Acura ILX

The'2014'Acura'ILX'ranks'12'out'of'13'Upscale'Small'Cars.'This'ranking'is'based'on'our'analysis'of'published'reviews'and'test'drives'of'the'Acura'ILX,'as'well'as'reliability'and'safety'data.

Critics'say'the'2014'Acura'ILX'has'a'number'of'high-tech'features,'but'that'it’s'not'as'luxurious,'nimble'or'powerful'as'other'cars'in'its'class.

The'base'2014'Acura'ILX'has'a'four-cylinder'engine'that'some'reviewers'think'could'use'more'power.'A'five-speed'automatic'transmission'is'standard,'and'one'reviewer'says'that'the'ILX'might'offer'better'acceleration'if'it'had'more'gears.'A'more'powerful'four-cylinder'engine'is'available,'which'is'paired'with'a'six-speed'manual'transmission,'and'most'reviewers'agree'this'combination'makes'the'ILX'more'fun'to'drive.'Still,'one'critic'writes'that'an'automatic'transmission'should'be'available'with'the'more'powerful'engine.'According'to'the'EPA,'the'ILX'gets'up'to'24/35'mpg'city/highway,'which'is'good'for'the'class.'Most'test'drivers'say'that'the'ILX'goes'around'corners'fairly'well,'with'just'a'little'body'lean'when'the'road'gets'twisty.'Additionally,'one'reviewer'thinks'that'the'steering'feels'a'bit'numb.'However,'most'auto'writers'note'that'the'ILX'offers'a'comfortable'ride'and'strong'brakes.

Test'drivers'say'the'2014'Acura'ILX'is'not'as'luxurious'inside'as'some'competitors,'but'they'also'write'that'it’s'built'solidly'with'quality'materials.'Critics'note'that'the'front'seats'are'comfortable,'but'some'also'wish'there'was'more'headroom.'Reviewers'say'that'rear-seat'space'is'adequate.'Although'the'ILX’s'trunk'is'smaller'than'the'trunks'found'in'competitors'like'the'Buick'Verano'and'the'Acura'TSX,'one'critic'says'there'is'sufficient'space.'They'do,'however,'wish'the'ILX'had'a'folding'rear'seat'instead'of'just'a'pass-through'for'longer'items.'One'reviewer'criticizes'the'ILX’s'dash'for'being'a'bit'button-heavy.'Critics'agree'the'Acura'ILX'is'well-equipped'for'its'class.'It'comes'standard'with'leather'seats,'push-button'start,'dual-zone'automatic'climate'control,'a'rearview'camera,'Bluetooth'phone'and'audio'streaming'and'a'seven-speaker'stereo,'which'includes'a'USB'port,'an'auxiliary'input'jack'and'Pandora'Internet'radio'compatibility.'An'available'technology'package'adds'features'like'navigation'and'a'more'powerful'10-speaker'ELS'surround-sound'audio'system.

''''"Ride'quality,'handling,'and'interior'appearance'are'pretty'good,'but'this'small'Acura'is'largely'unexceptional."'--'Consumer'Guide
''''"Attractive'and'well-equipped,'the'2014'Acura'ILX'is'a'respectable'choice'for'a'compact'luxury'sedan.'Still,'there'are'a'number'of'worthy'alternatives'that'savvy'shoppers'should'consider."'--'Edmunds
''''"The'2014'ILX'offers'a'sleek,'upbeat'look,'snappy'performance,'crisp'handling,'a'stylish'interior'and'levels'of'technology,'convenience'and'safety'commensurate'with'buyers''expectations."'--'Kelley'Blue'Book
''''"If'you're'in'the'market'for'an'entry-level'vehicle'from'a'premium'automaker,'by'all'means'have'a'look'at'the'ILX...'just'be'sure'to'check'out'its'competition'before'signing'on'the'dotted'line.'As'much'as'we'd'like'to'tell'you'that'the'ILX'heralds'a'return'to'Acura's'roots'-'innovation,'value'and'technology'-'we'can't,'because'it'simply'doesn't."'--'Autoblog'(2013)

Other'Cars'to'Consider

Critics'like'the'Acura'TSX'because'of'its'top-quality'cabin,'athletic'handling'and'powerful'optional'V6'engine.'Additionally,'most'reviewers'say'that'the'TSX'offers'front'seats'that'are'spacious'and'comfortable.

Automotive'journalists'praise'the'Buick'Verano'for'its'well-made'interior'and'quiet'cabin.'Like'the'ILX,'the'Verano'comes'with'many'standard'features,'and'it'also'has'more'trunk'space'than'the'ILX.

Compare'the'ILX,'TSX'and'Verano'»
Details:'2014'Acura'ILX

The'2014'Acura'ILX'seats'five'and'has'front-wheel'drive.'A'2.0-liter'four-cylinder'engine'with'a'five-speed'automatic'transmission'is'standard'and'a'2.4-liter'four-cylinder'with'a'six-speed'manual'transmission'is'optional.'The'ILX'comes'in'four'trims:'five-speed'automatic,'five-speed'automatic'with'premium'package,'five-speed'automatic'with'technology'package'and'six-speed'manual'with'premium'package.'A'hybrid'model'is'also'available'and'is'reviewed'separately.'Several'features'that'were'optional'last'year'are'now'standard'on'the'2014'ILX,'including'leather'seats,'a'rearview'camera'and'a'more'powerful'audio'system.'Aside'from'these'additions,'the'Acura'ILX'is'unchanged'for'2014.'As'a'result,'this'overview'uses'applicable'research'and'reviews'from'2013'and'2014.