2018 Acura ILX Silky Smooth Transmission; Powerful Engine

Smart styling; inexpensive price of entry; compact footprint; silky smooth transmission; powerful engine
The 2018 Acura ILX is powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder that makes a very healthy 201 horsepower. The engine is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This all adds up to sprightly performance from the powerful drivetrain, as well as relaxed cruising on the highway, thanks to the extra gears.

Power is sent to the front wheels in the ILX making for decent traction. Suspension tuning strikes a nice balance between handling and ride. The ILX feels smooth and controlled on twisty roads, but the suspension is still soft enough to soak up all but the biggest bumps.

The ILX bills itself as a small luxury car, and its list of standard features backs up that assertion. Standard items on the basic ILX include a 6-speaker sound system with Bluetooth, USB, Pandora and iPod connectivity, an SMS text messaging assistant, a multi-view rear facing camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, powered and heated side mirrors and LED headlights.

Upgrading to the Premium Package will add leather seating surfaces, a 7-inch multifunction touch screen, an improved stereo with a subwoofer, HD radio, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a HomeLink garage door opener. The Premium Package also adds a couple of safety features, including blind spot information and cross traffic monitoring.

The top-of-the-line Tech Plus trim adds a 10-speaker stereo, SiriusXM satellite radio, a TFT multi-information display, and a navigation system that can be linked to the climate control system. The Tech Plus trim also comes with suite of safety and driver assistance technologies which Acura has named AcuraWatch. These features include an adaptive cruise control system, a lane departure warning system, a lane-keeping assist system and a road departure and collision mitigation braking system. Though AcuraWatch is standard on the Tech Plus trim, it is also available on the base and Premium Package trims as a $1,300 option.

2018 Acura ILX Parts and Accessories

For buyers who wish the ILX was a little sportier, an A-spec package includes 18-inch wheels, fog lamps and a spoiler as well as suede seat inserts and a few external badges.

New for 2018 is the Special Edition Package. It offers several add-ons to the exterior of the car including 18-inch alloy wheels, side sills and a rear spoiler. And at a cost of just $800, it won't break the bank.

The Acura ILX is an entry-level compact luxury car. Despite its diverse feature set and high-end badge, the ILX actually starts at under $29,000. Being smaller than traditional luxury cars means that the ILX is right at home in the city, where parallel parking a large vehicle might be problematic. Buyers who don't necessarily want or need a large car may find themselves in the enviable position of being able to get luxury appointments in a small urban-friendly package.