Is Acura ILX considered a luxury car?
Yes—historically, the ILX was Acura’s entry‑level luxury sedan, designed to offer premium branding at a more attainable price. Today, new ILX models are no longer sold in most markets, and Acura positions the TLX as its smallest luxury sedan.
Defining luxury within Acura's lineup
To understand the ILX’s status, it helps to see how Acura framed luxury in its compact-sedan segment: an upscale interior, modern technology, and safety features packaged at a price point aimed at first‑time luxury buyers. The ILX was built to deliver a premium feel without entering the price territory of larger, more powerful luxury rivals.
- Premium interior materials and design cues relative to mainstream Honda models, especially on higher trims
- Tech and convenience features commonly found in luxury compact sedans, with some features optional or available on mid-range trims
- Safety technology and driver-assistance features that aligned with the brand’s luxury philosophy
- Competitive pricing within the luxury segment, intended to attract buyers seeking value in a premium badge
These elements defined the ILX’s luxury branding during its lifecycle, even as opinions varied on refinement versus rival entry-luxury models.
Historical overview of the ILX
The ILX arrived in 2013 as Acura’s smallest sedan and an entry‑level luxury option designed to sit below larger rivals in the brand lineup. It remained in production through the 2020 model year, evolving with updates but not receiving a full redesign. By 2021, Acura had discontinued the ILX, shifting its focus to the TLX as the brand’s premier compact-luxury sedan in most markets.
- Launched in 2013 to provide an affordable gateway into Acura’s luxury image, later offered with incremental feature updates
- Earned attention for combining a premium feel with a lower price point within the Acura lineup
- Discontinued after the 2020 model year; no direct replacement in the current lineup
In summary, the ILX served as Acura’s entry-level luxury option for nearly a decade before being retired, with the TLX taking on the brand’s core small-luxury role in later years.
Current status and alternatives
As of model years 2024–25, Acura does not offer a new ILX model. The brand’s smallest luxury sedan is the TLX, which provides newer technology, updated styling, and greater performance potential than the ILX offered in its day. For buyers seeking an Acura-labeled luxury experience in the current lineup, the TLX is the natural entry point.
- New TLX as the contemporary entry‑level luxury sedan, with modern styling, tech, and performance
- Used ILX models from previous years remain available in the used-car market for those prioritizing affordability
- Rivals in the compact-luxury space include popular options from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, depending on market availability (examples: Audi A3, BMW 2 Series, Mercedes CLA)
When evaluating choices, consider ride quality, interior refinement, tech capabilities, and warranty coverage to determine whether the ILX’s legacy or the TLX’s current package best fits your luxury-buyer criteria.
Summary
The Acura ILX embodied the brand’s promise of accessible luxury during its production years, delivering a premium badge and features at a lower price. It is no longer sold new in most markets, and Acura now channels its small-luxury positioning through the TLX. The ILX lives on in used-car markets as a reference point for early-20th-century Acura luxury, underscoring how automakers evolve luxury branding as technology and consumer expectations advance.
What year to stay away from Acura ILX?
However, some years are best avoided due to reliability concerns, and they are:
- 2013 Acura ILX.
- 2014 Acura ILX.
- 2016 Acura ILX.
Which is the lowest luxury car?
The Acura Integra is the cheapest luxury car with a starting price of around $34,195$ 34 comma 195$34,195 for the 2025 model year. Other affordable luxury options include the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the Cadillac CT4, and the Audi A3.
| Car | Approximate Starting Price (2025 Model Year) |
|---|---|
| Acura Integra | $34,195$ 34 comma 195$34,195 |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | $33,950$ 33 comma 950$33,950 |
| Cadillac CT4 | $35,600$ 35 comma 600$35,600 |
| Audi A3 | $38,200$ 38 comma 200$38,200 |
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- Acura Integra: Widely considered the least expensive luxury car, the Integra offers a premium feel and is built on a solid foundation from its Honda roots.
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class: This entry-level model from Mercedes-Benz provides a taste of luxury with a premium feel and style.
- Cadillac CT4: A strong competitor in the affordable luxury segment, the CT4 offers a blend of performance and upscale features.
- Audi A3: The A3 combines elegant design, a premium interior, and an energetic engine at an accessible luxury price point.
What class is Acura ILX?
The Acura ILX is a compact executive car manufactured and marketed by Honda under the Acura brand for the 2013–2022 model years, based on the ninth-generation Civic sedan. The ILX replaced the Canadian market exclusive Acura CSX. The gasoline-electric hybrid version was Acura's first.
Are Acura cars considered luxury?
Acura is the luxury and performance division of Japanese automaker Honda, based primarily in North America.
