2016 Acura ILX Review – Entry-Level Luxury with Everyday Practicality
Introduction
The 2016 Acura ILX represents a refined balance of performance, luxury, and affordability. As Acura’s entry-level sedan, the ILX delivers a premium experience without the premium price tag. For the 2016 model year, the ILX underwent a substantial refresh, gaining a new powertrain, updated exterior styling, and a host of technology upgrades that elevated its appeal among compact luxury sedans.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a deep dive into the 2016 ILX’s design, performance, comfort, technology, safety, and real-world driving experience. Whether you're stepping into the luxury market for the first time or looking for a sporty and reliable daily driver, the ILX is a compelling choice.
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Exterior Design: Sporty and Sophisticated
The 2016 Acura ILX received a refreshed look that sharpened its visual identity and aligned it more closely with Acura’s modern design language. The most noticeable upgrades include the introduction of Acura’s signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, revised front and rear fascias, and new wheel designs.
Exterior Highlights:
Jewel Eye LED headlights (standard)
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (18-inch on A-Spec models)
Power moonroof with tilt feature
Redesigned grille and bumper
LED taillights and rear diffuser
The ILX exudes understated elegance. Its sculpted lines and sporty stance give it presence without being flashy. The A-Spec Package, available on Premium and Technology trims, adds visual flair with fog lights, side sill garnishes, and a rear spoiler.
Engine and Performance
One of the most significant improvements to the 2016 ILX is the adoption of a single, more powerful engine option paired with a new transmission. Gone are the base and hybrid powertrains from earlier years—in their place is a robust and responsive 2.4-liter inline-four.
Powertrain Specs:
Engine: 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC inline-4
Horsepower: 201 hp @ 6,800 rpm
Torque: 180 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic with torque converter
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
This powertrain provides spirited acceleration and refined operation. The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is a standout, delivering lightning-fast gear changes with smooth operation. Paddle shifters add driver engagement, while the ILX maintains a composed ride on city streets and highways.
Ride and Handling
The 2016 ILX offers a pleasant balance between comfort and sporty handling. It’s not designed to compete with hardcore sport sedans, but it offers nimble, confident dynamics that make it fun to drive.
Suspension and Steering:
MacPherson strut front / multi-link rear suspension
Amplitude Reactive Dampers
Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
The suspension tuning keeps the ILX planted during quick maneuvers while still absorbing road imperfections effectively. The steering is responsive and well-weighted, providing solid road feedback. While it doesn’t deliver the rear-drive thrills of some German competitors, the ILX holds its own in daily driving and spirited weekend outings.
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Interior Quality and Comfort
Step inside the ILX, and you're greeted with a driver-focused layout, premium materials, and Acura’s signature build quality. The cabin is cleanly styled with an emphasis on ergonomics and usability.
Interior Features:
Leatherette-trimmed seats (leather on Premium and Tech Plus)
Power-adjustable driver’s seat (8-way)
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated front seats
Keyless access with push-button start
The ILX’s front seats offer excellent support for long drives, and visibility is expansive thanks to large windows and smartly placed mirrors. Rear seat space is adequate for adults on shorter trips, though legroom is tight compared to midsize sedans.
Interior Dimensions:
Front Legroom: 42.3 inches
Rear Legroom: 34.0 inches
Trunk Volume: 12.3 cubic feet
The cabin’s noise insulation has been significantly improved for 2016, with thicker front glass, more insulation, and active noise cancellation—resulting in a quieter and more luxurious experience.
Technology and Infotainment
Technology is another strong point for the 2016 ILX, particularly with the Premium and Technology Plus packages, which bring a suite of infotainment and driver-assist features.
Standard and Available Tech:
5-inch center display (standard)
7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display (with Premium or Tech)
Navigation system with real-time traffic (Tech Plus)
ELS Studio premium audio system with 10 speakers (Tech Plus)
Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and audio streaming
SMS text message reading
Siri Eyes Free integration
The dual-screen setup, while occasionally criticized for its learning curve, offers versatility with dedicated screens for audio, navigation, and climate controls. The ELS audio system is excellent, providing rich, clear sound throughout the cabin.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Acura has long prioritized safety, and the 2016 ILX is no exception. It earned strong crash-test ratings and offers advanced driver-assist systems with the Technology Plus package.
Standard Safety Features:
Multi-angle rearview camera
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Vehicle Stability Assist
Advanced front, side, and curtain airbags
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
ACE body structure for crash protection
AcuraWatch Plus Suite (Tech Plus):
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Safety Ratings:
The availability of these features in a compact luxury sedan at this price point is impressive and positions the ILX as a great value in terms of safety and peace of mind.
Real-World Driving Experience
In everyday use, the ILX proves itself as a dependable and enjoyable companion. Its compact size makes it ideal for urban commuting, while the powerful engine and smooth transmission provide confidence during highway passing.
The quiet cabin, responsive handling, and user-friendly tech make long drives less fatiguing. The firm, comfortable seats and refined ride quality further enhance its road-trip readiness.
Owners also appreciate the ILX’s reliability, low maintenance costs, and fuel efficiency—all of which contribute to its reputation as a practical yet premium sedan.
Fuel Economy and Ownership Costs
The 2016 Acura ILX delivers excellent fuel economy without compromising on performance.
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings:
City: 25 mpg
Highway: 36 mpg
Combined: 29 mpg
Ownership Highlights:
Warranty: 4-year/50,000-mile basic; 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain
Reliability: Above-average; low cost of repairs
Insurance: Competitive for the segment
Resale Value: Strong, thanks to brand reputation and build quality
These ratings and low long-term costs make the ILX a smart investment for drivers seeking long-term satisfaction without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons of the 2016 Acura ILX
Pros:
Strong 2.4L engine and smooth DCT transmission
Standard LED headlights and upscale styling
Comfortable, well-insulated interior
Great fuel economy and low cost of ownership
Excellent safety ratings with AcuraWatch Plus
Cons:
Rear seat space is tight for taller passengers
Infotainment system can be complex to learn
Front-wheel drive only—no AWD option
Some interior plastics feel below luxury standards
Ideal Buyer for the 2016 ILX
The 2016 Acura ILX is ideal for:
Young professionals entering the luxury market
Daily commuters seeking a blend of performance and efficiency
Small families or couples looking for premium features at a value
Buyers who prioritize reliability and low ownership costs
If you’re seeking an entry-level luxury sedan that delivers in both substance and style, the ILX is a top contender.
Conclusion
The 2016 Acura ILX is a compelling option in the compact luxury sedan category. Its refreshed design, upgraded powertrain, and improved technology offerings place it firmly in the running against more expensive European rivals.
While it may not have the flash or badge prestige of some competitors, the ILX wins on value, reliability, performance, and safety. It’s a well-rounded sedan that satisfies drivers who want something more refined than a traditional compact car—without jumping to a premium price bracket.
If you’re searching for a used 2016 Acura ILX for sale near Norfolk or Virginia Beach, be sure to visit Your Kar Company at 7912 Becket Street, Norfolk, VA 23518 for inventory, test drives, and personalized financing options.
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Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Interested parties should confirm all data before relying on it to make a purchase decision. All prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Prices may not include additional fees such as government fees and taxes, title and registration fees, finance charges, dealer document preparation fees, $599 processing fee, and emission testing and compliance charges. VADLR5929-7574800100.
