The 2020 Acura Ilx continues to be a compelling entry-level luxury sedan, offering a blend of sporty performance, premium features, and Acura’s renowned reliability. For those considering this vehicle, understanding its specifications is crucial. This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know about the 2020 Acura ILX, from its powertrain and dimensions to its advanced technology and available packages.
Powertrain and Performance of the 2020 Acura ILX
Under the hood, the 2020 Acura ILX boasts a responsive and refined powertrain designed for an engaging driving experience.
Engine Details
The ILX is powered by a 2.4-liter, aluminum-alloy 4-cylinder engine. This engine delivers a robust 201 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm (SAE net). The engine features a 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC® valvetrain and a high compression ratio of 11.6:1 for optimized performance and efficiency. Direct fuel injection and a Drive-by-Wire Throttle System further enhance the engine’s responsiveness and fuel economy. It also holds a ULEV-3 CARB emissions rating, reflecting its commitment to environmental standards. Acura emphasizes the longevity and minimal maintenance of this engine, stating a 100k +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-Up interval.
Drivetrain and Transmission
The 2020 Acura ILX is exclusively front-wheel drive, contributing to its nimble handling and fuel efficiency. Power is delivered through an advanced 8-Speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) that incorporates a torque converter. This sophisticated transmission provides quick and smooth gear changes, enhancing both sporty driving and comfortable cruising. Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters are standard, allowing drivers to take manual control of gear changes for a more engaging experience. The transmission’s gear ratios are carefully calibrated (1st: 3.08, 2nd: 2.18, 3rd: 1.61, 4th: 1.22, 5th: 0.96, 6th: 0.74, 7th: 0.62, 8th: 0.48, Reverse: 2.22) along with a final drive ratio of 3.94 to optimize acceleration and fuel economy across various driving conditions.
Fuel Efficiency of the 2020 Acura ILX
The 2020 Acura ILX strikes a balance between performance and fuel economy, making it a practical choice for daily driving and longer journeys.
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings and Fuel Tank Capacity
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy ratings for the 2020 Acura ILX are 24 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. Acura recommends premium unleaded 91 octane fuel to maximize performance and efficiency. The fuel tank capacity is 13.2 U.S. gallons, providing a good driving range between fill-ups.
Chassis and Handling of the 2020 Acura ILX
The chassis of the 2020 Acura ILX is engineered to provide a comfortable yet engaging driving experience, blending sporty handling with everyday usability.
Suspension, Steering, and Brakes
The ILX utilizes a MacPherson Strut front suspension and a Multi-Link rear suspension system. Stabilizer bars (20.0 mm front / 15.0 mm rear) and Amplitude Reactive Dampers are incorporated to enhance handling and ride comfort. The steering system is an Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS), offering precise and responsive control. Ventilated front disc brakes (12.3 inches) and solid rear disc brakes (11.1 inches) provide confident stopping power.
Wheels and Tires
The standard 2020 Acura ILX comes with 17 x 7.0 Glitter Silver Machine-Finished Y-Spoke Noise-Reducing Aluminum Alloy Wheels, paired with P215/45 R17 High-Performance All-Season tires. The Premium and Technology packages upgrade the wheels to 17 x 7.0 Pewter Silver Metallic Machine-Finished Y-Spoke Noise-Reducing Aluminum Alloy Wheels. The sporty A-Spec® variant features larger 18 x 7.5 Shark Grey 15-Spoke Noise-Reducing Aluminum Alloy Wheels and wider 225/40 R18 High-Performance All-Season tires for enhanced grip and aesthetics. The steering ratio is 15.3, and the turning diameter (curb to curb) is 36.8 feet, contributing to the car’s maneuverability in urban environments.
Dimensions and Space of the 2020 Acura ILX
The 2020 Acura ILX offers comfortable dimensions for both passengers and cargo, fitting within the sport compact sedan category.
