DecodedCars2021 Acura ILX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 24 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 181.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,120 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Acura ILX is a compact car offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,120 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 34 highway), 2% better than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 ILX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 ILX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 181.9 in | 70.9 in | 55.5 in | 105.1 in | 59.4 / 59.8 in | 3,120 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ILX | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +2% | $2,950 | 316 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Acura ILX 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2021 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Acura ILX (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 | 353 mi | ★★★★★ | 22 |
| 2021 Audi A5 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Acura ILX.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Acura ILX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Acura ILX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 3 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Lane Departure › Warning — 3 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 9,600 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Acura ILX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other ILX years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →