“If they give it the Civic Type R motor or better along with SH-AWD then I will get another ILX.”
2018 Acura ILX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The main change for the 2018 Acura ILX is a new Special Edition with A-Spec-inspired exterior upgrades. Otherwise, this is a light trim-focused update with the same engine, transmission, and front-wheel-drive layout as 2017.
About the 2018 Acura ILX
1st generation ILX (2013-2022), in the post-2016 update phase, final year before the larger 2019 styling and tech refresh.
Acura positions the ILX as its gateway sport sedan: a compact luxury model meant to bring drivers into the brand with sharp styling, lively everyday performance, and a stronger standard feature list than many mainstream compact sedans. Acura’s own language emphasizes sophisticated design, lively performance, and upmarket quality, while the certified site frames it as a compact sport sedan. In practical terms, the ILX is the value-focused Acura sedan for commuting, first luxury-car ownership, and buyers who want premium-brand styling without moving up to a larger car.
The 2018 ILX ranges from a straightforward base sedan to safety-focused, comfort-focused, and technology-focused packages. Standout versions include the Special Edition with 18-inch wheels and a sport body kit, the Premium package with leather seats and blind-spot monitoring, and the Technology Plus package with navigation, a 10-speaker audio system, and added driver-assistance features.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
The lineup adds the AcuraWatch Plus, Premium, Premium with A-Spec, Technology Plus, Technology Plus with A-Spec, and Special Edition trims. The Special Edition is the headline addition.
Styling
The new Special Edition brings A-Spec-inspired 18-inch alloy wheels, side sills, and a rear spoiler to the base ILX formula. There is no full-line redesign.
2018 Acura ILX specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd DCT SpdShft | Auto, 8-Spd DCT SpdShft | Auto, 8-Spd DCT SpdShft | Auto, 8-Spd DCT SpdShft | Auto, 8-Spd DCT SpdShft | Auto, 8-Spd DCT SpdShft | Auto, 8-Spd DCT SpdShft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 201 hp | 201 hp | 201 hp | 201 hp | 201 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34 in | 34 in | 34 in | 34 in | 34 in | 34 in | 34 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Side View Cameras | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Acura ILX?
The biggest change is the new Special Edition. It adds A-Spec-inspired 18-inch wheels, side sills, and a rear spoiler without changing the ILX’s engine or transmission.
Does the 2018 Acura ILX Special Edition have more power than the base model?
No. The 2018 ILX Special Edition uses the same 201-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic as the base model. Its changes are mainly visual.
Was the 2018 Acura ILX redesigned?
No. The 2018 ILX was not redesigned; it remained part of the first generation and carried over its basic body, front-wheel-drive layout, engine, and transmission.
Did every 2018 Acura ILX include the full driver-assistance suite?
No. Driver-assistance features remained package-based rather than standard across the entire 2018 lineup. The AcuraWatch Plus and Technology Plus versions included features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and road-departure mitigation.
Is the 2018 Acura ILX meaningfully different from the 2017 model?
Only slightly. The key reason to favor a 2018 is the Special Edition and its sportier exterior treatment; the core powertrain and overall vehicle design otherwise carry over from 2017.
2018 Acura ILX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Acura ILX.
4.0
2018 Acura ILX
(89 reviews)
“This car gives a luxurious and sporty feel, handles well, has an abundance of features, with a very appealing interior and exterior. I like the size, not too big for a four door, yet roomy enough inside.”
“I love Acura and the whole Acura experience. Having had a TLX I would recommend that over the ILX because it's bigger and more amenities. I like driving it and like the look as well. Only negative for my purposes is the smaller gas tank and range”