Exterior Dimensions
The exterior dimensions of the 2020 Acura ILX are as follows: Length: 182.2 inches, Width: 70.6 inches, and Height: 55.6 inches. The wheelbase is 105.1 inches, and the track measures 59.4 inches in the front and 60.2 inches in the rear. The ground clearance (unladen) is 5.3 inches.
Interior Dimensions
Inside, the 2020 Acura ILX provides ample space for occupants. Front headroom is 38.0 inches, and rear headroom is 35.9 inches. Legroom is generous with 42.3 inches in the front and 34.0 inches in the rear. Shoulder room measures 55.6 inches in the front and 53.6 inches in the rear, while hip room is 50.3 inches in the front and 51.7 inches in the rear. The EPA passenger volume is 89.3 cubic feet, and the cargo volume is 12.4 cubic feet, offering practical space for luggage and everyday items.
Weight and Distribution of the 2020 Acura ILX
The 2020 Acura ILX is designed to be lightweight yet structurally sound, contributing to its agile handling and efficiency.
Curb Weight and Weight Distribution
The curb weight of the 2020 Acura ILX is 3095 lbs. With the Premium Package, the curb weight increases slightly to 3122 lbs (without A-Spec) and 3144 lbs (with A-Spec). The Technology Package versions weigh 3124 lbs (without A-Spec) and 3148 lbs (with A-Spec). The weight distribution is 63% front and 37% rear, which is typical for front-wheel-drive vehicles and contributes to stable handling.
AcuraWatch™ and Safety Features of the 2020 Acura ILX
The 2020 Acura ILX prioritizes safety with the inclusion of AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies as standard.
AcuraWatch™ Features
Standard AcuraWatch™ features include Forward Collision Warning (FCW) System, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Road Departure Mitigation System. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and a Multi-View Rear Camera are also standard. Blind spot information (BSI) System and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor are included in the Premium and Technology Packages. The Technology Package further enhances visibility with a Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines.
Additional Safety and Security Features
Beyond AcuraWatch™, the 2020 ILX incorporates numerous safety and security features. These include the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure, Advanced Front Airbags (SRS), Front Side Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control and Motion Adaptive Steering. It also features a 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Location and Pressure Indicators, and a Theft-Deterrent System with Electronic Immobilizer.
Convenience and Connectivity Features of the 2020 Acura ILX
The 2020 Acura ILX is equipped with a range of features designed for driver convenience and modern connectivity.
Driver Convenience Features
Standard driver convenience features include Hill Start Assist, Cruise Control, Auto-On/Off Headlight Operation with Wiper Integration, and Heated Side Mirrors. HomeLink® is included in the Premium and Technology Packages. A compass is also standard.
Audio and Connectivity Features
For audio and connectivity, the 2020 Acura ILX offers a range of options. Siri® Eyes Free, SMS, MMS Text Message Capability, Color Multi-Information Display (MID), Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® Wireless Telephone Interface, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, Pandora® Compatibility, USB Audio Interface, Speed-Sensitive Volume Compensation (SVC), and Maintenance MinderTM System are all standard. The Premium and Technology Packages add Apple CarPlay™ Integration, Android Auto™ Integration, SMS, MMS Text Message and Email Capability, On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD™) 2.0, HD Radio®, and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. The Premium Package includes the Acura Premium Audio System with 7 Speakers including Subwoofer and MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack. The Technology Package upgrades to the Acura Navigation System with 3D View, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Street and Freeway Conditions, Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink® Connected Services, Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System with 10 Speakers, and Song By Voice®.
Interior and Exterior Features of the 2020 Acura ILX
The 2020 Acura ILX offers a refined and sporty interior and exterior design, with available upgrades through package options.
