What cars are similar to Acura ILX?
Direct rivals include the Audi A3, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Mercedes-Benz A-Class/CLA, Lexus IS, and Cadillac CT4.
The Acura ILX was once the entry point to Acura’s luxury lineup, pairing a compact sedan footprint with Honda-sourced engineering and a premium interior. In recent years, Acura shifted its strategy in this segment, and the ILX has been largely supplanted by newer models like the Integra in the small-luxury space. For buyers shopping a compact luxury sedan today, several well-known rivals offer similar size, comfort, and tech, with varying strengths in performance, efficiency, and features. The list below outlines mainstream options that typically compete with the ILX on price, space, and refinement, followed by other solid alternatives in the same market niche.
Direct rivals in the compact luxury sedan class
Below are mainstream models sold in the United States that align closely with the ILX in size, features, and luxury positioning. These cars are commonly considered when comparing entry-luxury sedans.
- Audi A3
- BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class / CLA
- Lexus IS
- Cadillac CT4
These contenders span a range of personalities—from the sporty emphasis of the BMW and Audi to the value-focused and feature-rich offerings from Cadillac and Lexus. They share comparable cabin quality, tech features, and pricing bands with the ILX when it was on sale, though exact specs and options vary by trim and model year.
Other competitive options in the same price range
If you’re open to slightly different packaging or a broader value proposition, these alternatives can also serve as attractive substitutes in the entry-luxury or near-luxury segment.
- Genesis G70
- Volvo S60
- Tesla Model 3 (electric option)
Genesis G70 offers a strong blend of interior quality and driving dynamics, while the Volvo S60 emphasizes safety and Scandinavian design. The Tesla Model 3 introduces an all-electric powertrain with long-range efficiency, appealing to buyers seeking a more modern propulsion option while still fitting into the compact luxury class in terms of footprint and interior space.
Integra as a contemporary alternative to the ILX
Integra and the evolving entry-luxury landscape
In recent years, Acura shifted its focus in this segment with the Integra, a model that positions itself as the modern successor to the ILX’s role in the lineup. The Integra is offered as a premium hatchback with sportier handling and a more contemporary technology suite, appealing to buyers who want a similar luxury feel in a newer, more versatile body style. If you’re shopping within Acura’s family and want a compact sedan/hatchback with contemporary features, the Integra is the closest modern sibling to the ILX in spirit, even though the ILX model itself is largely retired from the lineup.
Summary
For buyers considering what cars are similar to the Acura ILX, the most direct contemporaries are compact-luxury sedans like the Audi A3, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, Mercedes-Benz A-Class/CLA, Lexus IS, and Cadillac CT4. If you’re exploring options beyond this core group, Genesis G70, Volvo S60, and the Tesla Model 3 offer compelling alternatives in pricing, performance, and technology. Looking ahead, the Integra represents Acura’s current approach to the entry-luxury segment, providing a modern alternative within the brand’s lineup. When comparing these models, weigh factors such as interior quality, ride comfort, driving dynamics, safety tech, and long-term value to determine which car best matches your preferences.
Final takeaway
In the current market, the ILX’s closest modern analogs are compact luxury sedans from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Cadillac, with additional value and innovation offered by newer entries like the Integra in Acura’s lineup. Shoppers should test drive several options to gauge ride comfort, tech usability, and overall refinement before making a decision.
What car replaced the Acura ILX?
Acura Integra
The ILX is being discontinued after 2022 and being replaced with the Acura Integra.
Is the Acura ILX the same as the Honda Civic?
Under the hood, the Acura ILX starts off with a 2.0-liter I4 engine, same as the Civic, but it packs slightly less horsepower and fuel economy. However, the comfort of the Acura's driving experience goes above Honda Civic with standard features like leatherette-upholstered seats.
Why is Acura ILX discontinued?
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.
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.
