The Acura ILX vs. the Acura TLX

Drivers looking for their next luxury sedan will have two impressive options with the 2018 Acura ILX and the 2019 Acura TLX. The ILX is a compact sport sedan with impressive and lively road performance. The TLX is a mid-size performance luxury sedan “offering an expert blend of performance, comfort, and reliability,” according to Edmunds.com. With both vehicles, you can also expect comfort features and technology inside and thrills behind the wheel, but there are important differences that will appeal to different types of drivers. Which one is right for you?

• ILX: Compact and sporty with more trim level choices and better fuel economy
• TLX: Mid-size and luxurious with more powertrain choices and available AWD

Exterior

The ILX is compact, sporty and ready for adventure. It boasts a rear spoiler on both the Sport model and the performance-centric A-Spec, as well as Jewel Eye LED headlightsand a power moonroof to let you enjoy the sun and the stars. The TLX has a graceful elegance and sophistication. The Standard TLX includes Jewel Eye LED headlights and adds LED-illuminated tail lights, brake lights, and side mirror-integrated directional signals.

 

Engine and Drivetrain Options

Drivers who want the same great engine offered across all trim levels should consider the ILX. All six of its models are powered by a 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine that produces up to 201 horsepower. The engine works in tandem with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, and delivers power to the front wheels with lightning-quick shifting through the gears.

For drivers who want more power and different engine and drivetrain options, the TLX is the one for you. Each of its four trim levels offers a choice of a 2.4 engine or an available 3.5L V6. The first option will produce up to 206 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with torque converter and sequential SportShift paddle shifters. Opting for the V6 engine will increase the horsepower to 290 and switch to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The V6 option is available with the Front-Wheel Drive with Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) System or Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).

• ILX: 2.4 L engine with 201 horsepower
• TLX: 2.4 L engine or an available 3.5L V6 engine

Interior

Inside the cabin, both the ILX and TLX offer supremely comfortable and luxurious cabins, filled with conveniences that make day-to-day life on the road go more smoothly. You can expect to find leatherette-trimmed sport seats, dual-zone automatic climate control with humidity control, smart entry, and more in both the ILX and TLX. The ILX includes an 8-way driver’s seat with 2-level heating but the TLX offers a bit more luxury with a 10-way power seat with power lumbar support and 3-level heated front seats.

• ILX: Comfortable leatherette-trimmed sport seats inside
• TLX: Added lumbar support and an extra heated seat setting

AcuraWatch

AcuraWatch is a package of driver-assistive technology features that help drivers stay safe. The ILX features the AcuraWatch suite on its AcuraWatch model, while the TLX features the technologies across all four of its models.

• Lane Keeping Assist System
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
• Collision Mitigation Braking System

Fuel Economy

The ILX and TLX achieve impressive fuel economy estimates which is good news for the environment. It also saves time and money with fewer trips to the pump and more time on the road..

• ILX: 25 city / 35 highway / 29 combined mpg**
• TLX: 23 city / 33 highway / 27 combined mpg**
• TLX with V6: 20 city / 31 highway / 24 combined mpg**
• TLX with V6 SH-AWD: 20 city / 29 highway / 23 combined mpg**