2015 Acura ILX Dynamic Review: A Mixed Bag of Good, Bad, and Confusing

An Acura for the Millennials? The 2015 Acura ILX Dynamic was a Canada-only, performance-oriented model sporting a manual transmission and 201-hp. Our full review of the small sedan - including interior, specs, and more.

The ILX is Acura’s attempt to introduce entry-level luxury to the coveted 20- and 30-something crowd. This Dynamic model heightens performance yet seems to muddle Acura’s intentions. We take a look at the ILX as it nears the end of its first-generation run to see how it’s holding up.

The Upscale Honda Civic Si?

Note, that the 2015 Acura ILX Dynamic was a specific trim level available in Canada. It was positioned as a sportier and performance-oriented variant of the Acura ILX, featuring several unique features and enhancements.

It’s impossible to read about the Acura ILX without a mention of the Honda Civic. Based on its little brother—and a replacement for the Canadian-exclusive CSX—the ILX is tantamount to ditching your wardrobe consisting of jeans and t-shirts for khakis and a button-down shirt. In other words, it’s the “grown-up” version of the Civic.

2015 Acura ILX Dynamic in black showing rear parked on street
2015 Acura ILX Dynamic. Photo: Acura

2015 Acura ILX power and performance

The Dynamic model is the premium version of the Civic Si. The standard ILX has a 2.0L four-cylinder engine capable of 150 horsepower and 140 lb.-ft of torque. The Dynamic dumps that set up for a 2.4L four-cylinder engine that pushes 201 horsepower with 170 lb.-ft of torque. Below, a quick performance comparison:

Performance Specification2015 Acura ILX Dynamic2015 Acura ILX (Base)
Engine Type2.4L 4-Cylinder2.0L 4-Cylinder
HorsepowerApproximately 201 hpApproximately 150 hp
TorqueApproximately 170 lb-ftApproximately 140 lb-ft
Transmission6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
SuspensionSport-TunedStandard
BrakesUpgradedStandard
Performance-Oriented SeatsYesStandard

The only ILX model with a manual transmission (nice)

The extra power is noticeable—and appreciated. However, the most pronounced addition to the Dynamic model is the inclusion of a six-speed manual transmission. It’s the only transmission offered, and the manual is not available on any other trim level of the ILX. So, if you really enjoy rowing through the gears, this is the only model for you.

2015 Acura ILX Dynamic interior front cabin
2015 Acura ILX Dynamic with manual transmission. Photo: Acura

But, this is where things get a bit muddled. If Acura is truly targeting the millennial crowd, why even have a manual transmission? It’s nice for them to say they’re producing a model for “enthusiasts,” but they’ve seen the numbers: only about 10 percent of vehicles purchased in North America have manual transmissions. And, while I don’t have the numbers to back it up, anecdotally, I can say millennials aren’t the ones keeping the manual alive. Why not include a dual-clutch transmission instead?

That said, the Acura ILX’s manual is an absolute joy to drive. The shifts are short and smooth. It feels intuitive as to where you’re throwing the lever from gear to gear. And it isn’t intimidating. If you’re living in a household with non-manual drivers, yet you’re looking for a stick shift with a little extra comfort, the ILX Dynamic should be near the top of your list. It’s the perfect “premium” vehicle to learn how to drive a manual transmission.

2015 Acura ILX Dynamic
2015 Acura ILX Dynamic. Photo: Acura

2015 Acura ILX Dynamic Interior and Styling

Hop inside, and you’ll find the expected features and amenities you would hope a car starting at $32,090 has: leather seats, a navigation system, a surround-sound system, and a number of other creature comforts.

It’s all very nice. And it works adequately. But that’s about it. Nothing stands out. It’s not flashy or swank or posh. Not that it has to be any of those things, but it should be something. The interior, where you’ll spend all of your time, should elicit some sort of emotional response. However, it remains consistent with its competent, yet forgettable, exterior. But, while Acura insists on using a button-heavy dashboard, the layout is fairly easy to get used to and functions are where you would want them to be.

ILX interior dimensions

Interior DimensionMeasurement (2015 Acura ILX)
Front Headroom38.0 inches (965 mm)
Front Legroom42.3 inches (1,074 mm)
Rear Headroom35.9 inches (912 mm)
Rear Legroom34.0 inches (864 mm)
Passenger Capacity5 passengers
Cargo Volume (Trunk)Approximately 12.4 cubic feet
2015 Acura ILX Dynamic in black parked on pavement reflecting off the wet ground
2015 Acura ILX Dynamic. Photo: Acura

Takeaway: is the 2015 Acura ILX a good car?

The Acura ILX Dynamic offers a mixed bag of good, bad, and confusing. Acura’s packed it with enough features to keep everyone happy and, while an odd transmission choice given their target market, the ILX Dynamic’s manual transmission is great.

Beyond that, however, there isn’t much that will draw you in, especially with a competitive small 4-door crowd that includes the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA. But, this is Acura’s first kick at the ILX, so there’s reason to hope that the second generation will build off of the first.

2015 Acura ILX Dynamic Specs and Images

The 2015 Acura ILX Dynamic was designed to offer a sportier and more performance-oriented driving experience compared to the base model. It featured a more powerful engine, a manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension, and other performance enhancements. These specifications catered to driving enthusiasts who preferred a more engaging and spirited driving experience.

Specification2015 Acura ILX Dynamic
Engine Type2.4L 4-Cylinder
HorsepowerApproximately 201 hp
TorqueApproximately 170 lb-ft
Transmission6-Speed Manual
SuspensionSport-Tuned
BrakesUpgraded
Sport SeatsYes
SteeringElectric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion
Wheel Size17-inch Alloy Wheels
TiresPerformance All-Season
Exterior TrimSporty Design Elements
Front Headroom38.0 inches (965 mm)
Front Legroom42.3 inches (1,074 mm)
Rear Headroom35.9 inches (912 mm)
Rear Legroom34.0 inches (864 mm)
Passenger Capacity5 passengers
Cargo Volume (Trunk)Approximately 12.4 cubic feet
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Author:
Travis Persaud
Travis Persaud
Travis Persaud has contributed to a number of magazines across North America, including enRoute and Exclaim! He loves variety and it shows in the wide range of topics he’s covered: automotive to music, technology to travel, beer to real estate. He’s currently the editor of WHERE Ottawa (city travel guide), beer columnist for Ottawa Magazine, a frequent contributor to CAA Magazine and the former associate editor of Zoomer Magazine.