2021 ILX Review
 

I guess since we already have an MDX review thread and RDX review thread in this channel, might as well complete the lineup and start an ILX review thread here too

Thanks for sharing. I'm wondering when Acura will start building up the hype for the ILX-replacement? I'm thinking now that the new MDX is out, they'll re-direct attention to the TLX Type S by March, then MDX Type S by July, then maybe the New Compact Sedan (including Type S) in the fall. They should just try to do the TLX 2.0T but smaller (i.e. shorter wheelbase and hood) and much much lighter, and SH-AWD of course.

In concept and design, I totally agree. It might share its platform with the new Civic instead of the TLX, which would probably keep the weight down. Either way, the Type-S will probably share its engine with the upcoming Civic Type R, and hopefully some of the suspension too. A few years ago, Honda said it planned CTR variants including one that would emphasize its "GT" side, and since then I've been hoping for an Acura sedan along those lines. Maybe this will be it.

Thanks.
The interior and tech looks very "2014".
In general, I think a new Honda Civic is nicer and also cheaper.

How about they make the ILX a 2-door coupe (that seats 4). Or, just bring-back the Integra (2-door Civic with hatchback)..

Have not watched the above review yet - but so many of the other reviews of the ILX have mostly loved the appearance, had relatively few gripes about the engine and power train, and have bitched up, down, forwards and sideways about the dated interior and tech. Just modernize the styling and tech inside and make some minor exterior tweaks and it could help sales a great deal and there would be minimal need to increase the price. They're never going to appeal to the enthusiast crowd with this car, so if I were them I would just make the obvious fixes.

The ILX-replacement can't come soon enough. Acura needs to fill the void left from the G1 TLX 2.4L.

They'll never do it, but the ILX Type-S should be a CTR that isn't styled for 16y/o's. Reskinned, who cares, the car is fantastic. Price it in the mid-$40k to start and you'll have a winner. The Honduhh fanboiz are already paying more than this for the CTR with mark-ups. Heck, you might draw people upmarket into Acura showrooms after some podunk Honda dealer won't let you sit in a goddamn Honda Civic and laughs at any negotiation under $10k over MSRP. Cannibalize those sales ... who cares, fuck those greedy dealers and get people into a great car, so long as the Acura dealers don't start doing the same shit. Now you get people excited about Acura again and they may even come back when their incomes and/or family grows.

Sounds good, so, obviously, it'll never happen. With the way Acura's been batting 1.000 at shitting the bed when it comes to "performance", the ILX Type-S will get the same 2.0T in the Accord/TLX/RDX and somehow, they'll find a way to make it heavier than the Accord and slower.

I'd forgive Acura if they just took the CTR, tone down the exterior but keep the interior the same (just change the H-badge to an A-badge) and sold it as an ILX.

I still think about how fun my old RSX was to drive. Then I think about how fun it would be with the ctr engine and shawd. It might be enough to make me want 2 vehicles.

I am guessing that an ILX Type-S will also be available shortly after the new ILX is released. I heard a few years back that they want a type S variant for every model. Then again they haven't gotten the first one out yet.

Gut feeling it won't be using the V6T, but the CTR engine instead. Avoids affecting TLX sales even more.

:facepalm: These discussion threads need to be reallocated to their proper locations, disdain for all things TLX notwithstanding.

Agree with this but since the thread is here, comments happen and those that don't want the enlarged TLX the ILX in a type S variant may be an option at some point.

My only complaint with my ILX A-Spec Is the Tech the two-screen crap is just dated and ugly looking but I love the Red leather interior and the outside Styling is what drew me to make this purchase.

I have a 2016 ILX, which is basically the same car as the 2021. Yes, the interior is the worst part about the car. I think the outside looks quite nice, like a grown up more elegant Civic Si.

We bought a 2020 ILX Premium for my other half this past October and she crossed over 6K miles this week so I'll add some thoughts.....

*Personally*, I think the car looks really nice in our Platinum White with the added OEM fog lights and splash guards. Obviously no one will mistake this for a true sports/luxury car but it definitely looks nicer than a Civic. I would have tended towards the A-spec for ever nicer looks but she was sold on the Espresso leather interior so here we are.

I really do like the powertrain combo of the K24 with the DCT. Being a N/A engine it has great throttle response and the DCT has gotten a lot quicker/smoothing shifting as the miles have piled on. When we first got it, there was a noticeable lag between hitting the accelerator and the revs going up to the car actually accelerating. That's much much better now. She gets good fuel economy as the car is driven M-F 40 miles round trip per day with 95% of that commute being on the freeway at 65-75 mph; the car is averaging 33mpg over its lifetime. The ride is decent given the short wheelbase and prior gen Civic platform but the WORST thing about the car, again in my opinion, is the impact harshness over large bumps. Hitting a large bump will have you thinking you have blown out a tire and bent the wheel as it's very loud compared to almost any other premium-ish modern car I've been in. You and your passengers will definitely notice this. The handling is sprightly and the car is very nimble feeling. We replaced the Michelin Primacy tires that were on it within 600 miles with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S3+ so I'm sure this helps.

The interior is a mixed bag for us. Thank goodness it at least has Apple Car Play now but the two screen interface is, as most have noted, not the ideal solution. The thing that really annoys me is the terribly low resolution of the lower screen. I drive a 2020 Honda Insight Touring that uses the same infotainment system as the new Accord and other Honda products and it is like comparing a 4K OLED TV to a 1990s TV playing a VHS tape. Using the control knob for Apple Car Play can be irritating but at least it has Car Play now....it would be doubly frustrating if it did not have it. The HVAC and head seats all have physical controls so unless she is searching for a new station on XM radio we don't use the lower touch screen for much of anything. On another note, the leather quality (Milano Leather) is surprisingly good (for its price point). The lower plastics are hard touch and fairly cheap but that doesn't bother us too much as it's "out of sight, out of mind". I would say that it is a half tier below my Insight as far as interior quality and design.

I should mention that my previous car was a 2020 Civic Si so I can confidently say that the new Civic platform really is superior in ride/handling but the Civic was nosier on the highway but I do think the ILX (in the right color and trim) looks better on the exterior. The clincher is the price. We traded in two cars for her ILX - my Si and her old Jetta - for her ILX (I bought a different car for myself separately) and got some money back. I think we paid around $24K after discounts and the Honda rebate for the ILX Premium. At that price, I think it's a great long term value with a super reliable powertrain combo and low maintenance costs but beware of the loud crashing sound you'll experience when you hit your first pothole. Lol.

All good points. Completely agree about the harshness and speed-bump shock and awe. It can knock a filling out...

My wife and I leased the 2020 A-Spec in Red, and first impressions were that this vehicle looks more luxurious than it appears. When we got our first glance into the interior and sat inside, we both were taken aback with the amount of blank space; but my wife loved it and as a back-up vehicle for around town and outlying areas it was perfect. I had to adjust the seat to a point to where I'm almost in the back seat LOL. My head kept hitting the roof and I'm only 5'11.

Anyway, it is a blast to drive, and yes it's very responsive. We'll see what happens after the lease it up, but it does get a lot of attention with Performance Red. It's a beautiful color.

Thanks!!! I need to get an ILX for the wife.

I always thought the refresh made the exterior of this car very nice. too bad it's still based off 2 generations ago civic. surprised they still have that production line going!