Compare the2021 Lexus ES SeriesVS 2021 Acura ILX

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
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 ES 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 Lexus ES Series has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The ILX doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The ES Series has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The ILX doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The ES Series offers optional Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The ILX doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The ES 250 AWD has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The ILX doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The ES Series offers an optional Panoramic View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The ILX only offers a rear monitor.

The ES Series’ driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The ILX doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the ES 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 and rear cross-path warning.

The Lexus ES Series weighs 542 to 685 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 ES Series is safer than the Acura ILX:

	ES Series	ILX
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	120	227
Neck Injury Risk	24%	26%
Neck Stress	239 lbs.	257 lbs.
Neck Compression	30 lbs.	56 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	33%	40%
Neck Stress	159 lbs.	166 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	473/518 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 ES Series is safer than the Acura ILX:

	ES Series	ILX
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	85	234
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.9 inches
Hip Force	264 lbs.	487 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	300	324
Spine Acceleration	43 G’s	64 G’s
Hip Force	541 lbs.	699 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	14 inches
Spine Acceleration	36 G’s	56 G’s
Hip Force	570 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 IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the ES Series its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2021, a rating granted to only 52 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The ILX last would have qualified as only a standard “Top Pick” in 2017.

Warranty

The ES 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 ES Series’ reliability 20 points higher than the ILX.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 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 12th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 26 more problems per 100 vehicles, Acura is ranked 23rd, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 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 27 more problems per 100 vehicles, Acura is ranked 10th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Acura vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. Acura is ranked 28th.

Engine

The ES 300h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 14 more horsepower (215 vs. 201) than the ILX’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder. The ES 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 101 more horsepower (302 vs. 201) and 87 lbs.-ft. more torque (267 vs. 180) than the ILX’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the ES 300h CVT gets better fuel mileage than the ILX SMG (43 city/44 hwy vs. 24 city/34 hwy).

Regenerative brakes improve the ES Series Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The ILX doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the ES Series Hybrid’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. (Start/Stop isn’t accounted in present EPA fuel mileage tests.) The ILX doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Lexus ES Series uses regular unleaded gasoline. The ILX requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The ES Series’ standard fuel tank has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the ILX (15.9 vs. 13.2 gallons).

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Lexus ES Series higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Acura ILX (3). This means the ES Series produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the ILX every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The ES 300h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The ILX doesn’t offer a CVT.

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the ES Series’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the ILX (235/45R18 vs. 225/40R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the ES Series 350 F Sport has standard 19-inch wheels. The ILX’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

The ES Series has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the ILX; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

The ES Series offers an available 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 ES Series’ wheelbase is 7.9 inches longer than on the ILX (113 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the ES Series is 3.3 inches wider in the front and 3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the ILX.

The ES Series’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (57.4% to 42.6%) than the ILX’s (63% to 37%). This gives the ES Series more stable handling and braking.

Passenger Space

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the ES Series a Mid-size car, while the ILX is rated a Compact.

The ES Series has 10.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the ILX (99.9 vs. 89.3).

The ES Series has .1 inches more front legroom, 4.7 inches more front hip room, .3 inches more front shoulder room, 1.9 inches more rear headroom, 5.2 inches more rear legroom, 2.6 inches more rear hip room and .7 inches more rear shoulder room than the ILX.

Cargo Capacity

The ES Series has a much larger trunk than the ILX (13.9 vs. 12.4 cubic feet).

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the ES Series easier. The ES Series’ trunk lift-over height is 27.4 inches, while the ILX’s liftover is 28.7 inches.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the ES Series’ power trunk can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The ILX doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

Servicing Ease

The ES 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.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Acura. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 15% lower rating, Acura is ranked 6th.

Ergonomics

The ES Series’ optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back 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 ES Series offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and other key instrumentation readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The ILX doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The ES Series’ power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The ILX has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The power windows standard on both the ES Series and the ILX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the ES Series is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The ILX prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The ES 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 ES 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 ES Series’ headlights were rated “Good” to “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the ILX’s headlights are rated “Poor.”

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the ES 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 ES 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 ES Series and manual rear side window sunshades are standard in the ES Series Ultra Luxury to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The ILX doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

The ES Series’ standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The ILX offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the ES 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 ES 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 ES Series and the ILX offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the ES 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.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Lexus ES Series offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The ILX doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the ES Series owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the ES Series with a number “1” insurance rate while the ILX is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the ES Series is less expensive to operate than the ILX because typical repairs cost less on the ES Series than the ILX, including $70 less for a starter, $66 less for fuel injection and $70 less for a fuel pump.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus ES Series, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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