The Acura ILX was just refreshed for the 2019 model year and now boasts bolder looks, but the top-trim Honda Civic Touring could actually prove to be a better buy. Sure, Acura’s entry-level sedan might look fancier and seem better because it has a luxury badge and a unique look, but a closer inspection reveals where the Honda Civic Touring really shines. Here are a few ways that it does.

The Honda Civic is priced better

For starters, the Honda Civic Touring has a starting price of $27,700, which is actually about the same as the Acura ILX with the Premium package. That Premium package includes upgrade leather and upgraded Acura sound system with 7 speakers, memory seats, and Apple Carplay capability. However, you get all of the same features with the fully loaded Civic, but the infotainment system and audio are much better.

Better infotainment and audio system

Let’s face it, the Honda and Acura sound systems aren’t exactly the same quality that you’ll find in other competitors, but they’re pretty good nonetheless. In fact, the Civic Touring comes with a Honda Premium audio system that puts out 450 watts and has 10 speakers. On the other hand, the ILX with the premium upgrades includes and Acura system – which is probably the same as Honda – that only has 7 speakers and puts out less wattage.

On top of that, the Acura ILX’s dual-screen infotainment system is dated, as in “last-generation dated,” which makes the Honda Civic infotainment system look like something out of the future, even though it’s actually four-years-old. The point is, you’ll find that the single 7-inch infotainment screen is much easier to use, has the better image quality and responsiveness, and is much less confusing than the two screens you would have to look at in the ILX.

Similar features and interior quality

Above all else, if you opt for the Honda Civic Touring, you will get the same LED headlights, leather seating, heated front, and rear seats, and overall interior space as the Acura ILX for around the same price, if not less. Keep in mind that the Civic Touring also comes with in-car navigation, while you would need to spend to get that on the Acura. Sure, you can opt for the A-Spec package for the ILX, but that would make the price jump to around $32,000, and that’s mainly for appearance modifications.

Let’s talk about engine differences

The Honda Civic Touring is powered by the same 1.5-liter turbocharged engine as all the other Civics, which produces 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the ILX is has a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that put out 201 horsepower and 180 torque. Yes, we know that the ILX engine has more horsepower and is connected to an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission, but keep in mind that the Civic gets better fuel economy and runs on regular gas as opposed to premium. In case you’re wondering, the Civic is rated at 32 city and 42 highway mpg, while the ILX is rated at 24 city and 34 highway. That’s a pretty big difference.

How luxurious is “premium luxury?”

In the end, if you were to decide between the Civic Touring and the Acura ILX, it’s important to ask yourself how luxurious the Acura really is in comparison to the Civic. With the Civic Touring, you will get the same type of interior and amenities with the added benefit of better gas mileage, all for a lower price. So if you’re not attached to the Acura badge, then you might want to consider the Honda Civic Touring as it can be a much better value.