2022 Acura ILX Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Ready to make the leap into a sporty new ride? Consider the 2022 Acura ILX! This luxury compact sedan offers an impressive array of features and performance, perfect for anyone looking to give their daily drives some extra pizazz. So don't delay – discover today what this sleek sedan can do for you!

Acura is Honda's brand of luxury vehicles. So, if you have ever driven a Honda, you should know to expect the Honda basics: fuel efficiency blended with a spirited performance and - as has been the case in the past decade - an attractive exterior. You also won't be blowing your budget like you would with certain other luxury sedan manufacturers. Acura prices to compete, and compete they do.

Nothing is new for the 2022 line-up, and it would be nice to see a less leisure-oriented and much sportier engine option tacked onto the list. However, it is hard to hate the ILX's strong fuel economy for this segment - 28 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. Not bad, Acura, not bad at all.

You also get a lot of features for the cost. Acura includes a huge bundle of standard driver aids across the entire line-up. Even the un-creatively base-level Base trim gives you niceties like a sunroof, simulated leather upholstery, and heated front seats. Opting up to the Premium, A-Spec, or Technology packs in even more luxury-oriented convenience features and tech gadgetry.

So, which trim level is going to work best at meeting your needs? Let's take a moment to learn about what each of the ILX's four trim levels includes so that you can make an informed decision at the car dealership.

 

Compare the Base vs Premium Trim Levels. What is the difference?

The 2022 Acura ILX ushers in a new era of performance with its incredibly efficient 4-cylinder engine. With 201 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, the powertrain comes equipped with an 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission giving drivers dynamic control at their fingertips. Featuring innovations such as 16 valve DOHC iVTEC valves drive by wire throttle control and sequential Sport Shift paddle shifters; this is one luxury compact sport sedan that won't be left behind on the track!

Now, let's talk about the ILX's chassis. Amplitude reactive dampers are standard equipment for a sportier ride quality, but they might make it a little too stiff for drivers who are used to cushy rides. The suspension system is composed of a front strut MacPherson and rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bars fore and aft. Power-assisted electronic rack-and-pinion steering is standard, as are front ventilated disc brakes and solid rear disc brakes. With high-performance tires slapped on, the base ILX rides atop 17-inch noise-reducing wheels done in a chic glitter silver machine finished Y-spoke design. The Premium upgrades them to pewter silver metallic, kept in the same size.

That leads us into the ILX's exterior design. What comes standard? Well, both trim levels have a tilting and sliding power moonroof with remote operation on that and the power windows. Jewel Eye LED headlights and daytime running lights adorn the front fascia, and the headlights and integrated wipers have an auto-on/off function. In the rear, there are LED taillights along with a center high mounted stop light and brake lights.

The side mirrors are heated, and in the back, you will see a chrome exhaust outlet poking out. The acoustic glass windshield helps reduce wind and road noise. When unladen, ground clearance sits at 5.3 inches, which is fairly standard for this segment.

Inside is where you will find most of the differences between the Base and Premium. While the Base ILX comes with standard sport seats with a leatherette-trimmed interior, the Premium upgrades the cabin to perforated Milano leather with piping and contrast stitching. This trim level also features two-driver position memory for the side mirrors and seat. Both driver seats are 8-ways power-adjustable with power lumbar support. The 4-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat also has power lumbar support. And, of course, these front seats are heated. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard and includes air filtration plus humidity control.

As far as getting into the vehicle goes, you can use the Acura Personalize Settings on the Keyless Access System to configure your entry preferences. A push button ignition and Smart Entry come equipped as well. Auto-up/down and auto-reverse come on both power-operated front windows, and there is retained accessory power for the windows and the moonroof. The multi-functional steering wheel is wrapped in leather, as is the gear shift knob.

Experience true tranquility in the cabin thanks to active sound control, while ambient interior lighting creates a welcoming ambiance. Upgrade to the Premium trim level and receive improved comfort features such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror with chrome and bright silver dash accents - plus a 12 volt power outlet conveniently placed into your front arm rest!

Speaking of connectivity, let's move on to the ILX's audio and infotainment features. The 6-speaker Acura Audio System is equipped on the Base ILX but upgraded to a 7-speaker premium system on the Premium. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, as are a USB audio interface, MP3/auxiliary input jack, speed-sensitive volume compensation, and compatibility with Pandora. The Premium also has HD Radio and a trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Both vehicles have the Siri Eyes Free feature, but only the Premium comes with smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (which are coming as standard on even non-luxury base models these days). The Premium also has the attractive On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) 2.0 touchscreen infotainment system. This gives you access to the climate control status, radio station presets, HD sub-channels, and more. Both trims have a color multi-information display. Added to the Premium is the HomeLink universal transceiver.

