Lexus IS 300 vs. Acura ILX

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Lexus IS 300 and Acura ILX contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Lexus IS 300 and the Acura ILX.

When we compare the Lexus IS 300's and the Acura ILX's specifications and ratings, the Lexus IS 300 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Acura ILX has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Lexus IS 300's and the Acura ILX's specifications and ratings, the Lexus IS 300 is a better car than the Acura ILX.

Pricing: A used 2022 Lexus IS 300 ranges from $29,995 to $39,760 while a used 2022 Acura ILX is priced between $21,955 to $29,997.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Lexus IS 300 loses 40.1 percent of its value and the Acura ILX loses 40.8 percent of its value. This means the Lexus IS 300 retains 0.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Acura ILX.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Lexus IS 300 is 8.9 out of 10 while the Acura ILX's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Lexus IS 300 being ranked 2 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Acura ILX being ranked 5 out of 36.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Lexus IS 300 is 8.6 out of 10. For the Acura ILX the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Lexus IS 300 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Acura ILX.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Lexus IS 300’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the Acura ILX base engine makes 201 horsepower. The IS 300 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 539 miles. The ILX is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 449 miles.This gives the Acura ILX the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Lexus IS 300 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Lexus IS 300 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear head room. The Acura ILX has the advantage in the areas of rear shoulder room, rear leg room and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Lexus IS 300 and the Acura ILX have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.