Refreshing or Revolting: 2019 Acura ILX

Acura boasts that the ILX has a high percentage of Millennial buyers compared to rivals in the segment. If that’s true, then it’s a good thing Acura refreshed the ILX with a more youthful look for 2019. Sporty cues help the small sedan keep pace with winsome entries from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo. But is updating the car with the new corporate face enough to keep Acura in the small premium sedan game? Let’s take a look at how the ILX’s design has changed from the previous version.

The first thing you’ll notice is the new pentagon grille. The bigger, more angular grille is complemented by bold lower vents. The new model features long and narrow headlights, which are not connected to the grille like they were before. The headlight clusters now feature seven LED blocks rather than five. A more sculpted hood adds to the car’s athletic appearance.

Acura has only released images for the A-Spec model, so keep in mind other models will look slightly different. The A-Spec package adds dark chrome trim on the front grille and lower fascia, a dark appearance for the headlights and taillights, a black decklid spoiler, and special 18-inch wheels. When you look at the side profile of the 2019 ILX, you’ll notice the nose has flattened. Unsurprisingly, the windows and doors look largely the same and the models share pretty much the same dimensions. Overall length does increase by 0.3 inch on the new model, however.

In the rear, there are redesigned taillights. These start out thick at the sides and become more tapered as they move toward the center. The license plate holder has shifted further down near the bumper. The rear includes one exposed exhaust outlet.

Unfortunately, the 2019 Acura ILX keeps the dual-screen setup inside the cabin. But Honda has improved the graphics and made the touchscreen more responsive than before. This new interface is available on Premium, Technology, and A-Spec models. Acura also redesigned the seats, added new silver-finished dash trim, and redesigned the push start button. Other than these changes, the interiors look quite similar. A-Spec models feature aluminum sport pedals, leather sport seats with suede-like accents, and graphite-silver dash accents with a chrome insert.

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