2020 Acura ILX

January 7th, 2020 · Comments Closed · Acura

The 2020 Acura ILX Sedan is essentially a crackling version of the already excellent Honda Civic. However, the Acura ILX interpretation lacks the performance that its namesake promotes and the excitement that certain Civic models provide. The conscientious driving force and chassis are appreciated, but we expect us to drive more in this segment. Although a number of desirable and high-tech features are standard, some aspects of it show their age despite a recent redesign. The Acura ILX of 2020 is a well-built and inexpensive alternative to more expensive subcomponent competitors.

The Acura ILX 2020 is one of the best deals among luxury sedans with sub-compact products. We think that value is optimized with the Premium and Technology packages. Although both bring a wealth of luxury upgrades, their highlights include leather upholstery, upgraded infotainment features, more driver assistance, and the full-sole ELS sound system. The 2020 ILX A-Spec package may give the illusion of improved performance, but the package only delivers superficial improvements that are not worth the dough.

2020 Acura ILX Interior

Inside, the cabin of the Acura ILX is roomy for the driver and front-seat passenger, but tight for those in the rear. Standard equipment is plentiful and includes a sunroof, heated sports seats with driver power adjustments and automatic dual-zone climate control. However, the design of the dashboard looks outdated compared to the smooth screens that adorn the A-class line. Although the interior storage space is not nearly as usable as in the Civic, the ILX has a large trunk that launches the sedan’s sub-compact classification.

Acura ILX 2020 A-Spec

Acura ILX 2020 A-Spec

Surprisingly, a touchscreen infotainment system is not standard on the base model, but Premium, Technology and A-Spec models all have an 8.0-inch unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Although Acura’s dual-screen setup can be managed via physical buttons and buttons, the system’s outdated graphics and lack of intuitive menus make it obsolete compared to more contemporary rivals.

2020 Acura ILX Engine

The only drive is a 201-hp four-cylinder front-wheel-drive paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine is easily reversed and although the ILX is not the fastest car in its class, its character makes us think of the VTEC-powered Honda and Acura sedans of the years. Handling is ready and confident, but not particularly memorable; road and wind noise permeates the cabin here more than rivals such as the Audi A3 or Mercedes-Benz A-Class, especially at high speeds.

The 2020 ILX is expected to earn 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, which is competitive for versions of the A3 and A-Class that are not powered on all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to test the actual mpg of Acura on our 200-kilometer fuel economy route.

2020 Acura ILX Safety

The ILX received a five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but it was not rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a top safety choice. The ILX also has a myriad of standard driver assistance technologies such as customizable cruise control and more. Key safety features include the standard forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, standard departure lane warning and lane assistance, and blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert included for 2020 Acura ILX Type-S.