2023 acura ilx vs 2023 acura tlx

Acura has recently revealed the 2023 Acura Integra prototype to the public. It's a hatchback with the silhouette slightly resembling a fastback sedan. Thankfully the design team at Acura has learned from other automakers’ mistakes and took what was the essentially the same design idea of the first-generation Porsche Panamera but with much better execution.

Longtime fans of the Integra from earlier years will be excited that an iconic nameplate has returned and appears to be committed to carrying on the legacy. But it is being touted as the value vehicle in Acura’s lineup, which does not leave room for the existing ILX. This vehicle has filled that spot for the good part of a decade now.

There has been no official word on if the Integra is the official replacement for the ILX, but it makes sense. In today’s world, we are seeing less sedans and hatchbacks and more crossovers, so Acura is not likely to offer two vehicles that occupy the same market.

With the ILX potentially passing the baton on to its successor, we take a look to see if that is the right move on Acura’s part.

Acura Integra: The Details So Far

Via: Acura

Given that the Integra that was recently revealed is technically a concept, some details are still scarce. But Honda and Acura’s track record shows that the concepts they reveal are essentially the production model. They’re not into the wild concept designs like some other automakers are which conveniently makes guessing what the final version will look like much easier.

Based on the prototype, we see that the Integra will come in five-door hatchback guise. The ILX only comes as a four-door sedan. A move like this was most likely done because a traditional sedan is not enough anymore to draw a customer away from a crossover. This combined with other unique design cues, give it a fighting chance when it comes to market. One thing we hope makes it to the final version is the name stamped directly into the bumper which was featured on the original integra.

There have been a few details that Acura has so kindly divulged so far either through teaser images or the actual release. We know that it will have a six speed manual (something not offered on the ILX) and a starting price of about $30,000. It will be available with a 1.5 liter turbo four cylinder. Rumors are that this is the same engine that is offered in the recently announced Honda Civic Si and if so this powerplant surely won’t be a disappointment.

Acura ILX: What It Does Right (And Its Shortcomings)

Via: Acura

Arriving for the 2013 model year, the ILX was a more luxurious offering by Acura than the Honda Civic that it was based off of. Still in its first iteration, it's growing a little long in the tooth. A couple of refreshes have been done by Acura to try to keep it relevant through the years. The low starting price and reliability have made it an attractive offer so far.

Something that is to be expected from the compact car class but is still a major gripe is the lack of power. The ILX comes with a 2.4 liter naturally aspirated four cylinder making 201 horsepower. The 0-60 time is 6.6 seconds which is about on par with its competitors.

The starting price of the 2021 ILX is a reasonable $26,100. Depending on the actual starting price of the Integra, you could be looking at still a significant price jump to go for that vehicle instead. Some customers value more of a premium feel and appearance than they do top-end performance and in those cases, the ILX is the way to go since it has certain niceties standard such as Acura’s stunning JewelEye headlights.

As mentioned before, the ILX is not new by any stretch of the imagination. Despite various refreshes, its age still shows. The exterior has been updated to exhibit Acura’s newest design language but the interior has been left largely untouched. When you get inside the ILX it still appears to be straight out of 2013 with buttons galore. With the Integra being a completely new vehicle, you don’t have to worry about it being a repackaged eight-year-old car.

Both the ILX and the Integra cater to different tastes within the same market. The Integra feeds the demands of all the sports car purists out there who have been itching for a worthy successor ever since the original Integra departed. The ILX offers you great value and reliability with a nice exterior. In fact, the ILX is the only premium vehicle left that sports a sub-$30,000 starting price. That’s a lot of style for Honda Civic money.

Each one presents a strong case in a different way. Were you wanting a Honda Civic with a little more style and refinement? Or were you looking for a car with an impressive pedigree and is engaging to drive? Thankfully Acura has cars to check all of those boxes.