You’re looking at a used car lot, or maybe scrolling through a marketplace app, and you see it. The 2017 Acura ILX Acura badge catches your eye because it looks like a bargain-bin entry into the world of luxury. It's sleek. It's got that Jewel Eye LED situation going on. But then you hear the whispers from the "car guys" online telling you it’s just a fancy Civic.
Is it?
Well, yes and no. Honestly, calling the 2017 Acura ILX a glorified Honda is both technically accurate and wildly reductive at the same time. If you’re hunting for a reliable daily driver that doesn't feel like a penalty box, you've probably realized that the 2017 model year was a weirdly specific sweet spot for this car. It came right after the major 2016 refresh but before the car started feeling truly dated compared to the German competition.
The Dual-Clutch Reality Check
Let’s talk about the transmission. This is where most people get tripped up. Most "entry-level" luxury cars from this era were moving toward boring CVTs or standard automatics. Acura went a different way. They slapped an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) onto a 2.4-liter engine.
It’s snappy.
It’s surprisingly aggressive when you put your foot down. But here’s the kicker: Acura added a torque converter to the DCT. That sounds like nerd talk, but for you, it means the car doesn't do that jerky, stuttering thing that Volkswagens or Fords of that era sometimes did at low speeds. It crawls smoothly in traffic like a normal automatic but shifts like a race car when you’re merging onto the highway. It’s arguably the best part of the 2017 Acura ILX Acura experience, delivering 201 horsepower that feels a lot punchier than the numbers suggest on paper.
Why the 2.4L K24 Engine Matters
If you know anything about Honda history, you know the K-series engine is legendary. The 2017 ILX uses a version of the K24. This isn't some experimental turbo three-cylinder. It’s a high-revving, naturally aspirated workhorse.
You get the VTEC kick.
👉 See also: The Gospel of Matthew: What Most People Get Wrong About the First Book of the New Testament
It’s reliable enough to hit 200,000 miles if you aren't a total disaster with maintenance. Unlike the newer turbocharged engines that can be finicky about oil dilution or heat, this 2.4-liter is basically bulletproof.
The Interior: A Tale of Two Screens
Step inside and things get a bit polarizing. Acura decided that one screen wasn't enough, so they gave you two. The "On-Demand Multi-Use Display" (ODMD) setup is... well, it’s a choice. The top screen handles your navigation or basic info, while the bottom touchscreen handles your radio and climate.
It takes a week to learn. Maybe two.
It feels a bit "early 2010s tech," and if we’re being real, the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the 2017 model is a massive bummer. You’re stuck with Acura’s proprietary interface or a basic Bluetooth connection. For a lot of buyers in 2026, this is the dealbreaker. You have to decide if you can live with a phone mount on the dash or if you’re willing to swap the head unit for an aftermarket Sony or Pioneer deck.
Cabin Quietness and the "Luxury" Lie
Is it as quiet as a Lexus IS? No.
Acura tried to dampen the road noise with active noise cancellation and thicker glass, but the ILX still shares its DNA with the ninth-generation Civic. You’re going to hear the tires on coarse pavement. You’re going to feel the bumps. It’s a "sport-luxury" blend, which is often marketing speak for "we didn't want to spend the money on an air suspension."
However, the seats are fantastic. Acura’s Lux Suede inserts in the A-Spec trim actually hold you in place better than the slippery leather found in some entry-level BMWs. You don't slide around when taking a corner at 40 mph. It feels snug.
✨ Don't miss: God Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: The True Story Behind the Phrase Most People Get Wrong
What it Costs to Run (The Good News)
Maintenance is where the 2017 Acura ILX Acura shines. Since so many mechanical bits are shared with the Honda parts bin, you aren't paying $300 for an oil change.
Go to a local mechanic. Use Honda fluids. You’re fine.
One thing to watch out for: it wants Premium fuel. You can put Regular in it, but the engine will pull timing, and you’ll lose that crisp throttle response. If you're buying a luxury brand to save money on gas, you might want to do the math first. It gets about 25 city and 35 highway, which is respectable but not hybrid territory.
Safety and the "AcuraWatch" Factor
In 2017, Acura was really pushing their safety suite. If you find a model with AcuraWatch, you’re getting:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (great for stop-and-go traffic).
- Lane Keeping Assist (it actually steers for you a bit).
- Collision Mitigation Braking.
A lot of these features were optional back then, so don't assume every ILX on the lot has them. Check the steering wheel for the little icons. If the buttons aren't there, the tech isn't there. For a car that’s nearly a decade old, having a system that can literally stop the car for you in an emergency is a huge plus for insurance rates and peace of mind.
Common Problems Nobody Mentions
No car is perfect. The 2017 ILX has its quirks. Some owners have reported that the battery drains faster than expected if the car sits for a few days. Others mention that the dual-screen setup can occasionally glitch out and require a hard reset.
And then there's the trunk.
🔗 Read more: Kiko Japanese Restaurant Plantation: Why This Local Spot Still Wins the Sushi Game
It’s small. The opening is narrow. If you’re a golfer or you have a massive stroller, bring it with you to the test drive. You might find yourself playing Tetris just to get a suitcase in there. It’s a compact sedan in the truest sense of the word.
Comparing the Trims
You basically have three main paths:
- The Base: It's fine, but it feels a bit rental-car.
- The Premium: This adds the blind-spot monitoring and the leather seats. It’s the "sensible" choice.
- The A-Spec: This is the one you want. You get the 18-inch wheels, the side sills, and the better interior materials. It actually looks like a modern car.
The Verdict on the 2017 Acura ILX Acura
If you want a car that screams "I have arrived," this isn't it. People will know it's the "cheap" Acura. But if you want a car that is fun to drive, doesn't break, and looks better than a Corolla, it’s a winner. It’s a driver’s car for people who have a budget.
It’s honest.
It’s not trying to be a Mercedes S-Class. It’s trying to be a reliable, quick, and comfortable commuter that doesn't cost $1,000 a month in lease payments.
Next Steps for Potential Buyers:
- Check the DCT Service History: Ensure the transmission fluid was changed at the recommended intervals (usually every 30,000 to 60,000 miles). These dual-clutch units are robust but sensitive to old fluid.
- Inspect the Jewel Eye LEDs: These headlights are expensive to replace. Make sure there is no moisture inside the housings and that all individual LED "jewels" are firing.
- Verify the AcuraWatch Sensors: If the car has been in a front-end fender bender, the radar sensor behind the grille might be misaligned, which can disable your cruise control and safety features. Ask for a pre-purchase inspection that specifically checks for stored diagnostic codes in the safety modules.
- Test the Bluetooth Connection: Since there is no CarPlay, your entire relationship with the car’s tech depends on how well your phone pairs with the HandsFreeLink system. Spend five minutes in the driveway making sure it actually works with your specific device.