It seems like we’ve been waiting for years for Acura to add a subcompact SUV to its lineup and now it’s finally here – the 2025 Acura ADX. The ADX shares some of its DNA with the Honda HR-V, but it stands out with its sportier styling, more powerful engine and luxurious interior.
Acura has needed an entry-level SUV to compete with other models, like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lexus UX and Mercedes-Benz GLA. This is one of the fastest growing segments and the easiest way for Acura to bring younger buyers into its showrooms.
Some may question if the ADX is truly a luxury SUV, since it is based on the same platform as the HR-V, but Acura has done a lot to differentiate it from its Honda cousin. On the outside, the ADX has a stylish exterior with styling cues that are reminiscent of the other Acura SUVs, the RDX, MDX and ZDX. It’s also not far off from the Integra.
Acura didn’t just give the ADX a bolder exterior than the HR-V, but it also upgraded its engine. The HR-V is slow with its 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, so to make things more exciting the ADX gets a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. That engine might sound familiar to you, since it is a detuned version of the Integra’s engine.
The ADX sends its power to the front or all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission, with simulated shifts to provide a sportier driving experience. The ADX is available with all-wheel drive, but it is not the same Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system that you get with Acura’s other SUVs.
Acura also upgraded the steering and suspension to make the ADX more fun to drive. It also has a quieter interior thanks to additional sound deadening, sound-absorbing engine mounts and an active noise cancellation system from the audio system.
Acura states that the front-wheel drive ADX will be rated at 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined, while the all-wheel drive version is rated at 25/30/27 mpg.
Inside the ADX has a spacious and more luxury oriented interior. There’s plenty of legroom in either row and Acura has also included an available 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, which sounds great. The audio system also features a thing called a “Beosonic Tone” tuner that lets you easily adjust the sound system with four sections: Bright, Energetic, Warm and Relaxed, by simply moving your finger around on the touchscreen.
Acura has elevated the ADX’s interior with features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, an eight-way adjustable drive’s seat, rear air vents, a sunroof and upgraded materials.
On the road the ADX offers an engaging driving experience, but it isn’t quite as sporty as the X1. The steering has a nice weight to it and the suspension easily swallows any imperfections on the road, without having too much body roll when the road gets a bit twisty.
We welcome the turbocharged four-cylinder, which has more pep than the HR-V, but you can easily squeeze out every last hp and still need more power. Pushing the pedal to the floor when accelerating on a highway, the ADX shows that it needs more power. It would be great if Acura released a sportier ADX Type S, but there’s no word on that happening.
Where the ADX really stands out is its price tag. The pricing for the ADX starts at $36,350, while the top trim A-Spec with Advance Package and all-wheel drive is priced at $45,350. That pricing makes it a better value than its X1 and GLA, which have a higher price tag.
At the end of the day, Acura has achieved what its goal of adding an engaging entry-level SUV to its lineup, which will easily help it reach appeal to a younger audience. The ADX is a near perfect SUV for a younger buyer that wants a more luxurious experience, but without hurting the bank too much.