29 MPG combined is a reasonable figure for the 2017 Acura ILX 2.4L, placing it in a competitive spot within the entry-level luxury sedan market. It’s not a hybrid aiming for Prius-like numbers, nor is it a performance car burning gas for speed. Instead, it strikes a balance, offering respectable fuel economy alongside premium features and the Acura badge. The ILX appeals to a buyer who values both efficiency and a touch of luxury, perhaps someone moving up from a mainstream sedan but not yet ready for the expense of a larger, more powerful Acura.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Acura ILX 2.4L achieves 25 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the ILX’s responsiveness in stop-and-go traffic. It’s not overly thirsty, helped by the quick-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (AM-S8) that keeps the engine in its optimal power band. On the open road, the 35 MPG highway rating shows the engine’s efficiency at cruising speeds. This makes the ILX a suitable choice for commuters or anyone who regularly takes longer trips, providing a balance between fuel savings and enjoyable driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Acura ILX 2.4L at precisely $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Fuel prices constantly fluctuate, so this number provides a useful benchmark for comparing the ILX to other vehicles in its class. Remember that your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized testing method, but real-world fuel economy can differ. ILX owners report figures close to the EPA estimates when they drive mindfully. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will lower your MPG. Weather conditions, tire pressure, and vehicle maintenance also play a role.

Routine maintenance, like oil changes and tire rotations, can improve your ILX’s efficiency. Drivers who accelerate smoothly and maintain consistent speeds on the highway are more likely to achieve or exceed the EPA’s 35 MPG rating.

How it compares

The 2017 Acura ILX 2.4L’s fuel economy compares well against its competitors. The Lexus IS 200t, with its 2.0L turbocharged engine, offers a similar driving experience but achieves around 22 MPG city and 32 MPG highway. The Audi A3 sedan delivers comparable fuel economy at around 26 MPG combined in its base configuration. The BMW 320i offers a more engaging driving experience, but it typically achieves slightly lower numbers, around 24 MPG city and 35 MPG highway. To the ILX buyer fuel economy falls near the middle of their priority considerations, therefore similar MPG with Acura’s reputation for reliability is a winning combination.

For those especially interested in less gas usage, explore all Acura fuel economy data and compare ILX MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Acura ILX responds well to a gentle touch. Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking. The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is designed to shift quickly and efficiently, so let it do its job. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed to improve your fuel economy.

Tire pressure is an important factor. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regularly check your tire pressure, especially during seasonal temperature changes.

Reduce weight in your vehicle. Carrying extra cargo, such as sporting equipment or tools that you don’t regularly need, can hurt fuel economy. Less weight will reduce the amount of energy required to accelerate and maintain speed.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps optimize fuel consumption. Cruise control isn’t always ideal in heavy traffic, but it can be effective on open roads. Be mindful of hills, because cruise control may downshift aggressively to maintain speed, which will lower fuel economy. You might get better efficiency by manually managing the throttle in these cases.