Acura ILX: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Acura ILX choice depends mainly on whether you prioritize fuel consumption, everyday performance, or maximum acceleration. Among the original 2012–2015 versions, the 1.5 CVT Hybrid uses the least fuel at 6.2 L/100 km combined, the 2.0 AT Gasoline version offers a middle ground with 150 hp and 8.4 L/100 km combined, and the 2.4 MT Gasoline model is the quickest at 7.3 seconds from 0–100 km/h.
The Acura ILX choice depends mainly on whether you prioritize fuel consumption, everyday performance, or maximum acceleration. Among the original 2012–2015 versions, the 1.5 CVT Hybrid uses the least fuel at 6.2 L/100 km combined, the 2.0 AT Gasoline version offers a middle ground with 150 hp and 8.4 L/100 km combined, and the 2.4 MT Gasoline model is the quickest at 7.3 seconds from 0–100 km/h. The 2015–2018 and 2018-onward restylings simplify the range to a single 2.4 DSG with 201 hp and an 8-speed Robotic gearbox. Of those two, the 2015–2018 car has the stronger figures on paper: 7.4 seconds to 100 km/h and 8.1 L/100 km combined, compared with 7.7 seconds and 8.4 L/100 km for the later restyling.
Acura ILX generations and versions
The ILX data covers one generation of Sedan, presented in three stages rather than three unrelated generations. The original 1 generation ran from 2012 through 2015 and offered three versions: 1.5 CVT, 2.0 AT, and 2.4 MT. This is the broadest selection, spanning Hybrid and Gasoline engines, three transmission types, and outputs from 111 to 201 hp.
The first restyling ran from 2015 through 2018. Its only listed version is the 2.4 DSG, combining a 2,354 cc Gasoline engine with 201 hp, 244 Nm, an 8-speed Robotic gearbox, and FWD.
The second restyling began in 2018, with no stop date provided. It also has one 2.4 DSG Sedan version. Output remains 201 hp, while torque rises by 1 Nm to 245 Nm. Kerb weight increases by 2 kg, from 1,403 to 1,405 kg.
Acura ILX engine specs compared
Every listed ILX uses a front, transverse engine with 4 Inline cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, Distributed injection (multi-point), and No boost. All versions are FWD and use 92 fuel. The important buying differences are displacement, output, torque, and gearbox.
| Production stage | Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–2015 | 1.5 CVT | 111 hp / 82 kW | 172 Nm | 1,497 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| 2012–2015 | 2.0 AT | 150 hp / 110 kW | 190 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2012–2015 | 2.4 MT | 201 hp / 148 kW | 233 Nm | 2,354 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2015–2018 restyling | 2.4 DSG | 201 hp / 148 kW | 244 Nm | 2,354 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 8-speed Robotic | FWD |
| 2018–onward restyling | 2.4 DSG | 201 hp / 148 kW | 245 Nm | 2,354 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 8-speed Robotic | FWD |
Calculated from the listed displacement and power, the 1.5 CVT produces about 74.1 hp per litre, the 2.0 AT about 75.1 hp per litre, and all three 201-hp 2,354 cc versions about 85.4 hp per litre. The 2.4-litre choices therefore provide both the highest total output and the highest specific output in this catalogue data.
The progression within the original range is substantial. Moving from 1.5 CVT to 2.0 AT adds 39 hp and 18 Nm. Moving from 2.0 AT to 2.4 MT adds another 51 hp and 43 Nm. Compared directly with 1.5 CVT, the 2.4 MT supplies 90 more hp and 61 more Nm.
The restyled 2.4 DSG does not add horsepower over 2.4 MT, but it adds torque and changes the transmission. The 2015–2018 2.4 DSG has 11 Nm more than 2.4 MT, while the 2018-onward version has 12 Nm more. Its 8-speed Robotic gearbox replaces the earlier 6-speed Manual.
Acura ILX performance and fuel economy
| Production stage | Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–2015 | 1.5 CVT | 12.5 sec | 187 km/h | 6.0 L/100 km | 6.2 L/100 km | 6.2 L/100 km |
| 2012–2015 | 2.0 AT | 9.3 sec | 213 km/h | 9.8 L/100 km | 6.7 L/100 km | 8.4 L/100 km |
| 2012–2015 | 2.4 MT | 7.3 sec | 233 km/h | 10.7 L/100 km | 7.6 L/100 km | 9.4 L/100 km |
| 2015–2018 restyling | 2.4 DSG | 7.4 sec | 225 km/h | 9.4 L/100 km | 6.5 L/100 km | 8.1 L/100 km |
| 2018–onward restyling | 2.4 DSG | 7.7 sec | not measured | 9.8 L/100 km | 6.9 L/100 km | 8.4 L/100 km |
The 1.5 CVT is the economy choice. It consumes 2.2 L/100 km less combined than 2.0 AT, 3.2 L/100 km less than 2.4 MT, 1.9 L/100 km less than the 2015–2018 2.4 DSG, and 2.2 L/100 km less than the later 2.4 DSG. The trade-off is acceleration: it requires 12.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h, which is 5.2 seconds longer than 2.4 MT.
