Review: 2021 Acura ILX A-Spec - Where is the Love?

[@TheBreakfastLover]

The strong point is its naturally aspirated K24 DOHC VTEC engine with the 8-speed dual-clutch. Ancient but bulletproof drivetrain. It's actually quicker than the Integra A-spec (manual and CVT).

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

Plus it revs super high so you get to hear that engine just sing all the way to the almost 7000 RPM redline

[@nastynati3501]

Amen

[@nastynati3501]

Righteous

[@joevail6959]

I have a 2019. The drivetrain is awesome. An engine that absolutely yearns to start screaming in high RPM. The eight speed DCT is buttery smooth and responds extremely well to paddle shift inputs.

[@Steve-O_FPV]

@@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan My 2008 Civic Si went red at 8200 and it was a helluva ride all the way up especially connected to the LSD and rowing through 6 gears.

[@Egon_Cholakian]

Just left the dealership. I drove a 2022 ILX and a 2024 Integra. I bought the ILX.

[@TRexHeliPilot]

I hear you. Everytime I go to the dealership to service my '22 ILX they offer to buy it back from me! I'm like no chance. Keep your CVT Integra. I'll keep my Civic Si, I mean ILX.

[@THIRTYSIXRED]

2021 ILX owner here. Red base model. Would not trade it for anything

[@robertcudny1839]

​@@TRexHeliPilotSame with my 2008 tsx.

[@namanjain9155]

I would’ve done the same, used ILX is like 30% cheaper than an Integra

[@nintendoatarikiller]

This was slept on, HARD. Would make a great reliable daily. Harrison AS coming in dual clutch with another banging car

[@thebluecollaragent]

@@nintendoatarikiller I’m in real estate and drive a ton of miles. I purchased a 2020 and love it. It is a smaller car and some hate on it for that, but it didn’t claim to be an SUV. It’s nearly 40 MPG and fun to drive, with low maintenance costs. I believe when it was new it was the most affordable luxury on the market. For what you get for the money, it’s a great car.

[@bigcrowfly]

Lots of CPO ILXs are coming off of 2 or 3 year leases, sometimes with very few miles. Acura dealers sell these with a 100k manufacturer warranty.

[@sab1024]

I got a 2020 CPO with extended warranty for 25k, 31k miles. I love it.

[@stevec5465]

That's what I'm looking for!

[@VanderJam]

This video rocks. Proud owner. Lovely power train. Handsome compact sedan. IlX makes a great super affordable daily driver.

[@im_an_alvani]

These later model ILXs are very handsome. The comparison segment was super helpful!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Glad you liked it!

[@AWildKappa]

I never slept on this, these are pretty much integras I always saw them that way, Awesome car. Great video glad you enjoyed the car!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks man!

[@jayxiong5671]

I was literally thinking of maybe and potentially getting a 2021 Acura ILX Blue with Aspec! Thanks so much Matt! You’re the best!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Happy to help!

[@benshawley2703]

What helps that dual clutch a lot is that it has a torque converter for smoothness from a stop

[@jacquesc3166]

The only car/trans made like this, probably ever. Honda knew how rough the VW dual clutches were running in the mid-2010's, and this was the answer. Underappreciated.

[@Mo.Jo.]

I own a 2017 ILX with 65K miles on it. Its been flawless. Just maintain the fluids, filters and some general stuff and it'll go a long long way. The 8 DCT with Torque Converter and the 2.4 K series engine is a fantastic pair. Shame about the new integra. This in-house designed and built 8 DCT with TC was just the first generation, imagine if they had kept going with a 2nd more improved generation and done a major re-design on the ILX - the sales would have been better than the wimpy CVT version of the Integra!

[@sengsythao1896]

I agree all of your points. Been looking for a manual version of these. ILXs still built for the old schooled minded mid age folks , still all natural aspirated, good ol vtec, simple yet modern tech. Great review! 😎👍

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@64Spokes]

Seriously slept on cars. Very good value secondhand as well

[@sf7234]

Great video, and seems like a good deal. Never would’ve thought these had a K24 into the 2020s

[@andylarios9983]

I still currently own a 2015 ILX. No mechanical issues. I have a few complaints, but I could see myself owning it for another 10 years.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for sharing your ownership experience!

[@sachemrock]

Great review Matt! I love these reviews on slightly older cars that represent a great value versus many new cars!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks! Glad you like them!

