Acura ILX Hybrid 2014

Specifications

1. Hybrid drivetrain offers 111 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. 2. EPA rated 39 MPG in the city, 38 MPG on the highway and 38 MPG combined. 3. $29,795 to start and climbs to $35,295 with the Tech Package. 4. Cargo capacity is limited to 10 cubic feet.

Preview

Now, electric cars are in vogue and hybrids are common like ketchup around a dinner table. Here’s the trouble: as with ketchup, hybrids are not all created equal. So where does the ILX Hybrid fall?

As you might already know, the ILX is based on the Honda Civic. The suspension components, chassis and drivetrain are all shared, as is the manufacturing facility. Makes sense.

What also makes sense is how far Acura has gone to disguise the ILX. Aside from its size, the sheet metal doesn’t give its familiar similarities away. Like an Ivy-leaguer with a trailer park past, the car masks its roots to outsiders.

The silver beak, creases running over its body and taillights all carry mature aesthetics associated with current Acura vehicles.  It stands as further emphasis that passion-driven products like the Integra Type R are six-feet deep and out of reach. A “hybrid” badge distinguishes the car’s tendency toward inconspicuous fuel consumption. The standard equipment list also outfits the car with rather tiny looking 16-inch alloy wheels.

Interior

Once again, the car conceals most of its Civic roots with an adaptation of the dashboard style found in the larger Acura products. The stylistic choice could hint at the direction some expect the ILX to take: a replacement for the older and more upmarket TSX.

Despite that, the car is still stuck on the lower end of premium thanks in part to the seats. They’re upholstered in leather, but only if you pay for the “Tech Package.” Even though they’re branded as “sport” seats, the side bolstering is minimal and they don’t hug you well while cornering. The material also doesn’t feel particularly rich.

Other areas are actually exceptional. For example, the infotainment screen is nestled far into the dash, making it easy to read in bright light. The center stack controls are straightforward, and driver ergonomics are splendid.

The cup holders and center arm rest are positioned to save space while allowing the driver to comfortably rest both arms. Buttons on the center stack and steering wheel are easily within reach. Legroom is actually more generous in the ILX than its most direct competitor: the Lexus CT200h. The front seats offer a little more than 42 inches of leg space while the rear seats have 34. That’s actually less than the platform-sharing Civic.

This is a sedan, so of course it won’t have the same cargo capacity as the hatchback Lexus product mentioned above. Instead you’ll find a scant 10 cubic feet of space – hybrid models sacrifice 2.4 cubic feet to carry the extra drivetrain gear.

Under The Hood

A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to assist the little gas powerplant makes for sluggish starts. Likely due to the extra components located at the car’s rear, weight distribution is actually more even on the hybrid model than gasoline-only versions.

Stepping on the gas is boring, yes, but the car feels stable in a highway cloverleaf to the point where the seats lack of bolstering is especially apparent. You’re more likely to slide around than the car is.

Hybrid customers don’t typically demand spirited acceleration, so the car’s lack of athleticism — while worth noting — is hardly a valid criticism. The CVT can be annoying at first, buy you’ll get used to it pretty quickly.

Acura also deserves recognition for how quiet the car’s cabin is. Highway noise is hushed, conversations are easy to carry on and you won’t need to turn the stereo up at higher speeds.EPA estimates suggest the car should offer 39 MPG in the city and 38 on the highway for a combined 38 total.