Acura ILX Hybrid Sedan

Acura ILX Hybrid Sedan

Full 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid Review

What's New for 2014

For 2014, the Acura ILX Hybrid sees no significant changes.

Introduction

An entry in the growing, entry-level compact luxury sedan segment, the 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid presents itself as a cut above mainstream small sedans in regard to style, features and brand prestige. And since it's a hybrid, it promises fewer trips to the gas station. In theory, this should be a pretty nifty combination. But in practice, the ILX leaves us underwhelmed.

The ILX Hybrid, which is related to the Honda Civic Hybrid, earns an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined. Compared to regular cars, this might seem pretty swell. But hybrid technology has been improving, and the reality is that the ILX's fuel economy pales in comparison to some roomier and more powerful full hybrid sedans that rate nearly 10 mpg higher. Furthermore, this Acura's total output is just 111 horsepower -- considerably less than other compact luxury cars.

Of course, the Acura ILX Hybrid is not without its charms. There are plenty of standard luxury features, and its smooth ride and steady handling should please most shoppers. But it's hard to recommend the 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid in the face of other vehicles that are frankly more appealing.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid entry-level luxury sedan comes in two trim levels: ILX Hybrid and the ILX Hybrid with Technology package.

Standard equipment for the base ILX Hybrid includes 16-inch wheels; foglights; a rear spoiler; a sunroof; full power accessories; keyless ignition and entry; a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; cloth upholstery; dual-zone automatic climate control; a 5-inch information display screen; Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity; SMS text message functionality and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, a USB/iPod audio interface and Pandora radio smartphone app integration.

The Technology package adds xenon headlamps, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, satellite radio, active noise cancellation, a navigation system (with a slightly larger display and traffic/weather reporting), voice commands and a 10-speaker ELS surround-sound audio system with digital music storage.