[@luisr.blanco8098]

Own a 2019 ILX base model. Love it very reliable, good looking and fun car plus good MPGs. 😊

[@792bnz]

High flow cats, 2.7 single exit exhaust all the way thru intake and ktuner. If you do all those mods with a tune, you'll get a good 30 to 50hp. Doesn't sound like much but these cars are light

[@ranthony2714]

I own a 2020 ilx premium and very much enjoy the k24 engine and 8 speed dct with the torque converter.

[@vane5525]

I love my ilx. I have a 2020 with 34k miles and it’s perfect for me. It gets me to college and all of the smaller errands I have to run. For 21, it’s perfetc

[@hongchan1202]

ILX is that child the parents named him wrong, who has bad skin and pimples but no one bothers to notice the kid has a good heart.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

The fact that they added the torque converter with this dual clutch was a good move, since dual clutch transmissions aren't the smoothest in city driving but the torque converter smooths out those shifts real well. Plus that thing shifts lightning fast. I also miss the K24 engine so much. I don't think Honda uses this engine anymore in most of their cars anymore, or even any of them.

[@dillonsrt]

If you want an automatic integra, you're stuck with a cvt. To me, the ilx is better because because of the 8 speed

[@user-wv5ir3rp2z]

And for that, you get a smaller car all around

[@traviszack3]

@@user-wv5ir3rp2zthat's true. I have an 2019 ILX and I'm fine with it being smaller because i rarely haul people/things around in it

[@big420ballin]

this is what people who know about cars understand, but the average person doesn't and wants a more modern looking interior

[@Steve-O_FPV]

@@big420ballin I am very average, the A-spec interior looks fantastic to me, all black. In December 2023 and January 2024, I drove a lot of newer Honda / Toyota used cars and SUVs with a lot of different interiors including the 2022 Civic Si before I settled on the 2021 ILX Prem A-Spec. This was the best interior I found especially at the price, all real leather fully electric seats with suede inserts that are super comfortable, everything is black and sporty and soft touch. I do wish the drivers seat would go a little lower but I fit fine at 6ft even. My 2008 Honda Civic Si Coupe was totaled in Oct 2023, the ILX seemed like the logical choice as it was the same car with 2 extra doors, upgrades all over it and better MPG, the DCT is solid and fun but I do miss the manual trans. The ILX seems huge compared to my 2008 Si and is actually 8 inches longer and weighs about 300lbs more. Interior is excellent in the ILX, especially the fact that I do not have this huge tablet attached to my dash, talk about distraction. The ILX is more of an enthusiast car anyway, call it a fun-out-of-the-box car that looks spectacular, doesn't have a turbo and doesn't break the bank.

[@itsdocdaniel]

Was actually looking at these yesterday, great car

[@Chicago0720]

I just purchased the 2021 base model with 15k miles on it . I was very impressed with the features that came with just the base model.

[@attaboyroy21]

Traded mine in for a Type R, they slept on forsure

[@sapporoification]

I kept my ITR for the weekend lol. 😂

[@traviszack3]

I have an injen axle back exhaust, sounds lovely and even pops and crackles between 2-3k rpm

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Nice!

[@timothycoyne5874]

I bought a CPO 2014 ILX w/6-speed manual and loved it. It was a fun, zippy little car. Its only real fault was the suspension, which had far too much body roll for a sporty little car. I’d have remedied that and kept the car much longer had I not fallen in love with the ND1 Miata I bought to replace the Acura.

[@bryantcurtis7]

I think that the interior isn’t the best but I really like the look of the car. Great review mixing in the oldish cars Matt.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@diablo2815]

I have 2021 white A-Spec that I bought in May 2023. It currently has 35k miles. I get compliments all the time and looks more expensive than it really is. I don’t mind the outdated interior but I’ll take a buttery smooth transmission combined with a peppy engine over a strokable dashboard

[@Steve-O_FPV]

I have added a few things to bring my recently acquired 2021 ILX up to date. I bought a USB wireless plug and play android auto adapter ($42) which works awesome, a heads up display window projector ($40), a 4k front/rear dash cam ($129), a OEM style wireless phone charging pad that replaces the floor in the center cubby hole under the radio ($53), stainless steel dead pedal cover to match pedals ($50), spare tire kit ($400), rear center console USB plugs for backseat ($20), grocery bag hangers for trunk (2 for $15), cargo net for trunk (gift from wife, $35), Slipknot decal, rear window ($4). Mine did not come with the remote start ($400) but I am adding that soon. I may do some stereo speaker and woofer upgrades as well.

[@nathannguyen3564]

what rear console USB plug did you get?