The ILX boasts a nice, long list of standard safety features. The AcuraWatch Advanced Safety & Driver Assist bundle equips the ILX with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a collision mitigation system for braking to prevent accidents, mitigation for road departure, a lane departure warning, and

A multi-angle rear-view camera is standard, but the Premium gains rear cross traffic alert with a blind spot monitoring system. A compass and hill start assist are part of the deal, as are a maintenance minder system, tire pressure monitoring system, and an engine immobilizer with the theft-deterrent system.

Compare the Premium vs A-Spec Premium Package. What is the difference?

Let us switch over to the A-Spec trim level and what it has to offer. Technically, you have to equip it with either the Premium Package (which includes everything from the Premium trim) or the Technology Package (which we will discuss in the next section). The Technology only costs about $2,000 more to buy, so you have two strong options there.

The A-Spec has a slightly heavier curb weight on either the Premium or Technology Package since it adds more equipment. Its noise-reducing wheels are 18-inch 15-spokes done in shark grey. On the outside, the A-Spec can be distinguished by its lighting and dark chrome details. The exterior also features LED fog lights and dark chrome accents. You also get a decklid spoiler in piano black, a matching rear diffuser, and side underbody spoilers.

Inside the cabin are many more upgrades to be found. The special A-Spec sport seats are a combo of Ultrasuede and perforated Milano leather with piping and contrast stitching. The steering wheel bears the A-Spec insignia and is, quite naturally, wrapped in leather. The dash trim is done in chrome and graphite while an ebony headliner is swapped in. You also get treated to stainless steel sport pedals.

Other than that, you will not see any differences in terms of safety or infotainment features. You will have to upgrade to the Technology Package on the A-Spec in order to snag those upgrades.

Compare the A-Spec Premium Package vs A-Spec Technology Package. What is the difference?

The Technology is not exactly a trim level, as already stated. It is a package that you can choose to equip on the A-Spec trim level. And its name should tell you exactly what kind of upgrades you should expect to see. This package option is absolutely all about giving the ILX the utmost in technology.

Here is what adding the Technology Package will get you:

First, you get GPS-Linked Climate Control added to the dual-zone climate control system. You also get massively upgraded to a 10-speaker ELS STUDIO 32 Premium Audio System tuned by Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner. You can access the touchscreen using the steering wheel mounted controls and use an MP3/WMA-compatible CD player. The enhanced digital sound comes off as being crisp, and you clearly get more versatility to meet your listening needs.

The Acura Navigation System works with Acura Link on the 8-inch driver information screen to give you clear readouts and information about the road ahead. You can even see nearby ATMs, schools, restaurants, and many other points of interest. Turn-by-turn guidance is added to the color multi-information display in the Technology. There are also dynamic guidelines in the multi-angle rear-view camera.

 

Final Thoughts

With that information in mind, it is time to decide whether the 2022 Acura ILX is the right compact luxury sport sedan for you and, if it is, which of its four trim levels you should buy. The Base ILX clearly offers the lowest price while the A-Spec with the Technology Package gives you an impressive sound system and built-in navigation.

Unfortunately, what any upgraded trim level cannot do is give you a sportier performance. Bear in mind that, with any ILX trim, you have to accept mediocre acceleration from a lackluster engine. You also have to deal with an interior that will have a few too many plasticky elements for the luxury segment. Acura (and Honda as well) doesn't usually take the cheap approach, so it is a wonder that these have been left in there.

The A-Spec trim of our vehicle offers plenty of attractive and functional features that make it worth the upgrade from Premium Package. However, we recommend holding off on splurging for the Technology Package; while its two-screen set up may be cool initially it's just as likely to prove more trouble than benefit in practice. As such, sticking with the A-Spec - which has ample bells and whistles itself - will provide most drivers all they need comfortably within their budgets.

For those looking for a luxury sport sedan, the ILX is an ideal choice. Boasting features found in many Premium vehicles and offering a more luxurious feel than its Base model counterpart, the ILX entices shoppers to reach beyond mere practicality into true enjoyment of their drive. With the added assertion of A-Spec’s sportier look, drivers can make expressive statements without compromising on style or comfort - making this premium vehicle ready to appeal even to discerning buyers.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2021 Acura ILX Trime Levels