A lot Extra Than A Luxed-Up Honda HR-V

Acura by no means had a subcompact crossover in its lineup. And that is an issue. With fashions such because the BMW X1/MINI Countryman, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA/GLB, and Volvo XC40 now grabbing a big chunk of the entry-level premium area, Acura is left of their mud with all however an Integra sedan to battle again.

That is all about to vary with the lately launched ADX, a subcompact premium crossover that shares most of its bones with the Integra. However whereas I used to be anticipating this factor to be nothing greater than a Honda HR-V with fancier seats and headlights, it seems the ADX has much more going for it than easy Honda-Acura badge engineering. Sure, it is nonetheless lacking a number of key attributes to develop into a real game-changer on this area, however the ADX has sufficient substance to persuade an X1 proprietor to commerce of their BMW key fob.

The ADX pictured right here was loaned to me by the Précision Acura dealership in Quebec, Canada. It was picked up clear and with a full tank of gasoline. I didn’t stay with the automobile for a whole week like I often do for these evaluations. For detailed perception into testing procedures and information assortment, please overview our methodology coverage.

2025 Acura ADX First Impressions: Acquainted Seems, Child RDX Proportions

What I like in regards to the ADX is that it appears like a shrunken model of the engaging RDX. Nevertheless it’s solely once you see it in actual life that you just understand how tiny the ADX truly is. The ADX additionally shares most of its headlight and taillight designs with the Integra as a result of, effectively, that is primarily an Integra on stilts. I am going to get again to the technical specs later, however I actually do not thoughts the way in which this factor appears. Test it out from the aspect profile view. The ADX has an extended hood and a pulled-back cabin. That is uncommon within the subcompact premium crossover area, granting this small Acura a fairly distinctive presence on the street.

My solely gripe with this design truly comes from the black wheels. This can be a private opinion, after all, however I really feel like black wheels have been performed out. Additionally they form of fade away inside this ADX A-Spec’s wheel arches. Acura may have provided a brighter wheel choice, which, I consider, would have given the A-Spec extra character. And whereas the paint high quality on this Photo voltaic Silver coating was glorious, I would personally get my ADX A-Spec in brighter colours like Adriatic Sea Blue or Milano Purple.

2025 Acura ADX Exterior Dimensions

2025 Acura ADX: Variations Between The U.S. And Canadian Market

Within the ADX’s case, the primary distinction between the U.S. and Canadian markets is that Canada sells the ADX with commonplace all-wheel drive. Within the U.S., all variations can be found with front-wheel drive. You may have to pay an additional $2,000 for four-wheel traction. Aside from that, each markets are aligned to promote three trim ranges with related gear and obtainable colours. The one slight distinction right here is that, within the U.S., the top-spec trim stage known as the A-Spec with Advance, whereas in Canada, it is known as the Platinum Elite A-Spec.

U.S. Versus Canada Lineup Breakdown And Beginning MSRP (mannequin examined in daring)

Driving Impressions And Efficiency: A Slower, Heavier Integra

From a mechanical standpoint, the ADX is a combined bag of Honda Civic, HR-V, CR-V, and Acura Integra. The platform itself is shared with the Civic/Integra, however the ADX is six inches longer than an HR-V, whereas being about the identical width and top. The wheelbase can also be an identical to its Honda sibling. And the {hardware} is acquainted stuff: Honda’s now ubiquitous 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.

2025 Acura ADX Technical Specs

Besides the ADX would not get the Integra’s 200-horsepower model, however fairly the CR-V’s extra toned-down 190-horsepower specification, with torque at an an identical 179 lb-ft. As a matter of truth, the ADX reaches its max horsepower and torque figures at the very same RPM figures as a CR-V: 6,000 and 1,700 RPM respectively.

And that is actually the place the ADX is at a critical drawback in opposition to punchier rivals. All of its European competitors kicks off with extra highly effective 2.0-liter turbo engines. The ADX feels anemic by comparability, with lackluster acceleration and that dreaded feeling of driving a giant automotive powered by a small engine. To its protection, this stays a gem of a little bit mill, one which each likes to rev and put down meaty turbocharged torque. However because it’s mated to a constantly variable transmission (CVT), lots of its character will get misplaced within the annoying drivetrain drone. Once more, even probably the most fundamental MINI Countryman or BMW X1 not less than comes with an precise gearbox, giving these rivals a extra dynamic edge.

The ADX feels anemic by comparability, with lackluster acceleration and that dreaded feeling of driving a giant automotive powered by a small engine.

Lastly, though it is nonetheless unclear if Acura is planning an precise Sort S model of the ADX (that might be critically cool), this drivetrain mixture is the one one obtainable for now. Rivals both provide extra highly effective efficiency variations and even absolutely electrical alternate options to boost acceleration. Sadly, the ADX gives none of that.