[@flacko001]

Juat picked one up im loving it

[@TumblingMustard]

I love this car. Underrated for sure.

[@earlgriffith3592]

Just bought a '22 A Spec with24k miles. Drove the new Integra. Disappointed as compared to my original Integra GSR. ILX drives better than the new Integra. More power,better handling. I traded in a '20 Siubi WRX. fun to drive, but rough on the road. Buy the ILX. Skip the current Integra, unless you want the S with turbo and stick.

[@Eggsplanepls]

the pre refresh ILX had the k24 from the 9th gen Si

[@Angryeddie14]

Very cool low key car for people that want an auto, great review!

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

Nice job Matt & 1 day, I buy this as my daily.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@Jackpot006]

Love the review videos Matt, keep em coming!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, will do!

[@anothersiguy]

Great review Matt! Not sure what it is but I couldn’t really get behind the look of the ILX, or the new Integra for that matter (outside the Type S). I’d probably go with a 09-14 TSX Technology instead.

[@funtimewithsun]

I just bought a 2021 ILX Apec package with 8k miles for 25k and I'm very happy with my decision to jump on this car right away.

[@tjyang]

This car is amazing, really under the radar. Was excited for the Integra, but was disappointed, had a 2003 RSX back in the day and thought it would be similar but i was wrong. Got myself a Red 21 Tech A Spec CPO with 24k miles for 25k. Super lucky to get that deal, definitely a bargin if you can find a good deal on this car. Love the look more than the Integra, but that just me

[@MA-it3ps]

I've had my '18 A-Spec ILX for about 3,600 miles now and average mpg is 34.3 which is quite good to me. I bought it to replace my 240k mile G35 and surprisingly the 0-60 is exactly the same.

[@sapporoification]

I just picked mine up this week. It’s the best daily for my situation and no need for too many mods. 2.4 makes more sense.

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Great video. I considered this as a replacement daily. If I had to drive an auto, I probably would have.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Jorge!

[@MarielleMorris]

just put a deposit down on a pre owned 2021 with 40k miles it doesn’t have the tech package but i’m looking for the reliability aspect .. putting 4k down and it’s 20k glad i’m making a good choice.

[@lexisnep525]

I've spent a significant amount of time behind the wheel of both of these cars. The Integra is more of a sports car than the ILX, although the ILX does get to 60 faster. I'd much rather the Integra, but man, these were underrated.

[@LukeO-1234]

I have a 20 TLX with this same power train. I enjoy it for the most part. My buddy has this exact car and it's slightly firm but not unreasonable. Maybe I feel like it's firm because my TLX is a couch

[@Ch1797]

These cars still look great in person. Sometimes, at a glance, I’ll think it’s an Integra. It’s too bad they did a late refresh and didn’t change enough when they did. If these didn’t have the dual screens I’d seriously consider getting one since my ITS got lemon lawed and I need a car besides my legend coupe since that became my wife’s car haha.

[@Steve-O_FPV]

The dual screens are excellent. Love them. I have all my radio/sirius xm controls on the lower screen while my nav map is running on the upper screen. Works great. I think people who have not learned how to use it automatically hate it. I decided to give it a chance and I like it a lot. Works really nice and it doesn't look like an afterthought of just sticking a huge tablet to the dash, it's more integrated into the dash and does not take away from my field of view out the front glass. Some people just don't think it through.

[@Ch1797]

@@Steve-O_FPV I think it’s moreso that I’m not going to be spending anywhere near 20k for an old car with an infotainment that dates back to the 2007/2008 model years. The dual screens are cool and all and I don’t dislike them bc they’re impractical, I just hate how old everything looks. To each their own I guess. I’d rather put 20k towards a 60k car than buy a 20k car that’s 5-10 years old and crave something newer. Of course I get that a new car will become old but that’s beside the point. Enjoy your car, def beats most things out there regardless of age bc it’s got the name Honda behind it haha

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

Excellent video Matt.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

@@MattMaranMotoringNo problem Matt.

[@-----------------------------]

I had this before I traded it in for a 2024 crosstrek. Loved the DCT and the sound of the K24 engine, unlike my crosstrek I wasn't afford to merge with traffic on a short on ramp. Even with the larger 2.5 engine on the crosstrek it's lacking to the ILX and the CVT is a major kill joy. Wanted to have more cargo space and ground clearance so I had to get rid of it and move on.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for sharing your ownership experience!

