Preview: 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid – Acura’s first and only Hybrid so far

2014 acura ilx hybrid front grill

How many Hybrid vehicles does Acura have in its portfolio?  The 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid is the only option so far.  This fuel efficient small luxury sedan is powered by a 1.5-liter four cylinder engine with IMA electric motor and CVT transmission.  Total system power is 111 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque, so it is focused on economy rather than high performance.  It is basically an identical system to that of the Honda Civic Hybrid, although in the Acura it makes one extra horsepower.  The 2014 ILX Hybrid is rated at 39 MPG city / 38 MPG highway and 38 MPG combined.  You might be wondering – why is the ILX’s MPG rating lower than the Civic Hybrid (44 MPG combined)?  This is a great question.  The only clue I can find is that the ILX Hybrid has about 130 lbs more of luxurious appointments.

2014 acura ilx hybrid dash steering wheel

The 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid starts at $28,900 (same as 2013 model) and goes up to $34,600 when you add the Technology package.  It means that you are paying from $2,000-$3,000 over the non-hybrid model.  The standard ILX is rated at 28 MPG combined, so you are getting a huge improvement in fuel economy.

If you are wondering what is next for Acura Hybrid?  The Acura RLX Hybrid and NSX Hybrid are on their way.  The RLX Hybrid will be next with the all new system where the electricity powers the rear wheels for a clever all-wheel-drive setup.  The NSX will take it to yet another level with high performance hybrid AWD.  This space is about to get a lot more exciting.

Check out this fun TFL video of the 2013 Acura ILX:

Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov

Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, software engineer, writer, and reporter. He has been writing and reporting at TFL since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.