2025 Acura ADX Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
Acura has a history of building off Honda platforms, especially for its entry-level models, and the brand is now cooking up something based off the HR-V. Bearing the name ADX, Acura's new small SUV slots below the compact RDX and three-row MDX. The ADX competes with other subcompact luxury crossovers including the Lexus UX, Volvo XC40, Audi Q3, and BMW X1.
Looking for an Acura SUV with a third row? Read about the MDX here.
What’s New
The ADX is all-new, Acura’s latest luxury small SUV, boasting a turbo engine and accessible price point. The crossover showcases a new available exterior color for Acura, model-specific Adriatic Sea Blue Metallic, as well as an available Orchid/Blue interior, another brand first.
Acura Already Built Something Like This
We originally expected this entry-level Acura SUV to bear the name CDX. That's because from 2016 to 2022, Acura built a CDX that was based on our previous-generation Honda HR-V, although it was only sold in the Chinese market. In North America, the SUV entry point to Acura's lineup has been the RDX since it debuted for the 2007 model year. Like the CDX, the ADX that has been introduced for our market borrow's the Honda HR-V's platform, but receives new sheetmetal, an upgraded interior, unique chassis tuning, and a more powerful engine.
What We Think
Instrumented testing is an important part of our editorial efforts here at MotorTrend, but some cars are good enough that we can look past their objective performance. The 2025 Acura ADX is one such vehicle. Its acceleration and braking figures are middling at best, but the small turbocharged engine's real world responsiveness allows for confident maneuvers. Steering feels reasonably responsive, but the ADX's handling isn't as eager as we've come to expect from Acura vehicles based on our impressions of the larger RDX and MDX.
The 2025 Acura ADX shines around town. Its interior, which is inspired by that of the Integra, is a lovely place to spend time. The stylish cabin is made better by an awesome stereo. An excellent lane centering system takes some of the effort out of long haul drives. We only wish less road noise made it into the passenger compartment and that the adaptive cruise control wasn't so timid.
Whereas other Acura models aim to deliver a sporty drive, the ADX favors everyday usability with good ride comfort and a spacious interior that belies its subcompact footprint. Pricing starts on the lower end of the smallest luxury SUV segment, making the 2025 Acura ADX a solid value. Acura's small crossover may not post the most impressive test results, but it satisfies in a way that defies the data.
Performance and MPGs
Every ADX features a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder and CVT automatic. The engine has been tuned to make slightly less power and torque than the Integra base model, which develops 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. In this application, the ADX's I-4 produces 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. This keeps it well under the RDX’s 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration trails the Integra's 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds at 8.2 seconds, according to our First Test review of a 2025 Acura ADX A-Spec Advance AWD.
Models come standard with FWD and AWD is available. Acura says the ADX’s AWD system can send up to half of engine torque to the rear hubs.
Given it’s a crossover and heavier than the Integra (as well as available with AWD), the ADX gets slightly worse fuel economy. The EPA rates the subcompact SUV at 26/31 mpg city/highway for the FWD model and 25/30 mpg for the ADX AWD.
Safety Features
The AcuraWatch suite is standard with every 2025 ADX. This suite includes blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign monitoring, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. A driver focus monitor and rear seat reminder are also included. Front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and a 360-degree camera come on the ADX A-Spec with Advance Package. Lane keeping performs admirably, but we've found the adaptive cruise control to be overly cautious.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The ADX is both slightly wider and taller than the Honda HR-V but much longer, 185.8 inches, an inch longer than the bigger CR-V. A-Spec Advance variants have slightly less cargo volume than lower trims.
Technology
Acura outfits each 2025 ADX with a 10.2-inch driver display and 9.0-inch touchscreen, neither of which the more expensive RDX gets. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charging pad, and heated front seats are standard across the lineup. Available upgrades include ambient lighting, rear USB ports, and power front passenger seat. The top model features a power driver’s seat with memory and power lumbar, hands-free-power liftgate, and Google integration with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other apps through Google Play.
ADX Base vs. A-Spec vs. A-Spec With Advance Package: What's the Difference?
The 2025 Acura ADX is available in three trims this year: base, A-Spec, and A-Spec with Advance package. Deliveries start in early 2025. Prices start just over $36,000 for the base model to just over $43,000s for the top A-Spec with Advance package trim.
Every 2025 ADX receives the big screens, wireless phone mirroring, and a wireless phone charger. Base models are equipped with 8-speaker audio, four drive modes, power liftgate, and 18-inch wheels.
The ADX A-Spec unlocks gloss black lower exterior trim, Gun Metallic skid garnishes front and rear, and special badges. Also included are 19-inch wheels with resonators to reduce road noise, a flat-bottom steering wheel, ventilated seats, and panoramic moonroof. These models are standard with LED foglights and a cargo cover.
ADX A-Spec With Advance package models add a heated steering wheel, power-folding side mirrors, and remote engine start. These top ADX models are standard with five drive modes and 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio. You can tell it’s the Advance Package model from the outside by its gloss black mirrors and Berlina Black 19-inch wheels.