[@CuttinUpGetGapped]

I have the performance model and I absolutely love it

[@wayneyim8714]

These ones with the K24 are definitely slept on. I wonder if the reason these get no love is because they got a bad reputation with the underpowered 2013-2015 MY you had mentioned in your video? Then come 2020-2021 and the tech feels. bit dated.... If I was in the market for a used daily, I'd consider one of these.

[@4bdn_]

Im considering getting this over the Integra to replace my aging 2011 TSX

[@sachemrock]

It is a good car Matt! I wonder if the small size held the sales back when it was new?

[@TheBreakfastLover]

During its run, the ILX outsold the Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA in the US. It sold relatively well.

[@c.a.r.s.carsandrelevantspecs]

Nice review! I really like that engine! 😃👍

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@kencai6803]

It would be a huge difference in sales numbers if they put this transmission to the new Integra, they did the 1.5 turbo and 8-speed DCT combination on CDX. I just don't understand why not bring that to the new Integra.

[@Xilent1]

I had a 2013 and loved it. Had the DCT transmission. Made me wish I had a 5spd manual though, but the DCT held its own. The interior of this car almost looks like my 2013 and that made me pass on this.

[@damilolaakanni]

2013 had a torque converter automatic, IIRC. And I think you could only get the manual with the 2.4.

[@PresidentJackBauer]

The problem was the fact it was agreed and expensive when it was new. It was also very small for the segment. The refresh came really late and was still old without enough changes. Look up any of its competition and it was way worse. Even the civic was updated a whole generation over this.

[@ciello___8307]

I agree. the newer civics, and hell, even the integra killed this. If you want sporty, get a type R. If you want a nicer car, there are so many options

[@teon1322]

🎉🎉 great video

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thank you 🤗

[@saturnotaku]

Purchased a new 2020 ILX in late 2019 but got rid of it after 11 months due to suspension and fuel pump issues that required a total of 5 unscheduled service visits over that time period. Unlucky me, I guess.

[@itslorenzo]

Love these used and (sometimes) a bit older car reviews Matt!! 🙌🏽

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I'm glad you like them!

[@bigcrowfly]

Powertrain was also in the 2015-2020 Acura TLX if you need a bigger car.

[@mikea1819]

I think this video is why Carvana is emailing me for my ILX ASpec all of sudden.

[@jaioncebollero1168]

I have a 2020 it’s ok… but it makes me just want an si with the same motor.

[@Chicago0720]

I was skeptical buying it as a 6 foot tall guy. But I fit just fine.

[@Kai-JH]

The integra we had all along..

[@stevec5465]

I'm looking to buy a CPO. I'm not feeling the integra with the rurbo and CVT

[@jnunez9771]

Would you get this or a new civic sport I got the 22 civic sport. But the cvt is a drag kinda think I regret it at times but I love the updated look and feel of the new civic

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I think this is a nice savings over the more expensive Civic Sport, but I do love the current gen Civic too.

[@jnunez9771]

@@MattMaranMotoring yeah I needed the extra room the civic has so that’s kinda why I went with it as well but true the ILX is more of a bargain car can’t go wrong with either

[@Moisescisn18]

Anyone can talk about the DCT ? How is it ? And has anyone done mods to their car and seen if the dct can handle power ? Thanks

[@wesleymcandrew3998]

these look great on the outside, but when comparing back to back with an Integra, the interior is too outdated for me to live with. When I was comparing CPO Acuras, a lightly used ILX was coming in at $25K vs an Integra at $28K-$29K, I stretched for the Integra.

[@addison2901]

i have a 2020 and is a good car put the price and good on gas and the transmisdon woth the paddrl shifter ❤❤

[@ciello___8307]

when it was new, the dated interior really hurt it.

[@mike9588]

If only the integra kept that same 8 speed dual clutch

[@_IIN01]

I really don’t understand why they did that.

[@typesredline]

Why? The cvt is significantly more fuel efficient, easier to maintain, cheaper to produce, and is excellent to drive. Clearly you haven’t driven the Integra with cvt.

[@damilolaakanni]

IMO, they should have put the 10 speed automatic from the TLX in. Honda already makes that transmission and uses it in the TLX, RDX, MDX, Pilot and Odyssey.

[@typesredline]

@@damilolaakannithe 10 speed won’t pair to the 1.5l. It’s also too big and heavy for that platform.

[@coejbee]

The powertrain & drivetrain are awesome. The exterior is nice. It's that HORRID dashboard/infotainment layout that completely wrecks the car.

