Compare the2023 Lexus ISVS 2022 Acura ILX

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
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 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 its rear seat belts.

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

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

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the IS has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the ILX.

Both the IS 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 and rearview cameras.

The Lexus IS weighs 567 to 796 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 is safer than the Acura ILX:

	IS	ILX
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.5 inches
Neck Stress	152 lbs.	166 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	399/459 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 is safer than the Acura ILX:

	IS	ILX
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	142	234
Hip Force	406 lbs.	487 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	162	324
Spine Acceleration	28 G’s	64 G’s
Hip Force	438 lbs.	699 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	293	299
Spine Acceleration	34 G’s	56 G’s
Hip Force	650 lbs.	945 lbs.

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

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the IS, with its five-star roll-over rating, is 1.2% less likely to roll over than the ILX, which received a four-star rating.

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 IS its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 96 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The ILX last would have qualified as only a standard “Top Safety Pick” in 2017.

Warranty

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

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS first among compact premium cars in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The ILX isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in initial quality. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Acura is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Acura is rated below average.

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 overall reliability. Acura is ranked 28th.

Engine

The IS 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 40 more horsepower (241 vs. 201) and 78 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 180) than the ILX’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder. 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-cylinder. The IS 350 F Sport’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-cylinder. The IS 500’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 271 more horsepower (472 vs. 201) and 215 lbs.-ft. more torque (395 vs. 180) than the ILX’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the IS 500 5.0 DOHC V8 is faster than the Acura ILX:

	IS	ILX
Zero to 60 MPH	4.3 sec	6.6 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	10.4 sec	17.2 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	4.7 sec	7 sec
Quarter Mile	12.8 sec	15.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	112 MPH	94 MPH
Top Speed	149 MPH	133 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

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

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Lexus IS higher (5 out of 10) than the Acura ILX (3). This means the IS produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the ILX every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	IS	IS 500 Performance	ILX
Front Rotors	13.1 inches	14 inches	12.3 inches
Rear Rotors	11.7 inches	12.7 inches	11.1 inches

The IS’ 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 stops much shorter than the ILX:

	IS	ILX
70 to 0 MPH	159 feet	184 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the IS has larger standard tires than the ILX (235/45R18 vs. 215/45R17). The IS Performance’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the ILX (F:235/40R19 & R:265/35R19 vs. 225/40R18).

The F Sport Design’s 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’s 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the IS 300 has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the ILX. The IS Performance’s 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the ILX A-SPEC.

The IS 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 IS 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’ wheelbase is 5.1 inches longer than on the ILX (110.2 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the IS is 2.8 inches wider in the front and 2.4 inches wider in the rear than the track on the ILX.

The IS’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (54% to 46%) than the ILX’s (63% to 37%). This gives the IS more stable handling and braking.

The IS 500 Performance handles at .89 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’ turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the ILX’s (34.2 feet vs. 36.8 feet). The IS AWD’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the ILX’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

Passenger Space

The IS 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’ trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. The ILX’s useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.

The IS’ 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 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 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 first in service department satisfaction. With a 26% lower rating, Acura is ranked 6th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional in the ILX, the IS 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’ standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The ILX doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The IS’ instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The ILX does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The IS’ 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 IS’ 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’ 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’ 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 IS 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 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 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The ILX doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

The IS’ optional 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 IS 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’ 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 and the ILX offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the IS 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 owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the IS 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 is less expensive to operate than the ILX because typical repairs cost less on the IS than the ILX, including $16 less for front brake pads and $86 less for a fuel pump.

Recommendations

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

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS first among compact premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The ILX isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Lexus IS outsold the Acura ILX by 59% during the 2021 model year.

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