The Acura ILX was introduced for the 2013 model year as a compact luxury sedan and the most accessible entry point into the Acura range. Built on Civic-derived architecture but marketed as a distinct Acura model, it targeted younger and first-time premium-car buyers. The ILX remained a four-door, front-wheel-drive sedan throughout one continuous generation.
The original lineup reflected Acura’s attempt to serve several types of buyers. Conventional four-cylinder versions included an economy-oriented model and a more enthusiast-focused 2.4-liter variant with a six-speed manual transmission. Acura also offered the ILX Hybrid, its first production gasoline-electric hybrid. The hybrid and manual-transmission configurations were relatively short-lived, making the earliest cars a particularly distinctive part of ILX history.
A substantial update arrived for the 2016 model year. Acura simplified the powertrain range around a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, while revising the exterior, interior, chassis tuning and available technology. This update gave the ILX a more unified identity as a compact sport sedan rather than a broad family of economy, hybrid and performance-oriented derivatives.
The ILX received another major refresh for 2019, adopting Acura’s Diamond Pentagon grille and more extensively redesigned front and rear styling. Updated cabin technology and standard driver-assistance features helped extend the model’s relevance. The available A-Spec package emphasized a sportier appearance, although it did not represent a separate high-performance model.
While the ILX never received a second generation, it occupied an important position as Acura’s gateway sedan for a decade. Its Civic-related foundations, available early manual transmission and later naturally aspirated 2.4-liter powertrain gave it a modest enthusiast following, particularly among buyers seeking traditional Honda engineering in a more premium package. The 2022 model year was the ILX’s final year. It was not revived after discontinuation; the returning Integra nameplate became Acura’s new entry-level car for 2023.