Acura
ILX
Acura
TSX
Acura ILX vs Acura TSX: 2019 Comparison
The short answer
The Acura ILX offers fuel economy, while the Acura TSX excels at power instead. Choose the Acura ILX if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Acura TSX if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
ILX
Overall
Mixed sentiment for first-generation model, viewed as competent but uninspiring entry-level luxury sedan suffering from confused product positioning and powertrain fragmentation. The 2.4L manual transmission variant praised as hidden gem offering engaging driving dynamics, responsive 201 hp K24 engine, and excellent value proposition at used prices ($8,000-$14,000 in 2020-2024). However, widespread criticism targets the base 2.0L automatic (150 hp) as severely underpowered and uncompetitive, described as "barely faster than a Civic" with sluggish acceleration.
Best version to buy
2.4L 6-Speed Manual Manual transmission 2.4L variant unanimously regarded as optimal specification, combining responsive 201 hp K24 engine, precise 6-speed manual gearbox, sport-tuned suspension, and engaging driving dynamics rivaling hot hatches. Represents approximately 5-10% of total ILX production, making used examples rare but highly sought by enthusiasts.
Known issues
- ⚠• Underpowered 2.0L engine (2.0L only), very sluggish acceleration 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) approximately 9.0-9.5 seconds, struggles with highway merging and passing, inadequate power for premium sedan expectations, very frequent (2.0L only) *…
TSX
Overall
Overwhelmingly enthusiastic sentiment for legendary sport sedan regarded as Honda's finest achievement, praised extensively for timeless elegant styling aging gracefully 15-20+ years later, bulletproof K24 engine enabling routine 200,000-300,000+ mile operation (documented examples exceeding 525,000 miles), engaging driving dynamics balancing sportiness and comfort creating "fast go-kart" sensation, perfect compact size filling gap between Civic and Accord, exceptional build quality with vault-like door closing feel (Japan-built VIN "J"), excellent manual transmission option (6-speed creating enthusiast following), affordable maintenance with Honda parts availability, and unique luxury features unavailable in mainstream Honda products. However, criticism includes weak low-end torque requiring high RPM driving (VTEC engagement 6,000 RPM), cramped rear seat legroom, expensive 1st generation parts (steering racks, power steering pumps, alternators not shared with US models), door speaker failures requiring aftermarket replacement, oil consumption issues (2009-2014 models), poor fuel economy versus modern standards (22-25 MPG combined typical), soft Honda paint with clear coat failure, and chronic rocker panel rust (Canada/salt belt climates). Overall consensus: 1st generation 6-speed manual (2004-2008, especially 2007-2008 facelift with upgraded K24A2 engine) represents ultimate driver's TSX achieving cult status, while 2nd generation (2009-2014) offers more refinement and features though less engaging dynamics.
Best version to buy
1st Generation 6-Speed Manual (2007-2008 facelift) The 2007-2008 facelift years with upgraded K24A2 engine (203 hp versus 200 hp pre-facelift), revised cylinder head design adding 5 hp/torque, 6-speed manual transmission, improved interior materials, steering wheel controls, power passenger seat, resolved early production issues (AC condenser, alternator, starter reliability improved) represent ultimate TSX specification. Manual transmission transforms driving experience enabling full engine exploitation and eliminating automatic transmission whining.
Known issues
- ⚠• Door speaker failures, front door speakers blow out creating distorted sound, factory speakers inadequate quality, common 60,000-100,000 miles, aftermarket replacement recommended ($200-$400 Focal Integration or similar), runs off factory…
The verdict
The Acura ILX is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Acura TSX, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Acura ILX are a dealbreaker, the Acura TSX is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Acura ILX or the Acura TSX?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Acura ILX than the Acura TSX. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Acura ILX or the Acura TSX?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Acura ILX or the Acura TSX?
The Acura ILX is more fuel-efficient on paper: 8.1 L/100km combined versus 10.2 L/100km for the Acura TSX, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura ILX or the Acura TSX?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.