The ILX's old bones are immediately apparent once you step inside. Its more modern competitors have all moved over to the current minimalist trend, while the ILX's dash is still adorned with buttons.
The exterior size doesn't match up with the available room on the inside. Space in the front is fine, though the seats could do with more support. However, The rear legroom is exceptionally tight. The dual-screen infotainment system (included with Premium Package) is an odd one. It's clunky, and if you look at the lower screen placement, it's fairly evident that it was an afterthought - a modern feature placed on an old existing interior.
The ILX comes standard with a power-adjustable driver's seat, heating for the front seats, and a power moonroof.
The ILX is technically a five-seater, but you'd have to be a cruel individual to force three people in the back. The standard moonroof means you only get 38 inches of headroom in the front and 35.9 inches in the back. The front legroom is a rather generous 42.3 inches, but the rear is extremely cramped, offering just 34 inches.
The driver's seating position is relatively high, even with the eight-way power-adjustable seat in the lowest setting. Getting in and out is easy enough, and visibility is good all around.
Acura ILX Trims | Base | Premium Package | Premium & A-Spec Package | Technology & A-Spec Package |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Headroom Front Seat | 38 in. | 38 in. | 38 in. | 38 in. |
Headroom Back Seat | 35.9 in. | 35.9 in. | 35.9 in. | 35.9 in. |
Legroom Front Seat | 42.3 in. | 42.3 in. | 42.3 in. | 42.3 in. |
Legroom Back Seat | 34 in. | 34 in. | 34 in. | 34 in. |
Shoulder Room Front | 55.6 in. | 55.6 in. | 55.6 in. | 55.6 in. |
Shoulder Room Rear | 53.6 in. | 53.6 in. | 53.6 in. | 53.6 in. |
Hip Room, Front | 50.3 in. | 50.3 in. | 50.3 in. | 50.3 in. |
Hip Room, Rear | 51.7 in. | 51.7 in. | 51.7 in. | 51.7 in. |
As standard, the ILX comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. The base model is only available with Ebony leatherette upholstery, which creates a dark atmosphere. There are some silver and chrome finishes that spruce it up a bit, but you have to opt for either the Premium or A-Spec Package for a striking interior ambiance. Premium means leather upholstery, which can be had in Graystone too, not just the default Ebony, as well as Espresso - the latter only in combination with the Platinum White, Modern Steel, or Majestic Black paint. A-Spec (which requires the Premium Spec as well) is default Ebony, but brings optional red with Ultrasuede trimming in the place of Graystone - and no Espresso option.
The ILX has 12.4 cubes to work with. That's on par for the segment and can accommodate two suitcases or a week's worth of groceries. Oddly, the rear seats don't fold down in a split, which is not a feature you think about until you don't have it. Transporting something large while having enough space left over for one or two people is something we take for granted, and it's deeply annoying not having this feature.
The interior storage consists of a center armrest with a storage bin, a rear center armrest with dual cupholders, and door pockets.
Acura ILX Trims | Base | Premium Package | Premium & A-Spec Package | Technology & A-Spec Package |
---|---|---|---|---|
Trunk Volume | 12.4 cu. ft. | 12.4 cu. ft. | 12.4 cu. ft. | 12.4 cu. ft. |
For the price, the ILX gets decent standard specs. These include keyless entry, push-button start system, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, adaptive cruise control, ambient lighting, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and hill start assist. The available Premium and Technology packages add more comfort and convenience, while the A-Spec adds a few sporty cosmetic features.
As standard, the ILX gets a top-mounted five-inch display sans touch functionality. It ships standard with Bluetooth streaming, auxiliary and USB inputs, and a CD frontloader. The latter is increasingly becoming a rare sight in the automotive world. To get access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HD radio, you have to pay an additional $2,000 for the Premium Package.
This changes the infotainment system to a dual-screen setup, which, to be frank, is the less user-friendly of the two configurations. The ILX would have been much better off with a single touchscreen interface. The Technology Package adds navigation with a 3D view, real-time traffic information, and a premium sound system with ten speakers.