What is the fastest Acura ILX?
The fastest production Acura ILX is the 2.4-liter variant that was offered in the mid-cycle refresh era, delivering the most horsepower among ILX models. There was no production ILX Type S, so no ILX model surpasses that engine’s output. For true high-performance Acura in that era, enthusiasts would look to TLX Type S or the Integra Type S, not the ILX.
Historical context and what defines “fastest”
The ILX lineup ran from its introduction in the early 2010s through the 2020 model year. It evolved from a smaller, less powerful sedan into a slightly more capable compact four-door, but Acura never produced a dedicated ILX Type S. The performance leadership within the ILX range hinges on engine choice and tuning, not a formal Type S badge. In practical terms, the 2.4-liter engine represents the top-end of ILX performance before the model was phased out in favor of other Acura offerings.
Powertrain options and their impact on speed varied by model year. To understand the peak performance among ILX generations, it helps to compare the main engine options that were actually offered:
- 2.0-liter i-VTEC inline-4 (earlier ILX models) — about 150 horsepower
- 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline-4 (later ILX models, commonly cited as the quickest ILX) — about 201 horsepower
In general, the 2.4-liter ILX delivered the strongest performance within the ILX family, while there was no production ILX variant officially labeled as Type S. The broader Acura performance lineup at the time leaned on models like the TLX Type S and Integra Type S for high-end speed.
Why there isn’t a faster ILX variant
Despite long-time rumors and fan demand, Acura did not release a production ILX Type S. The brand instead directed its performance-focused efforts toward other models that shared its engineering DNA, such as the TLX Type S and the Integra. The ILX itself was ultimately discontinued after the 2020 model year as Acura restructured its compact-sedan strategy around those higher-performance siblings.
Fastest ILX in practice
Given the absence of a Type S version, and with the 2.4-liter ILX representing the peak in ILX power output, that variant stands as the fastest ILX by production history. Real-world acceleration times vary by year, transmission, and equipment, but the 2.4L ILX is consistently considered the quickest of the ILX lineup.
Summary
In summary, the fastest Acura ILX is the 2.4-liter variant from the later years of the model’s run, delivering the most horsepower among ILX trims. Acura never produced a production ILX Type S, so the ILX’s speed crown belongs to the 2.4L ILX rather than a Type S version. For higher performance within the brand, buyers looking beyond the ILX would turn to the TLX Type S or Integra Type S.
What is the base 0 60 on the 2019 Acura ILX?
It's the same basic engine that powers the base trim of the larger, mid-size Acura TLX sedan, but in the smaller, compact ILX weighing some 400 pounds less, the 201 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque feels more engaging. The perky sedan can scoot from rest to 60 mph in a little over 6 seconds.
Which Acura is the fastest?
The fastest production Acura is the second-generation NSX, which can reach 0-60 mph in as little as 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 191 mph. If you are asking about Acura's current lineup, the TLX Type S is the fastest sedan, achieving 0-60 mph in around 4.7 seconds.
This video reviews the 2024 Acura TLX Type-S: 1mRoads UntraveledYouTube · Mar 16, 2024
Current models
- Acura TLX Type S: The fastest current production sedan, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 4.7 seconds.
- Acura ZDX Type S: The fastest current SUV, with a top speed of 131 mph.
Past models
- Acura NSX (2nd Gen): The fastest production Acura ever made, with a 0-60 mph time of around 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 191 mph.
- Acura Integra Type R (2000): A classic performance car with a top speed of about 143 mph.
Custom/Tuner vehicles
- Modified Acura Integras: Tuned and modified Integras can achieve much higher speeds. For example, one custom Integra was recorded at nearly 200 mph, running the quarter-mile in 7.7 seconds.
You can watch this video to learn about the world's fastest Acura Integra: 1mVehicle VirginsYouTube · Mar 17, 2024
Is the Acura ILX or TLX faster?
The Acura TLX is faster because it offers more powerful engine options, including a turbocharged 4-cylinder and a high-performance V6 in the Type S trim, while the ILX is limited to a single, less powerful 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. The TLX's higher horsepower ratings and torque translate to quicker acceleration and higher top speeds, especially in the performance-oriented Type S model.
Acura TLX
- Standard engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder (272 hp)
- Optional engine: 3.0L twin-turbo V6 in the Type S model (355 hp)
- Performance: Offers a more exciting and quicker driving experience, with the Type S reaching 0−600 minus 600−60 in as little as 4.7 seconds.
Acura ILX
- Engine: 2.4L 4-cylinder (201 hp)
- Performance: Slower acceleration compared to the TLX, with one test showing a 0−600 minus 600−60 time of 6.4 seconds.
How fast is the Acura ILX?
| 2021 Acura ILX Engine Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trim Levels | Engine Size | Top Speed |
| A-Spec Package | 2.4L Aluminum-Alloy 4-Cylinder | 130 mph (estimated) |
| Premium Package | 2.4L Aluminum-Alloy 4-Cylinder | 130 mph (estimated) |
| Standard Package | 2.4L Aluminum-Alloy 4-Cylinder | 130 mph (estimated) |
