2025 Acura ADX: Late to the Party, Still a Welcome Addition
As we all know, Acura is currently facing a brand image problem. You see, most people choose the product over the badge. The fact that the model lineup is missing a few pieces and not getting refreshed as frequently as it should certainly doesn’t help.
For a long time now, Acura dealers and customers have been asking for an entry-level SUV that would take on the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, which first launched in Canada about a decade and a half ago. However, parent company Honda didn't want to develop such a product from scratch (that would have been too costly). Instead, it waited until the introduction of the latest-generation Honda HR-V to begin development of the all-new ADX.
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Better late than never? Well, Acura sure could have used it two or three years earlier, but the answer to the question is obviously affirmative. And considering that the brand is planning to keep selling conventionally powered vehicles alongside electric ones, the ADX will do wonders for its bottom line. By the way, it’s the only Acura to be manufactured outside of the U.S., more specifically in Mexico.
HR-V Genes
It's no secret that the Acura ADX is based on the Honda HR-V. The latter sorely lacks character yet proves quite popular by offering versatility and peace of mind to customers. Is that enough for the ADX to challenge European rivals? Of course not. That's why Acura designers and engineers went to great lengths to infuse an otherwise rational crossover with a good dose of passion.
Sure, the proportions, roofline and windows are very reminiscent of the HR-V. However, the ADX is generally more inspiring to look at, especially with a front fascia similar to that of the larger RDX. Truth be told, the ADX is much more attractive live than in pictures. It’s also available in a wider range of body colours than some of the brand's other products. In fact, the HR-V offers pretty much the same colours.
As with the Integra, the Honda-sourced dashboard is a bit disappointing, especially if you’re a fan of large, high-tech displays. The ADX boasts a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel and a 9-inch centre touchscreen, the latter with Google built-in in top-line Platinum Elite A-SPEC trim. Ergonomically speaking, it’s hard to complain about the interface. On the other hand, the graphics are nothing special. Heck, we even prefer those in the Lexus UX.
The driver’s cockpit is beautifully appointed with a combination of leather and suede, quality plastics and tastefully matched colours. Furthermore, the centre console has a more wraparound design than the HR-V’s. The indispensable wireless charging pad can be found up front, but in a curious move, Acura has decided to sacrifice one of the two cupholders for a smartphone holder. We don’t get it. You can always store a phone in a cupholder, but not the other way around.
A Family SUV?
The ADX offers more cargo space than the compact-sized Lexus NX, which is more of an RDX competitor. It’s the same story with the rear seats folded down, a testament to the versatility of Acura’s new crossover.
This means you can install child booster seats and carry all the accompanying items in the trunk, without fear of running out of space. Oh, and there are three additional albeit small storage compartments under the floor. No spare tire, though.
While the front seats somewhat lack thigh support, the cabin is comfortable and pleasant to live in, with a long list of features and amenities on top of that.
Ironically, despite being the most expensive model in the lineup, the ADX Platinum Elite A-SPEC is the one that offers the most bang for your buck in our opinion. It includes a fantastic 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, 360-degree camera, full leather upholstery, driver’s seat with memory seat, remote start, parking assist and rain sensors. Naturally, it looks sharper than the base ADX, which we suspect won't be the most popular even though it’s the cheapest.
CR-V Heart
Competitors in this segment typically deliver 220-250 horsepower, but the ADX makes do with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces. Admittedly, that’s more power than the HR-V, which uses the Honda Civic's naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine, but it's hard to understand why Acura didn't at least increase output to 200 horsepower, matching the Integra featuring the same engine.
Instead, the ADX is on par with the CR-V, which also generates 190 horsepower. There’s one big difference, mind you: Acura’s new crossover requires premium gasoline, whereas the CR-V has no problem using regular gas (although premium is recommended). Long story short, the ADX is slightly under-powered when compared with most rivals.
Understandably, the folks at Acura don’t really want to talk about performance figures. Rather, they insist on the five available drive modes—Snow, Comfort, Normal and Sport, plus an Individual mode (reserved for the top trim) that makes it possible to customize the setting combinations. Each one comes with unique graphics and colours. The CVT that’s mated to the engine does a fine job overall. It's far from perfect, especially under hard acceleration, but certainly not as annoying as an Infiniti QX50, for example.
On the road, ride quality is surprisingly good. The cabin is also much quieter than the HR-V’s. The suspension and steering are both honest performers delivering decent feedback. This is particularly true in Sport mode, which enhances steering response and sound effects at the same time. But make no mistake: the ADX is not the spirited athlete that the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 are thanks to their extra power and more dynamic handling.
Next Up, a Hybrid?
It appears that a hybrid variant is a serious possibility down the line. With a gas-electric powertrain similar to the one available in the Honda Civic, Accord and CR-V, not to mention the upcoming 2026 Integra, the ADX could top 200 horsepower and, more importantly, offer plenty of extra torque, benefitting acceleration and passing manoeuvres. It would also improve fuel economy by about 25 percent.
Speaking of which, how can you explain that the ADX is a tad less fuel-efficient than the CR-V despite being lighter and running on premium gasoline? Is it because of aerodynamics? Acura has no official answer. Anyway, at a combined 8.5 L/100 km, the ADX is neck and neck with the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, which happen to be the most frugal SUVs in the segment this side of the hybrid-only Lexus UX (5.6 L/100 km).
With its standard panoramic sunroof, power liftgate and wireless smartphone charger, the Canadian-spec ADX is more generously equipped than its American counterpart. It also stands out with standard all-wheel drive, although we’re not talking about the same SH-AWD system that the larger RDX and MDX are blessed with.
Ultimately, the 2025 Acura ADX will appeal to entry-level luxury buyers after a stylish SUV with lower ownership costs than German models. It should prove more reliable, too, at least if the CR-V’s and HR-V's track record is any indication.
Watch: The Car Guide Drives the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S
| Test drive report | |
| Test model | 2025 Acura ADX |
|---|---|
| Trim level | Platinum Élite A-Spec |
| Price range | $44,980 – $51,480 |
| Price as tested | 51 480 $ |
| Warranty (basic) | 4 years/80,000 km |
| Warranty (powertrain) | 5 years/100,000 km |
| Fuel economy (city/highway/observed) | 9,1 / 7,7 / 8,5 L/100km |
| Options | N/A |
| Competitive models | Alfa Romeo Tonale, Audi Q3, BMW X1, BMW X2, Lexus UX, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Mercedes-Benz GLB, MINI Countryman, Volvo XC40 |
| Strong points |
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| Weak points |
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| Editor's rating | |
| Fuel economy | The ADX is lighter than the similarly powered Honda CR-V yet a tad less efficient. |
| Comfort | The seats and suspension along with the quiet cabin make the ADX a surprisingly comfortable SUV. |
| Performance | The turbo engine lacks power and enthusiasm when compared with most rivals. |
| Infotainment | Technology is there, especially in top-line trim with Google built-in. |
| Driving | The ADX isn’t the most exciting SUV in the entry-level luxury segment, but definitely more so than the Honda HR-V it’s based on. |
| Overall | This is a quality product that will meet the wants and needs of Acura customers that have long asked for a small SUV. |