What Honda is the Acura ILX based on?
The Acura ILX is based on Honda's Civic platform. It uses Civic-derived engineering to deliver a premium compact sedan experience under the Acura badge.
Since its debut in 2012, the ILX was engineered around the Civic’s compact-sedan hardware, sharing its chassis geometry and many mechanicals while presenting Acura-level interior styling, features, and badging. This relationship has shaped how buyers understand the ILX’s performance, ride, and refinement compared with its Honda counterpart.
Foundations: The Civic-based Architecture
The ILX sits on a Civic-derived foundation, meaning its basic chassis, suspension layout, and overall driving footprint align with Honda’s popular compact. This shared architecture is why the ILX can offer a similar front-wheel-drive driving character to the Civic while wearing Acura styling and features.
Before exploring the specifics, note that the ILX’s design aimed to pair Honda’s efficient, everyday practicality with Acura’s luxury cues, resulting in a refined ride that still fits within a compact class footprint.
- Shared platform and wheelbase with the Civic of its generation, providing comparable packaging for passengers and cargo.
- Powertrain lineage tied to Honda’s Civic offerings, with early ILX models using a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and later variants offering a larger engine in line with Civic-family powertrains.
- Drivetrain and suspension tuned to deliver a balance between everyday fuel efficiency and a more composed ride expected from Acura, while retaining the Civic’s front-wheel-drive fundamentals.
- Stage-set interior architecture and controls designed to deliver Acura-grade comfort and materials on top of a Civic-based chassis.
In short, the ILX is built on Honda Civic underpinnings, evolving with the Civic’s developments but differentiated by Acura styling, features, and refinement.
Which Civic Generation Underpins the ILX?
Key relationship points
To summarize how the ILX and Civic relate, consider these core takeaways:
- The ILX’s fundamental engineering is tied to the Civic’s platform, meaning similar handling, packaging, and front-drive setup.
- Engine options and mechanicals are drawn from Honda’s Civic family, allowing shared development and parts across models.
- Styling and features are tailored for Acura’s luxury-oriented positioning, while the underlying hardware remains Civic-based.
The Acura ILX therefore sits as a premium, Honda Civic-based sedan, offering Acura-level materials and refinement on top of a Civic-derived foundation.
Summary: The Acura ILX is built on Honda Civic underpinnings, leveraging the Civic’s chassis, layout, and mechanicals while delivering Acura styling and features. This relationship defines its driving dynamics, size, and practical appeal within the compact-sedan segment.
Is Acura just a rebadged Honda?
They are both owned by the same company, however, Honda specializes in delivering a range of mainstream automobiles for customers, while Acura is focused on the production of luxury performance models for SUVs and sedans.
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 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.
