2019 Acura ILX: Entry-lux competitor gets refresh, adds standard safety [First Look]
MARYSVILLE, Ohio — I’ll be honest, the last time I drove the Acura ILX in 2016, I didn’t like it. I didn’t think it was a very good representative of what the Acura brand offered, and I didn’t think it was luxurious or competitively priced.
With time and distance – and some styling upgrades – the 2019 ILX leaves a much more favorable impression this time around.
Granted, we only had an hour behind the wheel, and we were in the top-tier A-Spec models with all the whistles and bells. But still. This littlest Acura has a lot to offer if you’re looking for entry-level luxury.
The first thing to note is the price drop. When last I drove the ILX, the entry into the vehicle was $28,820. But now the ILX starts at $26,895 with the addition of standard AcuraWatch and the inclusion of premium standard features such as smart entry, push-button start, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and a multi-view rear camera
Looking at vehicles such as the Audi A3, BMW 3-Series or Mercedes-Benz CLA, you’ll top $32K before you add in any premium safety or convenience features.
The only thing I find remotely peculiar is that Apple CarPlay/Android Auto isn’t standard at the base trim. To get this phone mirroring system, you’ll have to add $1,750 to the bottom line and upgrade to the Premium trim, which also adds leather seats, premium audio and blind-spot monitoring.
Other than pricing and standard AcuraWatch, the biggest changes for 2019 are primarily cosmetic and include a sculpted hood design, new “Diamond Pentagon” grille, new front fascia, standard 7-lamp “Jewel Eye” headlights, sharper front fenders, new wheel designs, LED taillights, relocated rear license plate and a chrome exhaust finisher.
ILX also gets a new set of premium exterior paint colors.
The powertrain remains the same and is backed by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 201 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. This is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
While I do still find the acceleration a bit lackluster, shifting into sport mode and making use of the paddle shifters makes quicker and smoother acceleration possible.
The interior of the ILX feels upgraded, but I’m not sure how much of that was due to cosmetic upgrades and how much of it was due to the fact we were in an A-Spec model. The test vehicle had sexy red leather seats and a black leather gearshift knob with red stitching, which is not standard.
Acura maintains the dual-screen configuration on the center stack, and I’m not a fan. It’s confusing and redundant. Though my time was brief behind the wheel, I tried to see if there was any redeeming value to having two screens, and there isn’t.
I also noted a lot plastic on the center stack, and while not everyone is a fan of lacquered accents, I think it would work here and make the interior more upscale.
The trim structure also gets some tweaks for 2019:
ILX ($26,895): This base trim is really well-equipped and includes LED Jewel Eye headlights, LED taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, 10-way power driver’s seat, AcuraWatch, power moonroof, passive entry, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a multi-view rear camera, 6-speaker audio system and USB audio with iPod integration.
Premium ($28,645): This trim adds Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, leather-trimmed sport seats, premium audio with 7 speakers plus a subwoofer, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 4-way power passenger seat, SiriusXM satellite radio and HD radio.
Premium A-Spec ($30,645): This sporty trim builds on the Premium trim and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, A-Spec dark styling accents, decklid spoiler, A-Spec badging, ultra suede seat inserts and metal sport pedals.
Technology ($30,545): This trim builds on the Premium trim and adds navigation, AcuraLink with real-time traffic, Acura ELS Studio premium audio with 10-speakers and a multi-view rear camera with guides.
Technology A-Spec ($32,545): This sporty trim builds on the Technology trim and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, A-Spec dark styling accents, decklid spoiler, A-Spec badging, ultra suede seat inserts and metal sport pedals.
The Bottom Line:
I have mixed emotions about the ILX. Acura has done a nice job with the exterior refresh, and the pricing can’t be beat by any of its primary competitors.
The ILX is quiet and comfortable, and with standard safety features such as collision mitigation, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control, you get a lot of bang for your buck.
I’m not a fan of the center stack design or the fact that Apple CarPlay/Android Auto isn’t standard, but I think that’s something I could get over considering everything else it gets.
Editor’s Note: Driving impressions in this “First Look” review are from an invitation-only automaker launch event that allowed special access to the vehicle and executives. Acura covered our accommodations, meals and transportation costs.