Is the Acura ILX the same as the Civic?
Not exactly. The Acura ILX is not the Civic, but it is built on Honda’s Civic platform and shares some mechanical DNA. In practice, the ILX is Acura’s premium, badge-enhanced take on the same compact sedan formula, produced from 2013 through around 2020, while the Civic continues as Honda’s mainstream compact today.
Shared DNA: how the ILX traces to the Civic
Here's where the two cars overlap in engineering and size, which helps explain why they feel familiar to look at and drive.
- Platform and underpinnings: both use Honda’s compact-car architecture, with many components sourced from or shared with the Civic.
- Engine family: over its lifespan the ILX used engine options derived from the Civic family, including inline-four configurations that emphasize efficiency and balance with a touch more refinement in the ILX.
- Front-wheel drive and overall footprint: both are compact four-door sedans with similar wheelbases and overall dimensions, making them comparable in size and interior packaging.
- Technology and safety features: many driver-assistance and infotainment elements originate from Honda’s and Acura’s shared technology pools, so functionality overlaps across models.
In short, the ILX borrows core Civic hardware and architecture, but it’s configured and marketed as a distinct, more upmarket product.
What sets them apart: branding, features, and performance
These differences matter if you’re choosing between the two or weighing a used ILX against a Civic.
- Branding and interior feel: the ILX wears Acura badges, chrome accents, and higher-grade materials aimed at a premium feel, versus the more utilitarian styling of the Civic.
- Standard and optional equipment: the ILX typically includes more leather, refined trims, and often a richer suite of available features as standard, while the Civic emphasizes value and practicality with a broader, lower-priced feature spread.
- Price and market positioning: the ILX is positioned as an entry-level luxury sedan, with a higher sticker price than the Civic in its era, reflecting its branding and equipment tilt.
- Performance and variants: the Civic offers sportier variants (Si and the high-performance Type R) that the ILX did not have, while the ILX had its own engine options tuned around comfort and refinement rather than outright performance.
- Model lifecycle and availability: the Civic line continues with ongoing updates, whereas the ILX was discontinued after the late-2010s cycle, leaving the Civic as the current mainstream Honda compact and Acura’s newer efforts in a different segment (e.g., Integra as a separate badge).
Taken together, the ILX is not the Civic, but it is the Civic’s closest Acura counterpart in terms of platform and parts—brought into the Acura fold with a distinct luxury-oriented packaging.
Lifecycle, status, and what to know today
Understanding the lifecycle helps explain why the two cars diverge in the showroom today.
- Introduction and concept: the ILX launched in 2013 as Acura’s entry-luxury sedan built on Honda’s Civic platform, offering a step up in materials and style.
- Powertrain options: across its years, the ILX used Civic-based engines with various transmissions, including manual options in some trims, underscoring its blend of efficiency and refinement.
- End of production: the ILX was discontinued in the United States after the 2020 model year, with Acura shifting focus to other models in its lineup.
- Current landscape: the Civic remains a core Honda model with ongoing updates, while Acura has moved toward new nameplates and configurations (for example, the Integra line and other crossovers), rather than reintroducing a new ILX.
For shoppers today, that means you’ll typically find Civic models as the practical, cost-conscious option, while the ILX exists today mainly in the used-car market, representing Acura’s earlier premium compact offering.
Summary
The Acura ILX and Honda Civic share a common mechanical foundation but serve different market positions. The ILX is the premium, badge-engineered sibling built on Civic hardware, designed to deliver a more refined interior and upscale feel. The Civic remains the ongoing, mainstream compact with broader styling and performance options. If you’re evaluating them today, expect comparable core mechanics and size, but choose based on branding preference, desired features, and budget. As the ILX name faded from new-car sales after 2020, the Civic continues to evolve as Honda’s primary compact sedan, while Acura has since pursued other entries in its lineup.
Notes for readers: always check the specific model year for engine and transmission details, as availability varied across years. If you’re shopping used, verify maintenance history and ensure the ILX’s premium features align with your expectations for a luxury-badge vehicle.
What car 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.
Which Acura is the same as Civic?
The Acura Integra is the premium version of the Honda Civic, sharing its platform and many components, but with a more upscale interior, refined styling, and often more power. For high-performance versions, the Acura Integra Type S is the equivalent of the Honda Civic Type R.
You can watch this video to learn about the Acura Integra Type S, which is the premium version of the Honda Civic Type R: 24sMotor1YouTube · Jul 12, 2025
- Integra vs. Civic: The Integra is a luxury compact car with a more sophisticated cabin and premium features compared to the practical and affordable Civic.
- Performance: While the Civic offers several engine options, the Integra generally provides a more powerful engine.
- Type S vs. Type R: The high-performance Integra Type S and Civic Type R are built on the same chassis, share a similar powertrain, and offer a thrilling driving experience. However, the Integra Type S is positioned as the more mature and refined option, with a slightly different engine tuning and a more luxurious interior.
Is the Acura ILX a Honda Civic?
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.
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.
