Flash Drive

2016 Acura ILX

August 30, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Acura ILX Tech Plus A-Spec

2016 Acura ILX A-SPEC Package is an excellent road car and a fun daily commuter.
2016 Acura ILX A-SPEC Package is an excellent road car and a fun daily commuter.

Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas, 201 horsepower, 180 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 25/City—36/Highway—29/Combined

Base Price: $34,890

As Tested: $35,810

Performance:

Strong, lively engine

Excellent fuel economy

We got 40.0 and 37.8 on highway trips

Excellent dual-clutch 8-speed automatic

Paddle shifters

Comfortable highway ride

2016 Acura ILX A-SPEC Package is available with one engine, a 201-hp VTEC four cylinder backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission.
2016 Acura ILX A-SPEC Package is available with one engine, a 201-hp VTEC four cylinder backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Athletic, fun to drive

Excellent safety features

Lane departure warning

Blind spot monitoring

Adaptive cruise control

Road departure mitigation

Forward collision warning

Lane keeping assist system

Comfort:

Very nice front seats

Soft headrests

Reasonable front seat legroom, but not stretch-out

Very tight back seat if front seats are all back

Power driver’s seat

Tight driver headroom unless seat is reclined some

The supportive front seats and thick steering wheel are excellent.
The supportive front seats and thick steering wheel are excellent.

Two-temp heated front seats

Thick, contoured steering wheel

Excellent auxiliary controls

Utility:

Wide trunk opening

High lift-over height

Flat trunk floor

Seatback release in trunk

Non-split rear seat folds flat

Ample pass-through opening

Medium size storage tray under floor

One seatback storage pouch

Rear seat leg and head room are a little tight.
Rear seat leg and head room are a little tight.

Small front door bins

Medium size console bin

Large, locking glovebox

Two large info/entertainment/navigation screens

Wow Factors:

Excellent state-of-the-art safety/driver assist features

Impressive fuel economy for a non-hybrid

Great 8-speed automatic transmission

Sporty styling

Whines:

Not crazy about odd looking 5 projector headlight bulbs

2016 Acura ILX A-SPEC Package.
The trunk is flat and the rear seat folds flat, but there is a fair amount of wheel well intrusion and the  hinges are big.

I hit my head getting into back seat

Overall interior space is snug

No lumbar adjustment

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Acura ILX is the entry-level Acura based on the Honda Civic. As such it is rather compact inside and out. Its compact size and 201-hp engine and excellent dual-clutch 8-speed automatic make it fun to drive. The surprise bonus is outstanding fuel economy.