Is the Acura ILX the integra?
No—the ILX is not the Integra. The ILX was Acura’s entry‑level compact sedan sold in the U.S. from about 2013 until its US market discontinuation around 2020, while the Integra is a revived nameplate that debuted in 2023 as a distinct, sportier five‑door hatchback. In short, they are separate models in Acura’s lineup, not the same car wearing different badges.
Defining the two models
To understand the distinction, it helps to know what each model represents within Acura’s current and recent history. The ILX served as the brand’s entry sedan for several generations, built on Honda Civic underpinnings and tuned for comfort and upscale conveniences. The Integra, by contrast, marks a return of a storied nameplate and targets a sportier, younger audience with hatchback practicality, a more aggressive design language, and a fresh set of features.
Key differences at a glance
Here are the core differentiators that buyers typically notice when comparing the two models.
- Body style: ILX is a four‑door sedan; Integra is a five‑door hatchback.
- Positioning and styling: ILX emphasizes entry‑level luxury and a refined ride; Integra emphasizes sportier handling and a youthful, energetic look.
- Platform and engineering: Both draw on Honda Civic architecture, but the tuning and features are tuned to suit their respective roles within Acura’s lineup.
- Powertrains and performance: ILX used older Honda engines with automatic transmission options, while Integra uses a turbocharged 1.5‑liter engine with a focus on engaging driving dynamics and, on some trims, a manual option.
- Current status in the lineup: ILX production has been discontinued in the U.S., and Integra is the contemporary model name in Acura’s lineup for this segment.
The two models thus occupy the same general space in Acura’s lineup—compact, front‑wheel‑drive, Civic‑based entries—but they serve different buyer needs and styling cues. The ILX represented the older generation, while the Integra embodies Acura’s revival of a sportier, modern hatchback identity.
History and lineup timeline
Understanding the timeline clarifies why people sometimes conflate the two. The ILX launched as Acura’s entry sedan in the early 2010s and remained in production through the late 2010s, with the model eventually being discontinued in the U.S. market as Acura reorganized its lineup. The Integra name returned for a new generation in 2023, reintroducing a premium, Civic‑based hatchback that wears the Integra badge and sits alongside other Acura models in a refreshed product strategy.
Timeline highlights
Key milestones that help differentiate the models at a glance:
- ILX introduction as Acura’s entry‑level sedan, using Honda Civic underpinnings.
- ILX updates over the years, with engine options historically including a base powertrain and a more powerful 2.4‑liter option in some years.
- U.S. discontinuation of the ILX in the late 2010s to early 2020s as Acura reorganized its lineup.
- Revival of the Integra name in 2023 as a separate, sport‑leaning hatchback based on Civic architecture.
Concluding here, the ILX and Integra emerged from opposite phases of Acura’s product strategy: one as a discontinued entry sedan, the other as a current, sport‑oriented hatchback bearing a historic name.
Current status and what it means for buyers
For shoppers today, the practical takeaway is simple: if you’re seeking a modern Acura with the Integra badge and the latest technology, the Integra is the model to consider. The ILX, while once the entry sedan in Acura’s lineup, is no longer a current offering in the U.S. market and represents a previous generation rather than a contemporary alternative.
Summary
No—the Acura ILX is not the Integra. The ILX was Acura’s former entry‑level sedan, produced before being phased out as the Integra—the revived, sportier hatchback—took its place in the lineup starting in 2023. While both cars share Honda/Acura engineering and Civic‑based roots, they occupy different body styles, design philosophies, and model years. For buyers curious about Acura’s current compact offerings, the Integra is the active nameplate to consider, with the ILX belonging to the brand’s historical lineup rather than its present one.
Is the Acura TLX and Integra the same?
What is the main difference between the Acura Integra and TLX? The Integra is a compact sporty sedan, perfect for city driving and agile handling, while the TLX is a luxury performance sedan with more interior space, optional SH-AWD®, and advanced comfort features.
What replaced the Acura ILX?
The Acura Integra has replaced the Acura ILX, with the ILX being discontinued after the 2022 model year. The new Integra is a sportier, four-door liftback that now serves as Acura's entry-level offering.
- Body style: The ILX was a sedan, while the Integra is a four-door liftback or hatchback.
- Platform: The new Integra is built on a different platform and is based on the Honda Civic Type R.
- Model year: The ILX was discontinued after the 2022 model year, and the Integra was introduced as its successor for 2023.
- Positioning: The Integra is intended to be the new entry-level model in Acura's lineup, with a sportier focus compared to the ILX.
What is the Acura ILX based on?
Honda Civic
The Acura ILX was one of the smallest luxury sedans on sale before it was discontinued. Sold for just a single generation, it was based on the ninth-generation Honda Civic, but aimed to attract buyers with its premium badge and more upmarket appointments.
Is Integra the same as ILX?
The 2023 Acura Integra is a deliberate shift away from the Acura ILX on behalf of the brand. The conscious decision to replace the ILX with the Integra is supported with updated features and contemporary conveniences for everyday driving. Keep reading to understand why.
