The Acura ILX debuted for the 2013 model year as Acura’s first compact model since the Acura RSX->ke274 was discontinued in 2006. After only a couple years on the market, Acura->ke10 decided to refresh the ILX for the 2016 model year. The refresh wasn’t exactly extensive, but the ILX did gain updated front and rear fascias, a restyled front grille, five-point LED headlights, and LED taillights. Acura also dropped the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in favor of a 2.4-liter and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission from the TLX, giving the ILX a bump up to 201 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Interior updates were rather thin, but the interior did get some contrast stitching and some new technological add-ons that were available for the upper trim levels.

The ILX made its first debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, but didn’t go on sale until February of 2016. Of course, we were really hoping that the ILX would get a little more power, considering the only gain really came in the form of torque, but this was a simple facelift and Acura did good by us on the body and interior. A redesigned model isn’t expected until closer to 2020, so until then, the ILX will continue with minor changes from the 2016 refresh on. That said, the 2017 model has carried on unchanged and went on sale in April of 2016. Let’s take a closer look at the refreshed ILX and go over all the fine details.

Updated 04/12/2016: Acura announced prices for the 2017 ILX - a model that continues unchanged over the 2016 model year and will be put on sale tomorrow, April 13, 2016.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Acura ILX.

Exterior

The facelifted ILX retains its overall shape and dimensions, but gains upgraded front and rear fascias. Up front, updates are quite extensive and include a restyled front grille -- the trademark beak is still there -- new, five-point LED headlamps with revised turn signals and a reshaped apron. The latter features new intakes, and a larger center air dam.

Changes are less significant around back, but LED taillights are sharper, while the lower apron received additional housings that mimic the intakes seen on the front bumper. Restyled 17-inch, ten-spoke, aluminum-alloy wheels round off the exterior update for the 2016 ILX.

A few more goodies are available with the A-SPEC package, however, but the bundle can only be had with the Premium and Technology packages, meaning the base model is devoid of this privilege. The A-SPEC package adds sportier side sills, a trunk-lid spoiler, fog lamps, and a set of brand-new, 18-inch, ten-spoke, machined alloy wheels with black inserts.

New LED Headlamps

Exterior Dimensions

Side-by-side comparison

Interior

Visual interior updates for the standard ILX are limited to contrast stitching for the steering wheel, parking brake handle and shift knob, as well as a new silver trim for the passenger-side dashboard. More features are added with the A-SPEC package on ILX models with the Premium and Technology packages, including an exclusive Premium Black interior with perforated black Lux Suede seat inserts, gray stitching, red instrument panel illumination, and aluminum pedals.

The host of tech upgrades available on the Premium trim and above shows Acura has also upped the ante for more luxury and convenience. New features include a two-position driver’s seat memory function, a four-way power passenger seat, Homelink remote, and Acura’s On-Demand Multi-Use Display with upper eight-inch display screen and lower seven-inch touchscreen. Safety bits such as Blind Spot Information and Rear Cross Traffic enhance every trim but the base model even further.

Speaking of safety and driving-assist technologies, all ILX models can now be equipped with AcuraWatch, a package that brings Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Multi-View Rear Camera, Road Departure Mitigation and revised Collision Mitigation Braking System. Lastly, the ILX's cabin is now quieter thanks to thicker door glass, noise attenuating wheels and the company's Active Noise Control technology, also borrowed from the TLX.

Drivetrain

Motivating the 2016 ILX is an updated, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine making 201 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 180 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. Acura is quick to brag about the extra 51 ponies and 40 pound-feet the unit delivers when compared to the outgoing 2.0-liter four-banger, but somehow it fails to mention it only boasts 10 additional pound-feet of torque over the previous 2.4-liter. Downright silly! Until further notice, it seems the revised ILX will carry on with only one powerplant.

There is some good news however, as the four-pot now mates to an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission with torque converter and shift paddles. Finally! The autobox comes straight from the 2015 Acura TLX and, as our editor-in-chief found out while testing it, it's ready to rip through all eight cogs as the car sprints from naught to 60 mph.

I should also mention Acura's eight-speed DCT is also the first DCT with a torque converter, providing off-the-line torque multiplication and more powerful launches. It should also help improve the ILX's fuel consumption ratings.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

Pricing for the Acura ILX began from $27,900 for the 2016 model year. Buyers that wanted more than just a base model had to pay at least $29,200 for the trim equipped with the AcuraWatch Plus Package. The Premium Package increased the sticker to $29,900, while the ILX with Premium & A-SPEC Package retailed from $31,890. The Tech Plus Package version was priced from $32,900, while the range-topping Tech Plus & A-SPEC Package came in at $34,890.

For 2017, pricing increase with just $90 for the entry-level model, now offered from $27,990. The ILX with AcuraWatch Plus sports a $70 premium at $29,290, while the ILX with Premium Package remained unchanged at $29,900. However, the Premium & A-SPEC Package now fetches $90 more at $31,980, while the ILX with Tech Plus is priced from $32,990, a $90 increase. Lastly, the top-of-the-league Tech Plus & A-SPEC fetches $34,980 before options, which accounts for a $90 hike.

2016 Acura ILX prices

2017 Acura ILX prices

Competitors

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Launched for the 2014 model year, the CLA has been a sales success for Mercedes-Benz since day one in the U.S. to the extent that the Germans have struggled for many months to meet the high demand. Updated mildly for the 2017 model year inside and out, the CLA is available in only one trim — the CLA250 — in the U.S. The four-door coupe is motivated by a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and uses a seven-speed automatic to send it to the wheels. All-wheel drive is optional. The CLA has seven extra ponies and 88 pound-feet more torque than the current ILX, but th CLA is not just about more oomph. The compact sedan comes with more standard features, a premium audio system, and superior fuel economy, and it’s not much more expensive at $32,050.

Read our full review on the Mercedes-Benz CLA here.

Audi A3

The Audi A3 is another popular German compact the Acura ILX needs to encounter. Essentially a shrunken A4, the A3 sedan borrowed the new design language of its bigger brother for the 2017 model year. Now sporting a more aggressive body kit with sharper lines and a mildly revised interior, the A3 is available with three powertrains and it’s the only vehicle of the pack to offer a diesel. U.S. specifics aren't yet available, but look for a range-topping gasoline model equipped with the all-new, 2.0-liter TFSI rated at 190 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque and a 2.0-liter diesel good for 184 horses and 280 pound-feet. Pricing-wise, the base A3 will be on par with the ILX, but the more expensive trims are expected to fetch in excess of $38,000.

Read our full review on the Audi A3 sedan here.

Conclusion

As expected, the revised ILX follows into the footsteps of the brand-new TLX, and that's a good thing. The sedan gaines more luxury, convenience and safety features, updated technology, and a much-needed dual-clutch automatic; basically everything it needs to compete in its fast-paced segment. The "new" engine on the other hand, is a bit disappointing, as there are no actual improvements in the horsepower department. Sure, the ILX lacks only seven ponies when compared to the Mercedes CLA and 19 horses when compared to the range-topping Audi A3, but a more powerful unit would've helped Acura more against two competitors with a strong badge on their noses.

Update History

Updated 02/10/2015: Acura released prices on the 2016 ILX which is now on sale at dealers across the country. Prices will range from $27,900 for a base ILX and up to $34,890 for the model equipped with the Tech Plus and A-SPEC packages.

Updated 11/20/2014: The 2016 Acura ILX made its world debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show and will be put on sale in early 2015.