However Acura’s newest cute-ute makes up for its lack of energy in the way in which it drives. Feeling significantly extra refined than an HR-V because of improved suspension geometry and elevated cabin sound deadening, the ADX gives a premium expertise that is on par with the European opposition. It is also driving on a incredible chassis sourced out of each the Civic and the Integra, granting the ADX the form of puppy-dog dealing with traits Honda constructed its popularity on. The ADX’s chassis is tight, responsive, and compliant, which results in a surprisingly enjoyable little crossover to toss round within the corners.

2025 Acura ADX Gas Consumption

The EPA nonetheless hasn’t printed official gas financial system numbers for the all-wheel-drive ADX, however Acura offers it a producer estimate of 27 MPG mixed. This places it in an analogous ballpark to the all-wheel-drive Honda CR-V. Since I solely drove the automotive for a number of hours in a managed surroundings, I used to be unable to acquire a real-world determine. I am going to have to stay with the ADX for a whole week to actually consider its gas consumption.

Producer And As-Examined Gas Consumption

Inside Design And Consolation: A True Premium Cabin With Superb Seats

The place the ADX really exhibits its price is within the high quality of its inside. Positive, it shares most of its switchgear with a Honda Civic, however every part you contact feels of nice high quality and as if it will final endlessly. It additionally clearly demonstrates that when Acura gives the premium therapy to a Honda product that no stone is left unturned. There’s the elevated sound deadening, but additionally the obtainable Bang & Olufsen audio system, which sounds fairly incredible for a automobile of this value bracket. Lastly, the seats on this A-Spec Advance have a neat, plush, and bouncy really feel to them that I’ve solely skilled in very costly luxurious automobiles. This can be a very well-executed premium product.

One other standout high quality of the ADX is the rear seat leg and headroom. Usually, my six-foot self would not match very effectively on the again of those subcompact crossovers, however within the ADX, I used to be impressed by the extent of leg and headroom, permitting even a giant man like me to seek out consolation.

2025 Acura ADX Inside Dimensions

Know-how And Ease Of Use: Acquainted And Consumer-Pleasant Infotainment Interface

Once more, the expertise within the ADX is what we have not come to just accept from latest Honda merchandise. I say Honda as a result of the ADX would not have the identical setup as the remainder of the Acura lineup. Reasonably, just like the Integra, it aligns itself with Honda’s automobiles. And that is a very good factor as a result of the ADX would not attempt to lure you into some annoying trackpad shenanigan like in a TLX.

It is a typical touch-operated interface with a set of bodily buttons on the left-hand aspect. And all works with great fluidity. Simple and fast to reply, this method has a satisfying graphical interface whereas incorporating some helpful Google-based options like Google Maps. What I additionally respect in regards to the ADX is that though its instrumentation is all display, Acura does a very good job of separating the gauge cluster and the infotainment system. It is a extra visually aesthetic setup than the massive slab of display that carmakers are all now principally defaulting again to.

Cargo And Storage Area: A Phase Chief

The ADX’s cargo area numbers immediately replicate its HR-V bones. You are successfully getting with this Acura the identical default and whole cargo area numbers. And that is a very good factor, because it permits the ADX to rank as one of the vital spacious fashions in its class. For reference, the ADX gives extra cargo area than the BMW X1 (25.7 cu-ft/46.9 cu-ft) and Audi Q3 (23.7 cu-ft/48 cu-ft). It is solely barely overwhelmed by the Mercedes-Benz GLB in whole cargo area (62 cu-ft).

2025 Acura ADX Cargo Area

The ADX Will Undoubtedly Damage The Competitors

Talking with the Acura dealership that loaned me this ADX, I found that that is the automobile the automaker wanted to draw new customers. My contact there admitted that the Integra not acts because the gateway mannequin to the Acura model as a result of the dwindling reputation of sedans. And whereas the RDX stays a steadfast contender on this class, raking in regular gross sales within the U.S. and Canada, the reality of the matter is that vacant nesters and younger professionals in search of one thing a tad extra compact ended up heading in direction of an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes dealership as an alternative.

So, no, the ADX would not revolutionize the section. Nor does it put down the identical energetic acceleration as its European rivals. I might even have preferred to see the Civic Hybrid’s incredible powerplant provided as a secondary drivetrain choice. That might positively have given the ADX the efficiency and technological edge it is lacking. However the ADX stays a no brainer formulation that gives a novel mix of sophistication, driver engagement, and practicality, all at a frankly respectable value level, and backed by Acura’s popularity for reliability and low working prices. It is effectively off to steal some gross sales from the competitors.