2025 Acura ADX A-Spec Advance AWD: The Brand’s Newest Compact Addition

 

Highlight: The Acura ADX shares a platform with Honda’s HR-V.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $45,950 (Base – FWD): $36,350

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a backup camera; a blind spot collision avoidance assist; rear cross traffic avoidance; a forward collision braking system; a lane departure warning system; a lane keep assist system a road departure mitigation system; a blind spot information with rear cross traffic monitor; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Test Model): 19-inch wheels; AWD; paddle shifters; leather seats; 9-inch infotainment screen; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a power driver’s seat with memory settings; front passenger seat; heated/ventilated front seats; wireless charging; automatic dimming rearview mirror; a power panoramic roof; Google built-in; heated steering wheel; power folding side mirrors; handsfree power tailgate; remote engine start; sport pedals; ambient LED lighting; rear cargo cover; Led fog lights; and a radar activated cruise control

Options: Urban gray pearl and

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 15-speaker Bose with AM/FM/HD  

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles

Motor/Horsepower: 1.5-liter 4-cylinder /190-hp

Fuel Type: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 25-city/30-hwy (test model)

Towing: N/A

What’s New: The Acura ADX is an all-new crossover joining the brand’s portfolio in 2025.

Why:

Front wheel drive or AWD

A variety of trims

A roomy subcompact

Leather seating available

Red interior trim in the test model

A co-pilot assist steering system

A radar activated cruise control system

A peppy turbo engine

Seems like high-quality materials

Wireless charging

The latest safety driving aids

A brake hold system

But:

No SiriusXM available

Intermittently the memory setting for the seats wasn’t storing properly; we had to continuously reprogram our driver’s seat

A vibrating rearview mirror

Premium fuel required

No HUD (heads up display) system

No hybrid powertrain

Verdict:  The all-new ADX is the perfect addition to Acura’s portfolio. The brand’s new entry-level crossover is slotted below the RDX. The premium five-seater style, features and handling mimics that of the midsize RDX and flagship MDX, except its wrapped in a smaller package.

The ADX which has a starting price in the $36,000 range is available in a front wheel or all-wheel drive configuration depending on the trim.

Unlike the Honda Civic and the former Acura ILX, which shared a platform, the ADX isn’t just a gussied-up Honda HR-V disguised as an Acura. The engineering and design teams at Acura has put the work in to distinguish the vehicles and to justify why the ADX is worthy of wearing a premium name badge. And, in our opinion, it is.

From the hot-looking red leather seats to the navigation system to the ventilated front seats to a peppy powertrain to the panoramic roof to the co-pilot assist highway driving system, the highly contented ADX we tested is worth considering. Even with options, at $46,000, the ADX undercuts many of the premium and luxury crossovers in the premium compact segment.

ADX Competition: Audi Q3; BMW X1; Buick Encore; Cadillac XT3; Genesis GV70; and Mercedes-Benz GLA; Lexus UX; Volvo XC40; and Range Rover Evoque