2016 Acura ILX — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Sedan

2016 Acura ILX

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $20,892–$26,972
Fuel Economy 22 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $2,386/yr

Key Specifications — 2016 Acura ILX

Engine2.4L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (AM8)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePremium
City / Hwy MPG25 / 35 MPG
Combined MPG29 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$2,800
CO₂ Emissions309 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$20,892–$26,972

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2016 Acura ILX

Our scoring places the 2016 Acura ILX at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 7.8/10, while Performance at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.8/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.8/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.3/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.5/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $20,892–$26,972, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Acura ILX sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.6/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2016 Acura ILX is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2016 Acura ILX ranks #802 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 39% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $20,892 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 24%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $25k →

Which ILX Year Should You Buy?

Across the ILX model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2022 7.6/10$25,840 Read review →
2021 7.5/10$25,015 Read review →
2020 7.4/10$24,191 Read review →
2019 7.4/10$23,366 Read review →
2018 7.4/10$22,541 Read review →
2017 7.2/10$21,717 Read review →
2016 (this review) 7.3/10$20,892
2015 7.2/10$20,067 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2016 Acura ILX

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category

✗ Where it falls short

  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra

NHTSA Recalls — 2016 Acura ILX (6 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Fuel system, gasoline / Storage / Tank assembly
24/01/2019 · 19V052000
Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. The vehicles may have a deformed fuel tank, raising the height of the fuel pump and allowing the fuel level float to stick, possibly causing the fuel gauge to display an…
Air bags / Frontal / Driver side / Inflator module
06/03/2019 · 19V182000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic,…
Power train / Driveline / Driveshaft
06/06/2019 · 19V424000
Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. Excessive grease may prevent the set-ring on the half shaft from fully engaging, allowing the driveshaft to separate from the half shaft.
Air bags / Frontal / Driver side / Inflator module
03/02/2016 · 16V061000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX,…
Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump
18/12/2023 · 23V858000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda…

Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

Common Questions — 2016 Acura ILX

Is the 2016 Acura ILX reliable?

We rate the 2016 Acura ILX's reliability 7.8/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2016 Acura ILX have?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2016 Acura ILX worth buying?

It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #802 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 39% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2016 Acura ILX cost?

The 2016 Acura ILX starts at $20,892 and ranges up to $26,972 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Acura ILX

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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More Acura Reviews

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