The 2019 Acura Ilx stands as a compelling entry-level luxury sedan, offering a blend of sporty performance, sophisticated features, and Acura’s renowned reliability. For those considering this model, understanding its specifications, available packages, and key features is crucial. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the details of the 2019 Acura ILX, providing a thorough overview for prospective buyers and automotive enthusiasts alike.
Powertrain and Performance of the 2019 Acura ILX
Under the hood, the 2019 Acura ILX boasts a spirited powertrain designed for both engaging driving dynamics and respectable fuel efficiency.
Engine Specifications
The heart of the ILX is an aluminum-alloy 4-cylinder engine, displacing 2.4 liters. This engine delivers a punchy 201 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm (SAE net). The engine features a 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC® valvetrain and a high compression ratio of 11.6:1, contributing to its responsive performance. Direct fuel injection and a Drive-by-Wire Throttle System further enhance engine efficiency and responsiveness. The 2019 ILX achieves a ULEV-3 CARB emissions rating, reflecting its commitment to environmental standards. Acura confidently states a 100k +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-Ups interval, highlighting the engine’s long-term reliability and reduced maintenance needs.
Drivetrain and Transmission
Power is delivered to the front wheels through an advanced 8-Speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) with Torque Converter. This transmission provides quick and smooth gear changes, enhancing both acceleration and fuel economy. Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters mounted on the steering wheel offer drivers a more engaging and sporty driving experience, allowing for manual gear selection. The transmission’s gear ratios are carefully calibrated for optimal performance and efficiency across various driving conditions, with a final drive ratio of 3.94.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency of the 2019 Acura ILX
The 2019 Acura ILX strikes a balance between performance and fuel economy, making it a practical choice for daily driving.
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy ratings for the 2019 Acura ILX are commendable for its class, achieving 24 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 28 mpg. Acura recommends premium unleaded 91 octane fuel to ensure optimal engine performance and efficiency. The fuel tank capacity is 13.2 U.S. gallons, providing a decent driving range.
Chassis and Handling of the 2019 Acura ILX
The 2019 Acura ILX’s chassis is engineered to provide a comfortable yet engaging driving experience, blending agility with refinement.
Suspension, Steering, and Brakes
The ILX utilizes a MacPherson Strut front suspension and a Multi-Link rear suspension, a combination that offers a balance of ride comfort and responsive handling. Stabilizer bars, measuring 20.0 mm at the front and 15.0 mm at the rear, help to minimize body roll during cornering, enhancing stability. Amplitude Reactive Dampers are incorporated to adjust damping force based on road conditions, further refining ride quality.
Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS) provides precise and responsive steering feedback. Ventilated front disc brakes (12.3 inches) and solid rear disc brakes (11.1 inches) ensure confident stopping power.
Wheels and Tires
The standard 2019 Acura ILX comes equipped with 17 x 7.0 Glitter Silver Machine-Finished Y-Spoke Noise-Reducing Aluminum Alloy Wheels paired with P215/45 R17 High-Performance All-Season Tires. Premium and Technology Package models feature 17 x 7.0 Pewter Silver Metallic Machine-Finished Y-Spoke Noise-Reducing Aluminum Alloy Wheels. The sporty A-Spec® variant upgrades to larger 18 x 7.5 Shark Grey 15-Spoke Noise-Reducing Aluminum Alloy Wheels and wider 225/40 R18 High-Performance All-Season Tires. The steering ratio is 15.3, and the turning diameter (curb to curb) is 36.8 feet, contributing to the car’s maneuverability in urban environments.
Dimensions and Weight of the 2019 Acura ILX
The 2019 Acura ILX presents a compact and well-proportioned exterior with a surprisingly spacious interior for its class.
Exterior and Interior Dimensions
Externally, the ILX has a length of 182.2 inches, a width of 70.6 inches, and a height of 55.6 inches. The wheelbase measures 105.1 inches, and the track is 59.4 inches at the front and 60.2 inches at the rear. The ground clearance (unladen) is 5.3 inches.
Inside, the 2019 ILX offers ample space for passengers. Front headroom is 38.0 inches, while rear headroom is 35.9 inches. Legroom is generous at 42.3 inches in the front and 34.0 inches in the rear. Shoulder room measures 55.6 inches in the front and 53.6 inches in the rear, and hiproom is 50.3 inches in the front and 51.7 inches in the rear. The EPA passenger volume is 89.3 cubic feet, and the EPA cargo volume is 12.4 cubic feet, providing practical space for luggage and belongings.
Vehicle Weight and Distribution
The curb weight of the 2019 Acura ILX is 3095 lbs. Models with the Premium Package weigh 3122 lbs (without A-Spec) and 3144 lbs (with A-Spec). Technology Package models weigh 3124 lbs (without A-Spec) and 3148 lbs (with A-Spec). The weight distribution is 63% front and 37% rear, typical for a front-wheel-drive vehicle.
Key Features and Technology of the 2019 Acura ILX
The 2019 Acura ILX is equipped with a wide array of features focused on safety, convenience, and connectivity, especially when equipped with optional packages.
AcuraWatch™ Advanced Safety & Driver Assistance Technology
Standard AcuraWatch™ features include Forward Collision Warning (FCW) System, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). A Multi-View Rear Camera is also standard. Blind spot information (BSI) System and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor are added with the Premium and Technology Packages, while the Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines is exclusive to the Technology Package.
Safety and Security Features
The 2019 ILX incorporates Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure for enhanced crash safety. It is equipped with Advanced Front Airbags (SRS), Front Side Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control and Motion Adaptive Steering, 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist. LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Location and Pressure Indicators, an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, and a Theft-Deterrent System with Electronic Immobilizer are also standard. A Tire Sealant and Repair Kit is included in lieu of a spare tire.
