's growl to the fine-tuned suspension, everything has a sporty inclination. Even the transmission is smooth and keen to grab the next gear. Shifts from the ILX's DCT are a lot more on point in comparison with the usual automatic transmission used by the competitors.

Models	Acura ILX Base	Kia Optima S	Mazda 3 Preferred	Ford Fusion SE
MSRP	$25,900	$24,890	$24,200	$24,500
Engine	2.4L Inline-4	2.4L Inline-4	2.5L Inline-4	1.5L Turbo Inline-4
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Transmission	8-Speed Automated Manual	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic
Power	201hp@6,800rpm	185hp@6,000rpm	186hp@6,000rpm	181hp@6,000rpm
Torque	180lb-ft@3,600rpm	178lb-ft@4,000rpm	186lb-ft@4,000rpm	185lb-ft@4,320rpm

This Acura comfortably manages to surpass its competition in terms of performance as its four-pot makes a fair 20 horses more than the inline-fours of its competitors. Even the Mazda 3, which is powered by a larger engine, fails to overcome the hardcore performance provided by the Acura ILX.

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How quick is the 2020 ILX off the line?

The slightly aggressive sound of the engine might pump you up for a blast, but the lack of a turbocharger results in a rather mild start. You won't feel your front wheels firing up with torque instantly as the engine’s athletic prime emerges a bit higher up on the rev band. One thing which will most definitely have a lasting impression though is the smooth transmission and its instant response.

Models	Acura ILX Base	Kia Optima S	Mazda 3 Preferred	Ford Fusion SE
0-60 MPH	6.6 sec	8.1 sec	7.5 sec	8.4 sec
Quarter Mile	15.2 sec	16.3 sec	15.8 sec	16.3 sec
Top Speed	130 MPH	130 MPH	130 MPH	130 MPH
Engine	2.4L Inline-4	2.4L Inline-4	2.5L Inline-4	1.5L Turbo Inline-4

Besides the quick-shifting gearbox, the lower curb weight of this Acura plays a crucial role in giving the ILX an edge over the others. Acura, however, would have done the ILX much better justice had they fitted it with a turbocharger. The Ford Fusion comes in as a sluggish one here and this can be blamed on all the unwanted weight it carries. On the other hand, Mazda 3 is the closest rival to the ILX as it closes the gap of 0-60 times to a minimum. The top speed of the ILX is electronically limited at 130MPH as per federal regulations.

How are the ride and handling?

Right from the stiff suspension to the sporty seat placement, Acura has planted hints of sportiness all over the ILX's driving mechanism. Starting with the steering wheel which is heavier than its predecessors but should feel light for a first-time driver. Road communication is not that loud but the direct response makes up for the lost feel. Take it for a spin and you will notice the high traction. The ILX feels glued to the road even over small bumps. Even though it feels sporty there are not many performance cosmetics in the suspension and the ILX suffers from a notable body roll.

The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is probably the best part of this entry-level luxury sedan. This transmission is seamlessly synced with the engine, and while the downshifts are smooth, the upshifts are balanced for a better fuel economy. You will not get an instant dose of power in the Normal mode but in Sports mode, the ILX comfortably manages to stay in the heap of the powerband.

How grippy are the 2020 ILX's brakes?

The brakes are quite sharp with a responsive pedal. You don't need to wire your brain differently as the pedal is quite limber when it comes to braking. During hard braking, the car doesn't wobble at all. There is no nose dive at all during hard braking scenarios and this can be credited to the ILX's low ground clearance which helps lower the center of gravity and thus provides a more composed ride.

Models	Acura ILX Base	Kia Optima S	Mazda 3 Preferred	Ford Fusion SE
Brake Rotors Front	12.3"	12.0"	11.0"	11.8"
Brake Rotors Rear	11.1"	11.2"	10.4"	11.9"
Curb Weight	3095 lbs	3298 lbs	3071 lbs	3470 lbs
60-0 MPH	119* ft	117 ft	112 ft	122* ft

*Estimated values

Acura has equipped the ILX with segment's largest rotors upfront but the ones at the rear are the comparably smaller which is fine considering its overall heft. The Mazda 3, on the other hand, is the lightest of the lot and as expected has the shortest stopping distance even with its small rear brake rotors.

