Elevate Your Drive with Acura's Refined Subcompact Sedan
If the prospect of adorning your driveway with a Honda Civic feels somewhat pedestrian, perhaps it's time to set your sights on its more refined counterpart—the Acura ILX. Sporting the prestigious Acura badge on its trapezoidal grille, the ILX is the country club-raised relative of the Civic. Powering this luxurious sedan is a robust 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, seamlessly connected to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the ILX may not rival turbocharged competitors like the Audi A3 or the BMW 2-series Gran Coupe in a spirited drive, it effortlessly delivers a smooth and agreeable ride, tailored for those who prioritize luxury over sportiness. However, its Achilles' heel lies in its outdated tech, notably the antiquated infotainment system, leaving enthusiasts yearning for a comprehensive overhaul to stay competitive in the evolving automotive landscape.
What's Fresh for 2021?
As the ILX cruises into 2021, it does so without any significant changes or updates.
The 2021 ILX stands out as one of the most compelling choices among subcompact luxury sedans. Optimal value is achieved with the optional Premium and Technology packages, both offering a plethora of luxurious enhancements. Key highlights include sumptuous leather upholstery, advanced infotainment features, additional driver assists, and the top-tier ELS audio system. While the A-Spec package may suggest heightened performance, it predominantly contributes superficial improvements that may not justify the additional cost.
Powertrain Prowess and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the ILX boasts a 201-hp four-cylinder engine, paired with front-wheel drive and a seamless eight-speed automatic transmission. While it may not claim the title of the quickest in its class, the engine's smooth revving harks back to the VTEC-powered Honda and Acura sedans of yesteryears, infusing a nostalgic character into the driving experience. The handling exudes poise and confidence, though it might not etch itself into memory like rivals such as the Audi A3 or the Mercedes-Benz A-class. Despite road and wind noise becoming more noticeable at highway speeds, the ILX compensates with excellent brake-pedal feedback.
Fuel Efficiency: Meeting Expectations
In the realm of fuel efficiency, the ILX holds its ground with ratings of 24 mpg in the city and an impressive 34 mpg on the highway. These figures stand toe-to-toe with non-all-wheel-drive versions of the A3 and A-class. Real-world performance aligns with expectations, as our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route yielded exactly what the window sticker promised: 34 mpg.
Interior Opulence and Spaciousness
Stepping into the ILX's cabin, one finds a space that caters to the driver and front-seat passenger with ample room, though the rear may feel somewhat cramped. Standard features abound, including a sunroof, heated sport seats with power adjustments for the driver, and dual-zone automatic climate control. However, the dashboard design exhibits a touch of antiquity when compared to the sleek screens adorning the A-class. While the ILX may not match the Civic in interior cubby storage, its subcompact classification is belied by a sizable trunk.
Infotainment Excellence and Connectivity
Surprisingly, the base model lacks a standard touchscreen infotainment system. However, the Premium, Technology, and A-Spec models step up with an 8.0-inch unit featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Acura's dual-screen setup, operable via physical knobs and buttons, fails to impress with outdated graphics and unintuitive menus, falling behind more contemporary rivals in terms of functionality and user experience.
Safety First: Acura's Commitment
The ILX garners a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), although it falls short of being named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Equipped with standard driver-assistance technology like adaptive cruise control, the ILX also offers features such as forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Warranty and Maintenance: Acura's Assurance
Acura stands by the ILX with an impressive limited warranty covering 4 years or 50,000 miles, and a robust powertrain warranty spanning 6 years or 70,000 miles. However, it's worth noting that Acura does not provide complimentary scheduled maintenance, distinguishing it from some of its competitors in the luxury sedan segment.
In conclusion, the 2021 Acura ILX strikes a harmonious balance between luxury and performance, making it a standout choice in the subcompact luxury sedan category. While a tech overhaul is overdue, the ILX's refined driving dynamics, opulent interior, and competitive pricing make it a compelling option for those seeking an elevated driving experience without breaking the bank.