Interior Features
Standard interior features include Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control, GPS-Linked Climate Control, Keyless Access System with Acura Personalized Settings, Pushbutton Ignition, Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down, Sport Seats with Leatherette-Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching, Driver’s 8-Way Power Seat with Power Lumbar Support, Heated Front Seats, Fold-Down Rear Seatback, Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob, Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls, Bright Silver and Chrome Dash Trim, Active Sound Control, Ambient Cabin Lighting, Retained Accessory Power for Windows and Moonroof, and a 12-Volt Power Outlet. The Premium and Technology Packages upgrade to Sport Seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather-Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching and Piping, Front Passenger’s 4-Way Power Seat with Power Lumbar Support, and Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror. The A-Spec Package features Sport A-Spec Seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather and Ultrasuede®-Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching and Piping, Stainless Steel Sport Pedals, Graphite and Chrome Dash Trim, and Ebony Headliner.
Exterior Features
Exterior features on the 2020 Acura ILX include a Moonroof with Tilt and Slide Function, Jewel Eye® LED Headlights, LED-Illuminated Taillights, Brakelights and Center High Mount Stop Light, Acoustic Glass Windshield, and Remote-Operated Windows and Moonroof-Open Function. The A-Spec Package adds LED Fog Lights, a Decklid Spoiler, and Side Underbody Spoilers.
Color and Trim Options for the 2020 Acura ILX
The 2020 Acura ILX offers a variety of exterior and interior color combinations, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle.
Exterior and Interior Colors
Exterior color options include Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl (Premium Exterior Color), Apex Blue Pearl (Premium Exterior Color, requires A-Spec Package), Performance Red Pearl (Premium Exterior Color), and Canyon Bronze Metallic (Premium Exterior Color). Interior color options are Ebony, Espresso, Red (requires A-Spec Package), and Graystone.
Interior Trim
The standard interior trim is Bright Silver and Chrome Dash Trim. The ILX A-Spec features Graphite and Chrome Dash Trim.
Optional Packages for the 2020 Acura ILX
Acura offers several packages to enhance the 2020 ILX, allowing buyers to tailor the car to their preferences.
Premium Package
The Premium Package adds or replaces standard ILX features with Blind spot information (BSI) System, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, HomeLink®, Apple CarPlay™ Integration, Android Auto™ Integration, SMS, MMS Text Message and Email Capability, On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD™) 2.0, Acura Premium Audio System with 7 Speakers including Subwoofer, HD Radio®, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, Sport Seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather-Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching and Piping, Front Passenger’s 4-Way Power Seat with Power Lumbar Support, Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror, and 17 x 7.0 Pewter Silver Metallic Machine-Finished Y-Spoke Noise-Reducing wheels.
Technology Package
The Technology Package builds upon the Premium Package, adding Acura Navigation System with 3D View, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Street and Freeway Conditions, Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink® Connected Services, Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System with 10 Speakers, and Song By Voice®.
A-Spec Package
The ILX A-Spec Package is available with either the Premium or Technology Package and further enhances the sporty appeal with 18 x 7.5 Shark Grey 15-Spoke Noise-Reducing wheels, 225/40 R18 High-Performance All-Season tires, LED Fog Lights, Exclusive Piano Black and Dark Chrome Front Bumper Accents, Exclusive A-Spec Front Grille Finish, Dark Internal Headlights, Exclusive Piano Black Rear Diffuser, Dark Internal Taillights, Decklid Spoiler (piano black), A-Spec Emblems, Side Underbody Spoilers, Exclusive Apex Blue Pearl Exterior Paint Color Option, Exclusive Red Interior Color Option, A-Spec Insignia Steering Wheel, Sport A-Spec Seats, Red Instrument Panel Illumination, Stainless Steel Sport Pedals, Ebony Headliner, and Graphite and Chrome Dash Trim, and A-Spec Insignia Step Garnish.
In conclusion, the 2020 Acura ILX offers a comprehensive package of specifications and features that cater to those seeking a premium sport compact sedan. From its spirited engine and refined transmission to its advanced safety technologies and available luxury packages, the ILX remains a strong contender in its class.