[@falcon64z8]

In 2022 I was shopping for a small car and I narrow it down to Hyundai Elantra N-Line, Mazda 3 Hatchback Premium, and the ILX Aspec. Out of the 3 the ILX was the most expensive (here in AZ) and didn't offer the luxury or modern entertainment or MPG the others had. I ended up getting the mazda3 in the end and still happy that I did :)

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Mazda3 is a great choice too, this current gen is fantastic.

[@Ben-bs4od]

Consumer Reports says it's loud and the ride is overly rough. Is this true? Would take a Mazda 3 over this any day if the emergency braking doesn't misfire as many people says it does.

[@Stefin770]

I think the rough ride claim was a thing for the prior 2016 models (before any refreshes)

[@justinfay3011]

Gives up a lot of features liked heated wheel, cooled seats, terrible dash layout, road noise, etc

[@Therafester14]

Great car. They really should have considered doing the engineering to get this compatible with the 1.5T

[@vr6gls]

Overpriced civic. Drive an ILX as a rental vehicle for two months while my car was in the body shop. It just felt like a glorified civic. It didn’t feel upscale or luxurious at all. I would rather just buy a civic hatch and call it a day.

[@yrnx9334]

Why did they change to cvt

[@stratusedge2k7]

if you ever get to drive a Lexus IS250, would love a comparison

[@MattMaranMotoring]

What model year/generation are you interested in?

[@stratusedge2k7]

@@MattMaranMotoring For the sedan, I think only the 06-15 had the 2.5 V6 option which would have similar power to the ILX. If you're ever in North Texas, would love for you to review my 2010 2IS with light mods!

[@rayhanrizvi334]

The IS is a better version of this car no question. However, they’re expensive, I got a 2021 ilx for 20 grand with 20k miles. You won’t find any Lexus IS that new with that mileage for 20k. Second, lots of the used IS cars have crashes, multiple owners, and have been driven to the ground. I really wanted an IS but after looking at them, the ilx made more sense. Although im already planning on getting a good is when I have the money fasho, would be the only car I would trade my ilx in for

[@blueridge8992]

This car lost all its sales to the Crossover boom, plain and simple. It was on sale during that transitional period when it became cool to buy a new RAV4 to show off your promotion instead of a CPO BMW or Benz. If you look at the sales numbers, the ILX was moving

[@MikeForsythe]

This car was awful from the start. It wasn’t great at anything. So don’t just blame suvs.

[@CaptainCJ97]

Nice vid

[@R1val909]

Underrated

[@oneblach]

Wow. I totally forgot about ILX

[@raver208]

😅 I do not understand nor comprehend all of the complaints from the driving public on interior space and headroom on every vehicle… Not every single vehicle needs to be a goddamn Cadillac DeVille capable of carrying 6 foot two people all over the place… If you have a bunch of tall / wide people get bigger vehicles… No need to stop building compact sporty lightweight vehicles altogether.

[@boost331]

I love the engine and trans that was in the ILX. The exterior was pretty pleasing, but the interior with the multiple screens was super weird and cheesey. I would have much rather given the Integra an updated\upgraded version of the K24 that the crap ass 1.5 earth dreams engine. The 8 speed was way better than the cvt too. High revs and Vtech..... Those were the days.

[@nastynati3501]

It frkn works. All day everyday.

[@camjam344]

LETS GOO

[@-redtango]

Its a DCT with torque converter

[@wtDrake]

I'm 5'11" and could NOT fit in the back seat 🤣 Which is a shame because otherwise I like this car

[@jaddyrose9318]

ILX stands for Individual Luxury Executive

[@xenonsaccord4447]

@@jaddyrose9318 That’s awesome. I always assumed it stood for Integra Luxury eXperimental

[@DtownJ]

Beautiful vehicle. I just don’t like the interior on these models. Prefer the integra

[@Vandantcyclone]

Rip the ILX

[@Eric-jk3oi]

My boy's got a little tummy on him now lol

[@kajukuja]

🙂👍

[@MrMegatron85]

Hahaha its so stupid, but I feel like we've been spoiled with duel exhaust on everything. When a modern car doesn't have them, its an instant turn off

[@alexl.102]

The interior looks pretty dated compared to a civic even to my 2016 which looks more modern.

[@kennedyracing7527]

Matt this might sound a little hard but you’re pounding on the weight! Get a diet and exercise plan going

[@Mirstrip]

I noticed he has a gut in this video but it’s probably the lighting

[@ScentingSquirrel]

Leave the comments to car talk bro

[@kevinmartinez2548]

The interior looks underwhelming in my opinion. At least for 2021.

[@RedClutch22_]

they don't love my car