Which is better, the Acura ILX or the Honda Accord?
For most buyers, the Honda Accord is the better all-around choice, offering more interior space, stronger value, and broader powertrain options. The Acura ILX delivers a more premium badge and sportier driving feel, but it trades away some practicality and long-term value in the process.
The comparison between the ILX and the Accord centers on how each sedan balances luxury perception, size, performance, technology, and ownership costs. This article reviews what each model brings to the table and where the tradeoffs lie, focusing on the latest model-year information to help readers decide which is right for their needs.
Value and ownership costs
Consider upfront price, long-term depreciation, insurance, maintenance, and fuel costs when weighing the two sedans.
- Pricing and trims: The ILX tends to sit at a premium for a smaller car, while the Accord offers a wide range of trims and options that can fit various budgets and preferences.
- Resale value: The Honda Accord historically holds its value very well, helped by broad popularity and a strong reputation for reliability; the ILX typically resale values are solid but generally not as strong as the Accord’s.
- Maintenance and insurance: Both vehicles share Honda engineering, but the ILX’s premium badge can push insurance costs higher in some markets; routine maintenance on either model is generally predictable, with Acura-branded parts sometimes costing a bit more.
- Fuel economy: Accord powertrain options (including a 1.5L turbo, a 2.0L turbo, and hybrids) offer standout efficiency; the ILX is efficient for its size but does not offer an official hybrid variant, limiting its best-case efficiency vs. the Accord.
- Warranty and ownership perks: Both brands typically offer competitive warranty coverage; verify current terms, including powertrain and basic coverage, for the exact model year you’re considering.
Bottom line: In most scenarios, the Accord delivers better value for money on a practical basis due to its lower entry price on practical trims, stronger efficiency options, and larger interior—while the ILX appeals to buyers prioritizing a premium badge and a sportier vibe in a compact package.
Performance and driving dynamics
How each sedan feels behind the wheel and how each engine(s) performs in daily driving and longer trips.
- ILX driving character: Typically lighter and more agile, with a focus on responsive handling and aPremium-feel cabin, but the smaller footprint means less interior space and cargo capacity than the Accord.
- Accord driving character: Broader engine lineup, including efficient turbocharged options and a capable hybrid, plus a comfortable ride that suits long highway trips; it’s typically smoother and more stable at speed, though not as sharply targeted for cornering as the ILX in some trims.
Conclusion: If you value an engaging, sportier feel in a small sedan, the ILX can deliver that vibe; if you prioritize refinement, long-range comfort, and versatile powertrains, the Accord is the more versatile pick.
Technology, safety and practicality
Assess in-cabin technology, driver-assistance features, infotainment usability, and overall practicality for daily use.
Infotainment and connectivity
Both cars offer modern smartphone integration and user interfaces, but the Accord generally provides a larger display and a more contemporary setup across more trims, while the ILX tends to emphasize premium materials and a potentially more basic tech stack in base configurations.
- Standard features: Accord typically includes a robust set of driver assists and a user-friendly infotainment system across more trims; ILX offers Acura’s safety suite and premium materials, with tech varying by trim.
- Display and controls: Accord often features larger touchscreens and updated software in newer model years; ILX screens may be smaller and occasionally less first-year-UI-forward depending on trim.
Bottom line: If your priority is the latest in infotainment layout and screen size, the Accord has the edge; if you prize a more premium interior feel with strong build quality, the ILX remains appealing.
Safety, driver aids and reliability
Both vehicles emphasize active safety, with Honda Sensing standard on many trims and Acura’s suite on the ILX. Overall reliability trends favor Honda broadly, with Acura offering strong reliability but sometimes at a higher maintenance cost depending on the market and trim level.
- Safety availability: Accord typically includes a broad suite of driver-assistance features as standard or widely available; ILX offers AcuraWatch/AcuraSafety features on many trims, with availability varying by year and package.
- How they handle wear and tear: Both brands have reputations for reliability; Honda’s broader dealer network and parts availability can translate to lower maintenance complexity and cost over time, though luxury-brand badges on the ILX can require care for premium components.
Summary for safety and tech: The Accord provides a more up-to-date tech package across more trims and tends to be easier to live with on a daily basis, while the ILX offers a premium ambiance and strong safety features in its higher trims.
Interior space and practicality
As a midsize sedan, the Accord generally outshines the ILX in passenger and cargo space, making it the preferred choice for families or frequent travelers.
- Interior room: Accord provides more rear-seat legroom and a larger trunk, aiding comfort on long trips and practical daily use.
- Cargo and versatility: The Accord’s larger footprint translates to more cargo capacity and flexible rear seating; the ILX is comfortable and well-built but has less overall space.
Conclusion: If you regularly transport adults in the back seat or need more cargo capacity, the Accord is the more sensible option. If you’re prioritizing a compact, premium-feeling cabin and sportier demeanor, the ILX offers a compelling experience in a smaller package.
Summary
Bottom line: For most buyers, the Honda Accord is the stronger overall package thanks to more interior space, a broader and more efficient powertrain lineup (including a capable hybrid), and extensive technology across trims. The Acura ILX remains appealing for those who want a premium badge, a sportier driving feel, and a well-crafted interior in a smaller sedan. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize space and value ( Accord) or badge heritage and a more engaging drive in a compact form (ILX).
In the end, test-driving both models in your preferred trims is the best way to gauge which aligns with your daily needs, driving style, and budget. This apples-to-apples comparison highlights the core strengths and tradeoffs, helping buyers choose the sedan that fits their lifestyle best.
Is Acura better than a Honda?
Acura vehicles are engineered to a higher standard with a greater emphasis on performance, refinement, and innovation. While both brands share plenty of technology and engineering, Acura offers an elevated experience compared to Honda.
What car is comparable to the Acura ILX?
Cars similar to 2022 Acura ILX
- 2022 Acura ILX.
- 2020 Audi A3.
- 2021 BMW 2-Series.
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class.
- 2022 Honda Civic.
- 2021 Mazda MAZDA3.
What lasts longer, Honda or Acura?
Acuras can last as long as Hondas, with similar longevity due to shared engineering and build quality.
What year to stay away from Acura ILX?
However, some years are best avoided due to reliability concerns, and they are:
- 2013 Acura ILX.
- 2014 Acura ILX.
- 2016 Acura ILX.
