What is the Acura ILX comparable to?
In brief, the Acura ILX was Acura’s entry-luxury compact sedan that competed with premium small sedans such as the Audi A3, BMW 2 Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and Lexus IS. Since the ILX was discontinued after the 2020 model year, its closest current Acura counterpart is the TLX, which now serves as the brand’s entry-luxury sedan.
Position, history and market context
The ILX arrived in the early 2010s as Acura’s most affordable luxury sedan, pairing a refined interior with Honda Civic-based underpinnings. It was designed to offer a premium badge at a lower price than its peers, with modest powertrains and a focus on comfort and reliability. Over its lifecycle, it faced competition from a core group of premium compact sedans and saw gradual updates before being discontinued after the 2020 model year. Today, Acura channels the same values through the TLX, which offers more space, newer technology, and stronger performance.
Direct competitors when the ILX was on sale
Below is a snapshot of the main rivals in its segment during its production years. Keep in mind that features, trims and pricing evolved over time.
- Audi A3
- BMW 2 Series (including the Gran Coupe variant)
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class and CLA-Class
- Lexus IS
The ILX also faced competition from other premium compact sedans in certain price bands, such as the Cadillac CT4 or Volvo S60, depending on model year and options. These were less direct in some comparisons but still relevant to buyers weighing badge prestige, features, and value.
Today’s Acura entry point: how the ILX compares to the TLX
With the ILX retired, Acura’s smallest sedan in production is the TLX. The TLX is larger and more technologically advanced, and it offers a broader engine lineup, including turbocharged options and all-wheel drive. For buyers seeking a new Acura that embodies the brand’s entry-luxury ambitions, the TLX is the contemporary benchmark rather than the ILX.
- TLX is the current entry-luxury sedan in the Acura lineup.
- TLX typically provides more interior space, advanced safety tech, and stronger performance options than the ILX.
- Pricing for the TLX sits higher than the ILX’s historical pricing, reflecting newer platforms and features while still targeting the same small-luxury segment.
In practice, buyers researching Acura’s smallest sedan today should view the TLX as the modern equivalent for new-car shopping, while used ILX models remain a more affordable option for those prioritizing badge appeal and a compact footprint.
Other segment considerations for prospective buyers
Beyond badge and price, shoppers should weigh reliability, ride quality, interior quality, technology, and long-term value. The ILX era prioritized a well-appointed interior at a lower entry price, but the TLX now leads in driver-assist features, infotainment usability, and overall refinement.
Summary
The Acura ILX was the brand’s entry-luxury compact sedan, positioned against premium small sedans like the Audi A3, BMW 2 Series, Mercedes A-Class/CLA, and Lexus IS. It was discontinued after the 2020 model year, and Acura now positions the TLX as the contemporary entry-point sedan in its lineup. For buyers seeking a new Acura with the latest features and technology, the TLX is the closest current match; for those prioritizing a lower price in a used market, an ILX can still represent a compelling value depending on condition and mileage.
