The 2018 Acura ILX straddles the line between mainstream and upscale and it has few direct rivals.
It’s pricier, but not necessarily that much better-equipped, than a highly-optioned Honda Civic.
If you can get past the badge, the latest Civic is a far fresher design and it’s more fun and refined than the ILX.
If it’s pint-sized premium you’re after, the Audi A3 convincingly scales down the automaker’s upmarket feel.
Mercedes-Benz’s swoopy CLA-Class is less convincing, but its strong engines and lots of high-end options make it appealing.
And don’t discount the fun-to-drive Mazda 3, which is available with more technology features than nearly any other compact car.
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 2018 Acura ILXBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Audi A3Browse Used Listings |  2018 Honda CivicBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2018 Acura ILX is an acceptable entry-level luxury car, but a loaded-up mainstream model like the Honda Civic delivers more features and refinements for less money. |
The 2018 Audi S3 is a blast to drive, but it suffers from a tiny rear seat and the Volkswagen Golf R offers the same performance with more room for less. |
The 2018 Honda Civic is a good car made better by plenty of options and value at nearly every stop. |
The 2018 Mazda 3 adds standard active safety features to an already compelling value. Among compact cars, this is one to consider. |
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a gorgeous shape in an impressive package. Equally impressive? Its ability to get expensive, even despite being the most affordable sedan in Mercedes' stable. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $28,100 | $31,950 | $18,940 | $18,095 | $32,700 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| Sedan | 2.0 TFSI Premium FWD | LX Manual | Sport Manual | CLA 250 Coupe |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sedan | Cabriolet | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2018 Acura ILX vs. 2018 Audi A3 | 2018 Acura ILX vs. 2018 Honda Civic | 2018 Acura ILX vs. 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2018 Acura ILX vs. 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class | |
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