DecodedCars2020 Acura ILX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 24 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 181.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,120 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Acura ILX is a compact car offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,120 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 34 highway), 3% better than the 2020 compact car average of 27.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 ILX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 ILX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 181.9 in | 70.9 in | 55.5 in | 105.1 in | 59.4 / 59.8 in | 3,120 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ILX | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +3% | $2,950 | 316 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura ILX 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2020 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura ILX (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2020 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Audi A4 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2020 Tesla Model 3 | 330 mi | ★★★★★ | 21 |
| 2020 Audi A3 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Audi A5 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Dec 11, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V859000 · 70,658 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles. Contaminated brake fluid may cause a seal inside the brake master cylinder to deform, which can cause an internal brake fluid leak and reduce brake function.
- Risk
- Reduced brake function can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 4, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RN5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 17, 2025. The information in your report suggests that Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days. 49 CFR 573.6 Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Not every 2020 Acura ILX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Acura ILX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility/Wiper — 3 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 2,353 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Acura ILX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other ILX years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →