2019 Acura ILX
SCHEDULE A TEST DRIVE
Overview
Not all sports sedans need to be big, expensive, and thirsty. The 2019 Acura ILX is a compact luxury sedan that offers the same sporty virtues of larger, more expensive models. Thanks to its modern powertrain, the ILX encourages sporty driving and saves money at the pump. Its compact footprint hides a roomy and well-appointed interior, and it's packed with technology inside and out. The ILX proves that downsizing doesn’t have to mean compromising.
The Perfect Ride for...
The driver who wants Acura luxury in a compact and affordable package. The 2019 Acura ILX is available only as a four-door, five-seat compact sedan. While it's the entry-level model in the Acura lineup, the ILX still comes with the level of standard equipment one would expect of this luxury brand, including LED headlights and taillights, Bluetooth®, Siri® Eyes Free voice control, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Active Sound Control, and ambient lighting.
From there, several option packages are available to build the ILX into the exact type of sports sedan you want. The Premium Package adds a 7-inch central display screen, HD Radio®, Aha™, and an available smartphone-linked navigation system, while the Tech Plus Package includes the comprehensive AcuraLink® infotainment system and the cutting-edge AcuraWatch™ safety system.
Drive & Handling
The 2019 Acura ILX is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Adapted from the larger TLX, this engine combines the free-revving nature of Acura’s best power plants with manners befitting a true luxury car.
The four-cylinder is teamed with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It’s equipped with paddle shifters for manual control but can execute shifts much faster and smoother than the traditional manual shifter and clutch pedal.
When the current generation of ILX debuted two years ago, it benefitted from a retuned suspension, and we're happy to report that razor-sharp handling and a refined ride return for 2019. On the road, the Acura ILX is confident in corners but capable on rough surfaces. All of that sporty driving won’t empty your wallet, either, thanks to great fuel economy.
Key Features
Technology
The A-SPEC package (pictured) includes the features from the Premium and Tech Plus Packages, and it adds 18-inch alloy wheels, special sport seats with lux-suede inserts and contrast stitching, fog lights, a rear spoiler, and other sporty styling touches.
The AcuraWatch™ Plus Package adds even more technical features. An add-on to either the Premium or Tech Plus Packages, it includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keep Assist, Lane-Departure Warning, and Road Departure Mitigation.
Design
The sporty character of the ILX’s powertrain carries through to the interior. The standard sport seats keep the driver and front passenger secure during high-speed cornering, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are just the sort of accouterments you’d expect in a sportscar.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the Acura ILX includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, a rearview camera, and a full suite of airbags. The ILX is built around Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE)™ body structure, which is designed to achieve top safety ratings.
In addition, there are several electronic driver-assistance features available as part of the various ILX option packages. The AcuraWatch™ suite of safety features is available with the Tech Plus Package, while further upgrades are available as part of the AcuraWatch™ Plus Package.
Alternative Options
Acura's ILX is designed to be compact, but if you need space for more passengers, then consider the five-door Acura MDX with comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. If you need a luxury SUV with a wild side, we recommend the Acura RDX, which offers all of the great luxury features as well as greater power and versatility to get you through the roughest of driving conditions in style.
LEARN MORE
Image Credit: Acura