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For an entry-level luxury Acura, the 2020 ILX delivers a decent fuel economy. You won't feel the need to gas up the ILX after every few kilometers. This Acura musters enough mileage in the city which are further stretched out on the highway. Together the combined fuel economy is also more than decent for its level of performance.

Models	Acura ILX Base	Kia Optima S	Mazda 3 Preferred	Ford Fusion SE
MPG (City)	24	24	26	23
MPG (Highway)	34	32	35	34
MPG (Combined)	28	27	30	27
Fuel Capacity	13.2 gallons	18.5 gallons	13.2 gallons	16.5 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)	317/449/369 miles	444/592/499 miles	343/462/396 miles	380/561/445 miles
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15k mi/yr)	5.2	5.5	4.9	5.4

The only shortcoming is its small fuel tank. Adding few more gallons to the tank would have definitely made this Acura a more decent tourer overall. At 18.5 gallons, the Kia Optima is blessed with the largest fuel tank of the lot. On the other hand, Mazda 3 returns an impressive combined MPG rating of 30 miles. This puts it ahead of the Acura ILX in terms of fuel economy.

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The seats on the Acura ILX sit high above the ground with enough support for the thighs and feet but the armrest sits relatively lower. Otherwise, its interior is straight out of last year's Civic minus the quality. It feels plasticky, cheap, and not enough qualified to compete with other luxury sedans in the competition. Even the second-row legroom is a little tight and might be unfit for longer routes. Outward visibility though good, is not great as compared to its rivals and it is because of the thick pillars.

Even the interior quality seems below average and the hard plastic material creaks more often. You can, however, fit 5 adults in the cabin with ease. The front seats are spacious with enough headroom and legroom space. While the headroom is adequate, the legroom at the back is cramped. From the luxury point of view, you do get 6 way heated and ventilated front seats and 3 way heated outboard seats.

Models	Acura ILX Base	Kia Optima S	Mazda 3 Preferred	Ford Fusion SE
Seating Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	38.0/55.6/42.3	39.8/58.1/45.5	38.0/55.7/42.3	39.2/57.8/44.3
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	35.9/53.6/34.0	37.8/56.4/35.6	37.3/53.5/35.1	37.8/56.9/38.3

As evident from the above table, interior space is not the ILX’s strong point as it struggles to house people comfortably. It is the Kia Optima that easily takes the lead here with its impressive cabin space. Mazda 3 and Acura ILX have a similar distribution of rows with the former having a bit more second-row space.

What are the infotainment features?

The standard trim comes with a boring 5-inch color information display that can be controlled using a rotary knob. You still have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay though. If you opt for the Premium and/or Technology package, 8-inch LED backlit infotainment system with another On Demand Multi-use Display (ODMD) imparted into the dash one over the other. The ODMD 2.0 features a touchscreen unit for enhanced user experience. The bottom band of the ODMD is dedicated to the automatic climate control system. To make sure that your road trips are fun and engaging, ILX is equipped with an ELS Studio Premium system, designed and tuned by Grammy award winner Elliot Scheiner, as a part of the Technology Package.

 Infotainment Features

• ELS Studio Premium Audio System
• 10-Speakers
• SiriusXM Compatibility
• Bluetooth and USB Audio Interface
• Pandora Compatible
• Auxiliary Input Jack
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatible, Siri Hands-free

How much cargo can the ILX hold?

In terms of cargo space, the ILX is not that generous. Its cargo space is average for its class. Overall practicality inside the cabin further goes downhill due to the lack of cubby holes. The ILX does not even provide added storage compartments like its twin, the Honda Civic. The luxury sedan would have made more sense as a practical car if it was not for these pesky issues.

Models	Acura ILX Base	Kia Optima S	Mazda 3 Preferred	Ford Fusion SE
Cargo Capacity	12.4 cu.ft.	15.9 cu.ft.	13.2 cu.ft.	16.0 cu.ft.

Ford Fusion takes advantage of its relatively huge size which makes way for the largest cargo compartment of the lot. The Optima provides similar cargo space as that of the Fusion. In this comparison test, the ILX is the least practical of all.

