Compare the2019 Lexus IS SeriesVS 2019 Acura ILX

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Lexus IS Series have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Acura ILX doesn’t offer pretensioners for the rear seat belts.

The IS Series’ optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The ILX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The IS Series offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The ILX doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the IS Series and the ILX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The Lexus IS Series weighs 446 to 644 pounds more than the Acura ILX. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Lexus IS Series is safer than the Acura ILX:

	IS Series	ILX
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Leg Forces (l/r)	426/505 lbs.	768/623 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Lexus IS Series is safer than the Acura ILX:

	IS Series	ILX
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	99	234
Chest Movement	.9 inches	.9 inches
Hip Force	474 lbs.	487 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	89	324
Spine Acceleration	33 G’s	64 G’s
Hip Force	691 lbs.	699 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	295	299
Spine Acceleration	39 G’s	56 G’s
Hip Force	806 lbs.	945 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the IS Series the rating of “Top Pick” for 2018, a rating granted to only 85 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The ILX was a “Top Pick” for 2017, but no longer qualifies under the tighter 2018 guidelines.

Warranty

The IS Series’ corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the ILX’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the IS Series’ reliability 67 points higher than the ILX.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Acura vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus 8th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 15 more problems per 100 vehicles, Acura is ranked 20th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Acura vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 60 more problems per 100 vehicles, Acura is ranked 20th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ April 2018 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Acura vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in reliability. Acura is ranked 19th.

Engine

The IS 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. produces 40 more horsepower (241 vs. 201) and 78 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 180) than the ILX’s 2.4 DOHC 4 cyl. The IS 300 AWD’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 59 more horsepower (260 vs. 201) and 56 lbs.-ft. more torque (236 vs. 180) than the ILX’s 2.4 DOHC 4 cyl. The IS 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 110 more horsepower (311 vs. 201) and 100 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 180) than the ILX’s 2.4 DOHC 4 cyl.

As tested in Car and Driver the IS 350 is faster than the Acura ILX:

	IS Series	ILX
Zero to 60 MPH	5.6 sec	6.6 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	13.5 sec	17.2 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6.2 sec	7 sec
Quarter Mile	14 sec	15.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	102 MPH	94 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

The IS Series has 4.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the ILX (17.4 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the IS Series’ brake rotors are larger than those on the ILX:

	IS Series	ILX
Front Rotors	13.1 inches	12.3 inches
Rear Rotors	12.2 inches	11.1 inches

The IS Series’ standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the ILX are solid, not vented.

The IS Series stops shorter than the ILX:

	IS Series	ILX
70 to 0 MPH	177 feet	184 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the IS Series has larger standard tires than the ILX (225/45R17 vs. 215/45R17).

The IS Series’ optional 255/35R18 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the ILX A-SPEC/Special Edition’s 40 series tires.

Suspension and Handling

The IS Series offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The ILX’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the IS Series’ wheelbase is 5.1 inches longer than on the ILX (110.2 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

The IS Series’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (53% to 47%) than the ILX’s (63% to 37%). This gives the IS Series more stable handling and braking.

The IS 350 F Sport handles at .85 G’s, while the ILX A-SPEC pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the IS Series’ turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the ILX’s (34.2 feet vs. 36.8 feet). The IS Series AWD’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the ILX’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

Passenger Space

The IS Series has .2 inches more front headroom, 2.5 inches more front legroom, 4 inches more front hip room, .3 inches more front shoulder room, 1 inch more rear headroom and 2.3 inches more rear hip room than the ILX.

Cargo Capacity

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the IS Series’ trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. Its intrusive beam hinge reduces the ILX’s useful trunk space.

The IS Series’ standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The ILX’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

Servicing Ease

The IS Series uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The ILX uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the IS Series is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the ILX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Acura. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in service department satisfaction. With a 26% lower rating, Acura is ranked 12th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional in the ILX, the IS Series offers an optional driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The IS Series’ optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The ILX doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The IS Series’ front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The ILX’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

The IS Series’ optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The ILX’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The IS Series’ headlights were rated “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the ILX’s headlights are rated “Marginal.”

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the IS Series detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The ILX doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the IS Series offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The ILX doesn’t offer cornering lights.

A power rear sunshade is optional in the IS Series to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The ILX doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

The IS Series offers optional automatic dimming rear and side view mirrors which automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The ILX has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the IS Series keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in summer. The ILX doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the IS Series’ optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The ILX doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Both the IS Series and the ILX offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the IS Series has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The ILX doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the IS Series owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the IS Series with a number “5” insurance rate while the ILX is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the IS Series is less expensive to operate than the ILX because typical repairs cost less on the IS Series than the ILX, including $14 less for front brake pads and $81 less for a fuel pump.

Recommendations

The Lexus IS Series outsold the Acura ILX by over two to one during 2017.

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