The 2.0 AT occupies the middle position. It reaches 100 km/h 3.2 seconds sooner than 1.5 CVT, while consuming 1.0 L/100 km less combined than 2.4 MT. Its 213 km/h top speed is 26 km/h higher than the Hybrid’s but 20 km/h below the Manual 2.4-litre car.
For maximum measured performance, choose 2.4 MT. Its 7.3-second acceleration time is 0.1 second quicker than the 2015–2018 2.4 DSG, and its 233 km/h top speed is 8 km/h higher. That performance comes with the highest listed consumption: 10.7 L/100 km city, 7.6 L/100 km highway, and 9.4 L/100 km combined.
The 2015–2018 2.4 DSG is the strongest all-round 201-hp option by the supplied figures. Against 2.4 MT, it gives away only 0.1 second to 100 km/h but saves 1.3 L/100 km in the city, 1.1 L/100 km on the highway, and 1.3 L/100 km combined.
The later 2.4 DSG adds 1 Nm over the preceding restyling, but it is 0.3 second slower to 100 km/h and consumes an additional 0.4 L/100 km in the city, 0.4 L/100 km on the highway, and 0.3 L/100 km combined. Its top speed is not measured, so it cannot be compared on that figure.
Acura ILX weight, clearance, tank, and wheel sizes
| Production stage | Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Weight per hp | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–2015 | 1.5 CVT | 1,342 kg | not measured | 12.09 kg/hp | 112 mm | 50 L | not measured |
| 2012–2015 | 2.0 AT | 1,340 kg | not measured | 8.93 kg/hp | 151 mm | 50 L | not measured |
| 2012–2015 | 2.4 MT | 1,351 kg | not measured | 6.72 kg/hp | 157 mm | 50 L | not measured |
| 2015–2018 restyling | 2.4 DSG | 1,403 kg | not measured | 6.98 kg/hp | 135 mm | 50 L | 215/45 R17; 225/40 R18 |
| 2018–onward restyling | 2.4 DSG | 1,405 kg | not measured | 6.99 kg/hp | 135 mm | 50 L | 215/45 R17; 225/40 R18 |
The 2.0 AT is the lightest version at 1,340 kg, just 2 kg below 1.5 CVT. The 2.4 MT weighs 11 kg more than 2.0 AT, yet its extra 51 hp improves the power-to-weight calculation from 8.93 to 6.72 kg/hp.
The 2015–2018 2.4 DSG is 52 kg heavier than 2.4 MT, and the later 2.4 DSG is 54 kg heavier. Because all three produce 201 hp, the lighter Manual has the best weight-per-horsepower figure.
Ground clearance varies more than weight among the original versions. The 1.5 CVT has 112 mm, the 2.0 AT has 151 mm, and the 2.4 MT has 157 mm. Both restyled 2.4 DSG versions have 135 mm. Every version carries a 50 L tank. Gross weight is not measured for any listed version, and wheel sizes are not measured for the three 2012–2015 versions.
Which Acura ILX version should you choose?
Choose the 1.5 CVT if fuel consumption is the deciding factor. Its 6.2 L/100 km combined figure is the lowest here, but its 111 hp, 12.5-second 0–100 km/h time, 112 mm clearance, and 12.09 kg/hp make it the least performance-focused option.
Choose the 2.0 AT if you want the original Sedan with a conventional 5-speed Automatic and a balance between the two extremes. It improves on 1.5 CVT by 39 hp and 3.2 seconds to 100 km/h, while avoiding the 2.4 MT figure of 9.4 L/100 km combined.
Choose the 2.4 MT for the quickest acceleration, highest measured top speed, highest clearance, and best weight-per-horsepower ratio. It is the clear driver-oriented selection in the data, provided that a 6-speed Manual and 9.4 L/100 km combined consumption suit your priorities.
Choose the 2015–2018 2.4 DSG for the best numerical compromise. It matches 2.4 MT at 201 hp, adds 11 Nm, and reduces combined consumption by 1.3 L/100 km, while its 0–100 km/h time is only 0.1 second slower. Among the two restyled cars, this is the stronger specification on paper.
Choose the 2018-onward 2.4 DSG when you specifically want the second restyling. Compared with the 2015–2018 2.4 DSG, it provides 1 extra Nm but weighs 2 kg more, accelerates 0.3 second slower, and uses 0.3 L/100 km more combined. No price data is supplied, so whether those changes justify any extra purchase cost cannot be measured from this catalogue.