Is an Acura ILX fast?
The Acura ILX is not a high-performance car, but it offers brisk enough acceleration for everyday driving. The quickest ILX models can reach 0-60 mph in roughly six to seven seconds, depending on the engine and transmission, which is solid for a compact luxury sedan, but not in the same league as many sport sedans.
How fast is the ILX?
Below is a targeted breakdown of how acceleration has varied across the ILX’s powertrains and generations. The numbers illustrate a range rather than a single figure, reflecting differences in engine, transmission, and trim.
- Early ILX (roughly 2013–2015) with the 2.0-liter engine: about 8–9 seconds to 60 mph. This version prioritized efficiency and refinement over outright speed.
- Mid-generation refresh (2016–2020) with the 2.4-liter engine: roughly 6.3–6.8 seconds to 60 mph, depending on the transmission. Many trims paired the 2.4L with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic for quicker shifts, boosting overall responsiveness.
- All-around performance context: The ILX remains front-wheel drive, with handling tuned for a balanced, comfortable ride rather than track-ready performance; real-world times vary with road conditions and driver technique.
Across its history, the ILX’s acceleration progressed with the larger 2.4-liter engine, but even the quickest versions sit behind many rivals that pair turbocharged power with sport-tuned suspensions. For most buyers, the ILX delivers adequate speed for highway merging and confident passing, at the expense of the raw, tire-squealing vigor you’ll find in true sport sedans.
ILX vs. rivals: how does speed stack up?
To place the ILX in context, here’s a snapshot of typical rivals in the compact luxury/sport-lux segment and what acceleration you might expect from them. Note that times vary by year, drivetrain, and options.
- Audi A3 2.0T: commonly in the mid-to-high six-second range (0-60 mph), especially in quattro configurations, which generally edges out the ILX in acceleration.
- BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 230i: often in the mid to low six-second range, with some models dipping below six seconds, making it noticeably quicker off the line than the ILX.
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class A250: typically around 6–7 seconds 0-60 depending on trim and drivetrain, competitive with or slightly faster than the ILX in many setups.
- Lexus IS models: performance varies by engine, with IS 300/IS 350 generally faster than an ILX; many IS variants land in the 5–6 second range for 0-60.
Concluding paragraph: In speed terms, the ILX sits toward the modest end of the spectrum among entry-lux sedans. It prioritizes ride comfort, interior quality, and daily usability over outright speed, and its strongest acceleration advantage comes from the 2.4-liter engine paired with an efficient transmission.
What contributes to the ILX’s feel on the road
The ILX’s character is shaped by its engine, weight, and chassis tuning. The larger 2.4-liter engine provides the best punch, but the car’s overall dynamics emphasize a composed ride and predictable handling rather than aggressive cornering and blistering acceleration. The available eight-speed dual-clutch automatic helps quicken shifts, contributing to a livelier feel in everyday driving, but the power output is still modest compared with true sport sedans.
Bottom line
For most buyers, the ILX offers a pleasant balance of comfort and respectable acceleration without sacrificing fuel efficiency or cost of ownership. If speed is a top priority, many rivals provide quicker thrill while the ILX remains a refined, value-oriented option in its class.
Summary
Is the Acura ILX fast? Not by performance-car standards. The strongest ILX variant (2.4L with modern transmissions) delivers solid, usable acceleration in the mid six-second range to 60 mph, which is ample for everyday driving but slower than many compact-lux rivals. The ILX’s appeal lies in refinement, comfort, and value, with speed playing a secondary role to everyday practicality. For buyers seeking sharper performance, look to rival models or the Integra lineup that followed in Acura’s broader strategy shift toward sportier, more performance-oriented entries.
How fast is Acura ILX?
130 mph
| 2021 Acura ILX Engine Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trim Levels | Engine Size | Top Speed |
| A-Spec Package | 2.4L Aluminum-Alloy 4-Cylinder | 130 mph (estimated) |
| Premium Package | 2.4L Aluminum-Alloy 4-Cylinder | 130 mph (estimated) |
| Standard Package | 2.4L Aluminum-Alloy 4-Cylinder | 130 mph (estimated) |
Is an Acura ILX considered a sports car?
No, the Acura ILX is not a sports car; it is a luxury compact sedan that blends a sporty feel with luxury features. While it has sporty styling and a performance-oriented engine with a fast-shifting transmission, it's not a true sports car because it's based on a more mainstream platform and doesn't have the performance capabilities of dedicated sports cars.
Why the Acura ILX is considered "sporty"
- Engine and transmission: It features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission offers quick and responsive shifts, especially when using the paddle shifters.
- Performance feel: The vehicle provides a sporty driving experience, with paddle shifters, a drive-by-wire throttle system, and an overall feeling of being connected to the road.
- Sporty styling: The ILX is designed to look sporty with features like its "A-Spec" trim, which adds visual enhancements such as spoilers, unique wheels, and aggressive body styling.
Why the Acura ILX is not a sports car
- Platform: It is built on the platform of a compact car, similar to the Honda Civic, rather than a sports car platform.
- Performance: While the engine is peppy for its class, it lacks the high horsepower and acceleration capabilities of dedicated sports cars. For example, it has a 0-to-60 mph time of around 6.6 seconds.
- Front-wheel drive: The ILX is front-wheel drive, which is less ideal for high-performance driving than the rear-wheel or all-wheel drive systems found in most sports cars.
Is the Acura ILX or TLX faster?
As both are premium sport sedans, it can be tough to spot the differences between them. So what's the difference between the Acura ILX and TLX performance? While the 2.4L base model engine under both hoods provides only slightly different horsepower and efficiency, only the TLX offers an upgraded 3.5L V6.
Which Acura is faster?
The fastest Acura models are the NSX (especially the Type S version), followed by the Integra Type S and TLX Type S. The NSX is a hybrid supercar that can reach a top speed of 191 mph, while the Integra Type S and TLX Type S are high-performance sedans with 0-60 mph times under 5 seconds.
This video shows the performance of the Acura TLX Type S: 48sRoads UntraveledYouTube · Mar 16, 2024
Fastest models by acceleration and top speed
| Model | 0–60 mph | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Acura NSX / NSX Type S | ~2.9 seconds | ~191 mph |
| Acura Integra Type S | ~4.5 seconds | ~167 mph |
| Acura TLX Type S | ~4.5–4.9 seconds | ~155 mph |
| Acura ZDX Type S | ~3.6 seconds | ~131 mph |
| Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD | ~5.1 seconds | ~131 mph |
| Acura Integra Type R (2000) | ~5.1 seconds | ~143 mph |
| Acura CL Type S (2003) | ~6.1 seconds | ~145 mph |
| Acura MDX Type S | ~5.5 seconds | ~112 mph |
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You can watch this video to learn more about the performance of the Acura ZDX Type S: 57sCar ConfectionsYouTube · Nov 25, 2024
Which model is right for you?
- For ultimate performance: The hybrid supercar NSX is the fastest and most iconic model.
- For a high-performance sedan: The Integra Type S is a lightweight, agile sports car, while the TLX Type S offers a blend of speed and luxury.
- For a fast electric SUV: The ZDX Type S is the fastest electric SUV, known for its rapid acceleration from its dual motors.
- For a fast SUV: The MDX Type S is the fastest SUV, with a powerful V6 engine and impressive acceleration.
