“The infotainment system is trash. It's a beautiful car but it deserves a lot of attention; it's just the rich cousin of Honda.”
2021 Acura ILX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Acura ILX gets a light trim-lineup update rather than a redesign. Acura drops the standalone Technology Package, so its top navigation and audio features come only with the A-Spec package.
About the 2021 Acura ILX
1st generation ILX (2013-2022), in the later years of the 2019 styling and tech refresh.
Acura positions the ILX as its gateway premium sport sedan: small, driver-focused, and easier to step into than larger luxury sedans, but still built around a strong engine, a quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic, and standard safety tech. The model’s identity leans more toward sporty feel and straightforward premium equipment than toward rear-seat space or the latest interface design, which helps explain why Acura markets it as a savvy, sporty, bold entry point into the brand.
The base 2021 ILX focuses on sporty basics, pairing a 201-hp four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, heated front seats, a moonroof, and a standard safety suite. Premium adds leather-trimmed seats, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and blind-spot monitoring, while A-Spec brings darker exterior details and sportier cabin trim. Technology & A-Spec is the fully equipped version, with navigation and a 10-speaker ELS Studio audio system.
What changed, by category
Tech
Acura removed the standalone Technology Package. Its navigation, 10-speaker ELS Studio audio system, and related features are limited to the Technology & A-Spec configuration for 2021.
2021 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 |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd DCT w/Sequential SportShift | Automatic, 8-Spd DCT w/Sequential SportShift | Automatic, 8-Spd DCT w/Sequential SportShift | Automatic, 8-Spd DCT w/Sequential SportShift |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 201 hp | 201 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.4 cu-ft | 12.4 cu-ft | 12.4 cu-ft | 12.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34 in | 34 in | 34 in | 34 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Side View Cameras | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Acura ILX?
The biggest change is the removal of the standalone Technology Package. Shoppers seeking the ILX's factory navigation and 10-speaker ELS Studio audio system need the Technology & A-Spec configuration for 2021.
Was the 2021 Acura ILX redesigned?
No, the 2021 Acura ILX was not redesigned. It retains the body design, cabin layout, and core hardware used after the 2019 refresh.
Did the 2021 Acura ILX get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2021 Acura ILX keeps the same 201-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic used for 2020.
Which 2021 Acura ILX trim has factory navigation?
The Technology & A-Spec configuration has factory navigation for 2021. Acura no longer offers the Technology Package without the A-Spec package.
Is the 2021 Acura ILX substantially different from the 2020 model?
No, the 2021 Acura ILX is mechanically and visually much the same as the 2020 model. The meaningful difference is simpler packaging after Acura removed the standalone Technology Package.
2021 Acura ILX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Acura ILX.
4.0
2021 Acura ILX
(214 reviews)
“A FEW days after I got my car the air conditioning unit went off. Unbelievable for a brand new car!”
“I recommended simply because it is a gorgeous car to start with and because it looks expensive.”