Interior Features

The Acura ILX might not get enough space on the inside to be considered practical but what it does get are convenience features like:

• Sport Seats with Leatherette upholstery
• 8-Way Power Driver Seat with Power Lumbar Support
• Heated Front Seats
• Rear center armrest with cupholders
• Foldable Rear Seats
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Start/Stop Button
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Steering Wheel-mounted Controls

For the year 2020, the Acura ILX is completely carried over unchanged from last year. The most noticeable visual change comes to the front grille. Acura binned the ILX's previous silver grille and swapped it with a new diamond pentagon grille. It's not the most striking one but Acura is taking a detour here with an exclusive design. Other changes are equated to the taillight and front and rear bumpers. You get a rear lip spoiler and a single chrome-tipped exhaust, enough to add a little character but not as appealing as other entry-level luxury sedans. It is one of the narrowest cars in this segment which gives it a more compact look and makes it quite easier to maneuver as well.

Models	Acura ILX Base	Kia Optima S	Mazda 3 Preferred	Ford Fusion SE
Curb Weight	3095 lbs	3298 lbs	3071 lbs	3470 lbs
Length	182.2"	191.1"	183.5"	191.8"
Width	70.6"	73.2"	70.7"	72.9"
Height	55.6"	57.7"	56.9"	58.2"
Ground Clearance	5.3"	5.3"	5.5"	5.3"
Wheelbase	105.1"	110.4"	107.3"	112.2"

For a long time, ILX was out shadowed by its older brother the TLX, which is bigger and more luxurious. But now the ILX is all set to make a statement with all its updates, however, much of this will not result from its dimensions. Acura builds a decent executive but it's not as sizeable as the other cars in this lot. It is 182 inches long which is 10 inches shorter than the usual executive but it holds up with Mazda’s footprint.

Exterior Features

Besides the new grille and mild exterior updates, the 2020 Acura ILX carries over the same features on the outside which include:

• Power Moonroof
• Remote Operate Windows
• LED Headlights with Auto On/Off Function
• LED Fog Lamps
• Heated Side Mirrors
• Decklid Spoiler
• Acoustic Glass Windshield
• Chrome Exhaust Tips 
• Rear Diffuser

When it comes to safety and reliability, Honda is very conscious of its cars. The same blood runs through Acura's veins too. Acura's signature AcuraWatch suite is now offered as a standard across all trims. It consists of several safety features like emergency braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise and more.

Safety Features

• Advanced Front and Side Airbags
• Side Curtain Airbags
• LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)
• Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
• Lane Keeping Assist System(LKAS)
• Multi-View Rear Camera
• Blindspot Information system
• ACE Body Structure
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Road Departure Mitigation(RDM) System 
• Collision Mitigation Braking System(CMBS)

Acura ILX vs Kia Optima

Kia Optima is a sedan that makes you feel comfortable right away. It is cheaper than the ILX and at the same time has a much larger cabin than the narrower ILX. The engine specs though, it doesn’t come at par with the Acura's. But we aren't complaining here as these set of sedans are not actually made for outright performance. Moreover, Kia Optima makes up for its loss in power with a more engaging driving experience.

Acura ILX vs Mazda 3

The 3 is Mazda’s offering in this sedan segment which follows a much cleaner and modern design philosophy. Mazda has loaded the 3 with a list of features that the 2020 ILX fails to cope with. For a cheaper price, Mazda 3 makes for higher value as it rewards its occupants with extremely comfortable seats and premium materials.

Acura ILX vs Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion has been one of the oldest players in the market and the 2020 Fusion makes it seem like its aging just fine. It provides us with an impeccable combination of comfort, features and driving dynamics which the ILX has been chasing for a long time. The simple yet elegant interior of the Ford Fusion makes it more appealing. The optional all-wheel-drive setup adds to the character of its sharp and nimble handling. Ford Fusion still remains the one to be dethroned.

The 2020 Acura ILX is a good and well-rounded offering in its segment. It has ample features with a calm and composed character. But the 2020 Ford Fusion with its experience strives to provide us with an even better car which makes it hard to go unnoticed. With a low price tag, Fusion provides us with a much larger and comfortable cabin with a cleaner and well-built interior. The Ford Fusion justifies its asking price a lot more and by doing so makes it more practical. However, in the long run, ILX is a preferable choice as it has the lowest maintenance costs compared to its rivals. To make things more interesting, Acura was named the top luxury brand in Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB) 2020 5-Year Cost to Own Awards, with the ILX topping the charts in Entry-Level Luxury Car segment for the 5th straight year.

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