2021 Acura ILX is the company’s best-selling compact sedan. Besides that quality, this model is one of the most elegant and good-looking cars in the luxury section. The ILX made a debut back in 2012, while the latest severe facelift happens in 2019 when the designer delivers the sportier and sharpened look, Now, Acura’s most economical sedan comes with significant upgrades, especially for the interior.
Furthermore, under the hood of new ILX will be the 2.4-liter direct-injected 16-valve powertrain, linked to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, with paddle shifters. Also, expect to see the AcuraWatch suite of safety technology as part of the standard equipment on all versions.
On top of that, the customers might go with the A-Spec Package, which includes 18-inch wheels, different paints, and sport seats. The starting price of the 2021 ILX will be around $26,000, without the destination charge.
2021 Acura ILX Interior and Equipment
2021 Acura ILX will offer an extraordinary amount of high-quality interior features, such as sport seats in both rows with available high-contrast piping and stitching. Also, expect to see a silver-finished dash trim, Milano leather seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Moreover, the customers will have to choose between some stunning exterior colors.
New ILX includes Majestic Black Pearl, Performance Red Pearl, Canyon Bronze Metallic, and A-Spec exclusive – Apex Blue. The A-Spec trim adds 18-inch wheels, a gloss-black spoiler, front grille and lower fascia with dark chrome trim, and sport seats with Ultrasuede center panels. The 2021 ILX characterizes bold line, chiseled front, and a prominent grille with the Acura logo on it.
This vehicle is the fastest-growing model in the premium compact class, and in most cases, for most customers, it is an introduction to the Acura brand. The ILX offers 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space, but the rear seats fold to provide more room. The front seats are very-well bolstered. However, the rear sits might be a little tight. But, given the dimensions of the vehicle, such an outcome is expected.
The customers will enjoy the updated cabin tech, with a 7-inch touchscreen display. But, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity will be available only with the Premium Package. We already mentioned that the AcuraWatch would be standard through all trims.
This safety suite includes collision mitigation braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, etc. The current ILX version received a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Engine Specs and Price
The starting price of 2021 Acura ILX will remain pretty much the same as with the previous version, So, the base model comes for $26,000 (excluding $1,000 destination fee). However, the price will jump a bit if you opt for the additional packages. For example, with the Premium Package ILX will cost $27,800.
The Technology Package lifts the price to $29,700, while A-Spec models with Premium Package comes for $29,800 and $31,700 with Technology Package. All trims will use a 2.4-liter direct-injected 16-valve DOHC powertrain. This unit is linked to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
2021 ILX will include steering-wheel installed paddle shifters. The estimated fuel economy ratings of the compact sedan are 28 mpg combined, 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The expected release date is scheduled for the second half of 2020.
2021 Acura ILX Competition
The main rivals of 2021 Acura ILX will be Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Both German representatives offer the all-wheel-drive. The AWD isn’t available on any ILX versions, which is one of the significant disadvantages of the sedan. However, the ILX is by far the most affordable vehicle, with a starting price lower almost $8,000 than both of the German cars.
On the other hand, Volkswagen Jetta undercuts the Acura’s sedan, with a starting price under $20,000 for the base model. The GLI model, with a powerful 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, starts at $27,00.