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Is Acura ILX or tlx better?

For most buyers, the TLX is the better overall choice due to its larger size, stronger performance options, and more up-to-date technology. The ILX remains attractive for budget-conscious shoppers who want the Acura badge at a lower price, but it generally lags the TLX in space, tech, and power.

This article compares the two sedans across size, performance, features, practicality, and ownership costs to help you decide which model fits your needs best.

TLX: The stronger all-around choice

Here are the aspects where the TLX typically outshines the ILX, making it the default pick for many buyers.

More interior space and cargo capacity, offering greater rear-seat legroom and a larger trunk for everyday practicality.

Stronger and more versatile powertrain options, including turbocharged engines and a high-performance variant in recent years.

Modern technology and infotainment, with larger screens, improved graphics, and more standard driver-assistance features.

Quieter, more refined ride and sharper handling, delivering a more premium feel on highways and winding roads.

Available all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) across more trims, contributing to better traction in varied weather and road conditions.

Higher resale value and stronger overall brand perception within the luxury-sport sedan segment.

Note that features vary by trim and model year, and the Type S variant represents Acura’s performance flagship with a substantially more powerful engine and sport-tuned dynamics.

ILX: Value-focused entry into Acura luxury

The ILX appeals to buyers who prioritize budget, city usability, and a lower upfront cost, while still wanting the Acura luxury badge.

Lower starting price and typically lower total ownership costs, making it more accessible for first-time luxury buyers.

Nimble size and lighter weight, which can translate to easy city driving and parking.

Simpler powertrain and a more straightforward interior setup compared with the TLX, which can reduce maintenance complexity.

Competitive fuel economy for its class and a generally efficient daily-driver experience.

Less interior space, smaller trunk, and fewer advanced features or the latest tech compared with TLX, depending on the year and trim.

Less polished infotainment interfaces and driver-assistance offerings on earlier ILX models, though newer trims may improve with updates.

Because individual model years differ in equipment, it's important to check current configurations for the exact balance between price, features, and performance.

What to consider when weighing ILX vs TLX

Use these criteria to tailor the choice to your personal needs and budget.

Budget and upfront price: Compare sticker price and how long you plan to keep the car, including insurance and taxes.

Space and practicality: Consider passenger room, cargo needs, and how you typically use the rear seats and trunk.

Performance needs: Decide whether you want a comfortable cruiser or a performance-oriented sedan, and whether you value all-wheel drive.

Technology and safety: Evaluate infotainment usability, screen size, and available driver-assistance features.

Ownership costs: Factor fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and potential repair costs over time.

In practical terms, most buyers who want a modern, well-equipped luxury sedan with more room and stronger performance will lean toward the TLX, while those prioritizing a lower price point and city-friendly practicality may find the ILX to be the better fit.

Summary

The TLX is typically the stronger all-around choice, offering more space, more powertrain options (including performance variants), and a broader feature set. The ILX remains a compelling entry into Acura luxury for buyers on a tighter budget or who prefer a smaller, more city-friendly sedan. Your best choice depends on how you weigh price against space, tech, and performance—and on the exact model year and trim you’re considering.

What are the negatives of the Acura TLX?

2025 Acura TLX Review

Infotainment touchpad controller is distracting to use.
Rear seats can feel cramped.
Not as quick or fuel-efficient as many rivals.

What car is comparable to the Acura ILX?

The main competitors to the Acura ILX are the Honda Civic, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and Audi A3. Other competitors include the Lexus IS and Mazda3.
This video discusses the Acura ILX in the context of its competitors, including the Honda Civic and Mercedes-Benz CLA: 59sAcuraYouTube · Oct 17, 2018

Honda Civic: Often considered a top competitor, particularly the higher trims, because it offers a modern sedan design for a lower price. It is an entry-level compact car, while the ILX is a luxury small car.
Mercedes-Benz CLA: A direct luxury competitor. The ILX has a lower MSRP and comes standard with features like heated seats and adaptive cruise control, which are optional on the CLA, notes Motorcars Acura.
Audi A3: Another direct luxury competitor that competes with the ILX in the entry-level compact sedan segment, according to The Car Connection.
Lexus IS: Competes in the luxury compact sedan market, though the ILX offers a different set of features and options.
Mazda3: Competes in both mainstream and upscale markets with a quality cabin and a range of power options, making it a relevant competitor for the ILX, notes The Car Connection.

What is the difference between the Acura ILX and the TLX?

The main differences are that the Acura TLX is a larger, more powerful, and more expensive midsize sedan, while the Acura ILX is a smaller, less powerful, and more budget-friendly compact sedan. The TLX offers more standard features, a more powerful engine, and more passenger and cargo space, whereas the ILX has better fuel economy and a lower starting price.

This video provides a comparison of the Acura TLX, ILX, and RLX sedans: 49sAcuraYouTube · Jun 19, 2019

Feature	Acura ILX	Acura TLX
Vehicle Class	Compact luxury sedan	Midsize luxury sedan
Starting MSRP	Lower	Higher
Engine	2.4L 4-cylinder (201 hp)	2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder (272 hp)
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive only	Front-Wheel Drive standard; All-Wheel Drive available
Fuel Economy	Better MPG	Lower MPG
Passenger Volume	Less	More
Cargo Volume	Less	More
Infotainment	Dual screens	Single large screen on top of the dashboard

Performance: The TLX is significantly more powerful, while the ILX prioritizes fuel efficiency.
Space: The TLX is roomier, offering more passenger and cargo volume than the ILX.
Infotainment: The standard infotainment setups differ, with the TLX using a single screen versus the ILX's dual screens.
Price: The ILX is the more budget-friendly option.

Why did Acura discontinue ILX?

Acura discontinued the ILX to make way for the return of the Integra, which now serves as the brand's new entry-level model. The decision was also influenced by the ILX's declining sales, outdated platform based on a ninth-generation Civic, and dated technology compared to newer models.
Primary reason

Replacement by the Acura Integra: The new Integra was introduced as a more modern and sportier alternative to the ILX, filling its role as the entry point to the Acura lineup.

Contributing factors

Declining sales: The ILX's sales had been on a downward trend for years, with sales failing to reach 20,000 units annually for a significant period.
Outdated platform: The ILX was based on the ninth-generation Honda Civic, which was a decade old by the time the ILX was discontinued.
Dated technology: The ILX featured older infotainment systems and tech compared to more contemporary vehicles in its class, making it less competitive.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.