Driver Convenience Features
For driver convenience, the ILX includes Hill Start Assist, Cruise Control, Auto-On/Off Headlight Operation with Wiper Integration, Heated Side Mirrors, and a Compass as standard. HomeLink® is added with the Premium and Technology Packages.
Audio and Connectivity Features
Standard audio and connectivity features include Siri® Eyes Free, SMS, MMS Text Message Capability, Color Multi-Information Display (MID), Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® Wireless Telephone Interface, Acura Audio System with 6 Speakers, Pandora® Compatibility, USB Audio Interface, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack, Speed-Sensitive Volume Compensation (SVC), and the Maintenance MinderTM System.
Upgrading to the Premium Package adds Apple CarPlay™ Integration, Android Auto™ Integration, SMS, MMS Text Message and Email Capability, On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD™) 2.0, Acura Premium Audio System with 7 Speakers including Subwoofer, HD Radio®, and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio.
The Technology Package further enhances connectivity with Acura Navigation System with 3D View, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Street and Freeway Conditions, Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink® Connected Services, Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System with 10 Speakers, and Song By Voice®.
Interior Features
Standard interior features include Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Humidity Control and Air Filtration, GPS-Linked Climate Control, Keyless Access System with Acura Personalized Settings, Pushbutton Ignition, Power Windows with Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Auto-Up/Down and Auto-Reverse, Sport Seats with Leatherette-Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching, Driver’s 8-Way Power Seat with Power Lumbar Support, Heated Front Seats, Fold-Down Rear Seatback, Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob, Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls, Bright Silver and Chrome Dash Trim, Active Sound Control, Ambient Cabin Lighting, Retained Accessory Power for Windows and Moonroof, and a 12-Volt Power Outlet (Front Armrest).
Premium and Technology Packages upgrade to Sport Seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather-Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching and Piping, Front Passenger’s 4-Way Power Seat with Power Lumbar Support, and Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror. The A-Spec Package features Sport A-Spec Seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather and Ultrasuede®-Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching and Piping, Stainless Steel Sport Pedals, Graphite and Chrome Dash Trim, and Ebony Headliner.
Exterior Features
Standard exterior features include a Moonroof with Tilt and Slide Function, Jewel Eye® LED Headlights, LED-Illuminated Taillights, Brakelights and Center High Mount Stop Light, Acoustic Glass Windshield, and Remote-Operated Windows and Moonroof-Open Function. The A-Spec Package adds LED Fog Lights, a Decklid Spoiler, and Side Underbody Spoilers.
Color and Trim Options for the 2019 Acura ILX
The 2019 Acura ILX offered a variety of exterior and interior color combinations, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle.
Exterior and Interior Color Choices
Exterior colors included Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Apex Blue Pearl (A-Spec exclusive), Performance Red Pearl, and Canyon Bronze Metallic.
Interior choices ranged from Leatherette in Ebony, to Milano Premium Leather in Ebony, Espresso, and Graystone, and Milano Premium Leather and Ultrasuede® (A-Spec exclusive) in Ebony and Red.
Interior Trim Options
Interior trim options included Bright Silver and Chrome Dash Trim and Graphite and Chrome Dash Trim (A-Spec exclusive).
Optional Packages for the 2019 Acura ILX
Acura offered several optional packages to enhance the 2019 ILX, allowing buyers to tailor the car to their preferences and needs.
Premium Package
The Premium Package added Blind spot information (BSI) System, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, HomeLink®, Apple CarPlay™ Integration, Android Auto™ Integration, SMS, MMS Text Message and Email Capability, On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD™) 2.0, Acura Premium Audio System with 7 Speakers including Subwoofer, HD Radio®, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, Sport Seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather-Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching and Piping, Front Passenger’s 4-Way Power Seat with Power Lumbar Support, Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror, and 17 x 7.0 Pewter Silver Metallic Machine-Finished Y-Spoke Noise-Reducing wheels.
Technology Package
The Technology Package, building upon the Premium Package, included Acura Navigation System with 3D View, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Street and Freeway Conditions, Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink® Connected Services, Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System with 10 Speakers, and Song By Voice®.
A-Spec Package
The A-Spec Package, available with either the Premium or Technology Package, enhanced the sporty appearance and feel with 18 x 7.5 Shark Grey 15-Spoke Noise-Reducing wheels, 225/40 R18 High-Performance All-Season tires, LED Fog Lights, exclusive Piano Black and Dark Chrome front bumper accents, exclusive A-Spec front grille finish, dark internal headlights and taillights, piano black rear diffuser, decklid spoiler, A-Spec emblems, side underbody spoilers, exclusive Apex Blue Pearl exterior paint option, exclusive Red interior color option, A-Spec insignia steering wheel and step garnish, Sport A-Spec seats with unique trim, red instrument panel illumination, stainless steel sport pedals, Ebony headliner, and Graphite and Chrome Dash Trim.
Conclusion: The 2019 Acura ILX – A Well-Rounded Entry-Level Luxury Sedan
The 2019 Acura ILX presents itself as a well-rounded and appealing entry-level luxury sedan. With its sporty engine, refined driving dynamics, comprehensive feature set, and available packages, the ILX offers a compelling option in its segment. Whether you prioritize performance, technology, or sporty aesthetics, the 2019 Acura ILX has a configuration to meet a variety of preferences. Its detailed specifications and package options highlight Acura’s commitment to providing a premium and engaging driving experience in a compact sedan form.