Acura ILX: Facts for Compact Car Buyers

The 2017 Acura ILX, like many Acura vehicles, is a lone wolf in its segment. It offers incredible overall value, great options, and has a very good track record of reliability.

But what are the ILX’s best qualities that you as a compact car buyer need to know? Before you start snoozing over spec lists or reading dozens of reviews, read this list of quick Acura ILX facts!

Best Value in its Segment

Compact luxury cars come at an extremely high premium compared to non-luxury competitors. That is, with the exception of the Acura ILX. As of the 2017 model, the ILX has an MSRP of $28,940.

Let’s quickly compare that to some of its closest competitors:

• 2017 Audi A3: MSRP – $31,200
• 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250: MSRP – $32,400
• 2017 BMW 320i Sedan: MSRP – $32,450

And you might be thinking that Acura stripped the ILX down to its very basics to achieve that price point. But you’d be wrong. Despite its affordable MSRP compared to Audi, Mercedes, and BMW, the ILX actually offers more standard features than any of the models mentioned above.

For example, the ILX offers heated front seats on all of its models, regardless of the package level. On the Audi A3, that’s a $500 upgrade over MSRP. Mercedes requires you upgrade to the $2,350 Premium package before you can get heated seats. And BMW charges $800 for its Cold Weather Package, which includes heated seats.

By the time you build each of these vehicles out to their top-of-the-line specs, the ILX proves its value compared to the competition. And that includes the A-SPEC appearance package with beautiful 18-inch wheels. The others? All above $41,000, with the BMW 320i pushing $45,000 when you add the near-$2,000 navigation upgrade.

Worth the Upgrade vs. Honda Civic

The ILX is based on the same platform as the Honda Civic, as Acura is the luxury arm of Honda. And while the two share a lot in common, the ILX does stand out in many ways.

For one, the styling is much less understated and conservative on the ILX than the Civic. While the Civic looks sporty and is likely a hit with younger buyers, those who want to give off a more mature and business-like appearance will appreciate the more elegant styling on the ILX.

On the higher-end models, the Civic also features a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. Again, the sporty feel and sound from this engine may be attractive to many buyers, but not those looking for luxury.

That’s because on the inside you’ll find yourself turning up the sound system or having to talk louder due to cabin noise. On the ILX, however, the ride is more refined and cabin noise is kept to a minimum thanks to higher quality construction.

Affordable Package Options

Many of the ILX’s luxury compact sedan competitors offer dozens of packages and individual options, which makes finding the right vehicle tough and expensive.

Acura realized this was a problem and decided to differentiate itself from its competition. Instead of offering an array of complex packages and options, it would have a set amount of packages per vehicle. No individual options or confusing configuaration.

There are four packages on 2017 ILX:

• AcuraWatch Plus Package – Suite of safety features
• Premium Package – Premium leather interior, upgraded audio, 8-inch infotainment upgrade, and more.
• Technology Plus – Navigation, upgraded multi-view rear camera, ELS premium audio system, and more
• A-SPEC Package– 18-inch noise-reducing alloy wheels, rear spoiler, side sills, and more.

*Prices shown are Acura suggested retail prices only and do not include taxes, license or destination and handling charge. Destination & Handling charge is $950 for sedans and $975 for SUVs. Acura vehicle accessory costs, labor and installation vary. Dealers set their own prices. Please consult your selected dealer.