Car Reviews

2025 Acura ADX First Look: Features, Powertrain, and Value

Price: $34,950–$44,000

Acura is charting new territory with the debut of the 2025 Acura ADX, its first compact luxury crossover designed to slot beneath the RDX. This all-new model arrives with a sleek design, impressive tech, and the kind of precision engineering that’s become Acura’s hallmark. Positioned to take on premium subcompacts like the Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and BMW X1, the ADX aims to offer a sporty, upscale experience at an attainable price point.

Let’s dive into everything the 2025 ADX brings to the table—from performance and interior comfort to pricing and features.


What’s New?

 

2025 Acura ADX - 4

The 2025 Acura ADX is a completely new nameplate and the smallest crossover in Acura’s lineup. Sharing its platform with the Honda HR-V but reworked heavily to suit premium tastes, the ADX features:

  • A turbocharged 1.5-liter engine standard
  • Available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
  • Upscale cabin with premium materials and tech
  • Acura’s latest digital dash and infotainment system
  • Optional A-Spec appearance package for a sportier look

This isn’t just a rebadged Honda—it’s a full-on entry into the compact luxury class, with styling and tuning that distinguish it in a crowded field.


Powertrain and Performance

 

2025 Acura ADX - 2

Under the hood, every 2025 ADX is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four, the same base engine found in the Acura Integra.

  • Horsepower: 190 hp
  • Torque: 179 lb-ft
  • Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
  • Drivetrain: FWD standard, optional SH-AWD
  • 0–60 mph: Estimated 7.5 seconds

While not blistering fast, the ADX feels lively thanks to responsive throttle tuning and well-calibrated steering. With SH-AWD equipped, handling sharpens dramatically, giving the ADX a distinct edge over some front-drive-only competitors.


Fuel Economy

Acura designed the ADX to be light and efficient:

  • FWD Models: 29 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
  • AWD Models: 27 mpg city / 32 mpg highway

These are competitive numbers in the compact luxury SUV class and give buyers a practical reason to pick Acura over thirstier German rivals.


Interior: Upscale Yet Intuitive

 

The ADX’s interior is clean, modern, and tech-forward. Acura didn’t hold back in making the cabin feel premium:

  • 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Available ELS Studio 3D premium audio
  • Heated and ventilated front seats, with available leather trim
  • Panoramic sunroof standard on Technology and A-Spec trims

The layout is driver-centric, with physical volume and climate knobs balancing out the sleek digital presentation. The rear seats offer decent legroom, and cargo space is among the best in its segment at 25.5 cu-ft behind the second row.


Tech and Connectivity

 

Acura has finally ditched the frustrating touchpad from its older infotainment setup. In the ADX, everything flows through a responsive touchscreen, and wireless features abound:

  • Wireless charging pad
  • USB-C and USB-A ports front and rear
  • Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
  • Available head-up display (HUD)
  • Amazon Alexa integration

The system is snappy and easier to use than the ones found in some more expensive luxury competitors.


Safety Features

Safety is central to the ADX’s appeal. Acura includes the AcuraWatch suite as standard on all trims:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Traffic Sign Recognition

Upper trims add a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and rear automatic braking, making the ADX a very easy vehicle to live with in urban environments.


Trims and Pricing

 

Acura keeps things simple with a streamlined trim lineup:

Trim Drivetrain Starting Price
Base FWD / AWD $34,950
Technology FWD / AWD $38,500
A-Spec FWD / AWD $40,900

All trims are generously equipped with dual-zone climate control, power driver seat, and the full AcuraWatch safety suite. The A-Spec model is the sporty pick, with gloss black accents, 19-inch wheels, and red contrast stitching inside.

Fully loaded, a 2025 ADX A-Spec with SH-AWD and the Tech Package tops out around $44,000.


Competitor Comparison

Here’s how the ADX stacks up to its key rivals:

Model Horsepower AWD Available Starting Price Fuel Economy (city/hwy)
Acura ADX 190 hp Yes $34,950 29 / 34 (FWD)
Audi Q3 184–228 hp Yes (std) $37,000 23 / 30
BMW X1 241 hp Yes (std) $40,500 25 / 34
Volvo XC40 194 hp Yes $39,900 24 / 32
Lexus UX 181 hp Yes $36,490 43 / 41 (hybrid only)

While it may not match the horsepower of the Germans, the ADX undercuts them in price and wins on efficiency and feature value.


2025 Acura ADX – Full Specifications

 

Category Specification
Model 2025 Acura ADX
Body Style 5-door compact luxury SUV
Seating Capacity 5 passengers
Engine 1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4
Horsepower 190 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque 179 lb-ft @ 1,700–5,000 rpm
Transmission Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), optional SH-AWD
0–60 mph ~7.5 seconds (AWD)
Top Speed 124 mph (estimated)
Fuel Economy (FWD) 29 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
Fuel Economy (AWD) 27 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
Fuel Tank Capacity 14.8 gallons
Suspension (Front/Rear) MacPherson strut / Multi-link
Brakes 4-wheel disc with ABS
Wheels 18″ standard, 19″ on A-Spec
Tires All-season performance tires
Cargo Capacity 25.5 cu ft (rear seats up); 58.9 cu ft (rear folded)
Infotainment 11.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Audio System ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio (Tech & A-Spec trims)
Instrument Cluster 10.2-inch digital display
Safety Tech AcuraWatch (standard): ACC, LKA, AEB, BSM, etc.
Driver Assistance Optional 360-camera, HUD, Rear Auto Braking
Starting Price $34,950 (Base FWD)
Max Price (A-Spec AWD) ~$44,000
Warranty 4-year / 50,000-mile basic, 6-year / 70,000-mile powertrain

 


Verdict: A Premium Gateway Without Gimmicks

 

The 2025 Acura ADX hits all the right notes for buyers wanting a premium experience without the high luxury price tag. It’s fun to drive, tech-savvy, stylish, and efficient. With SH-AWD and the A-Spec trim, it even feels properly sporty.

If you’re shopping for a compact luxury SUV and care about value, reliability, and real-world comfort more than brand badge bragging rights, the ADX should be on your shortlist.


2025 Acura ADX Videos

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button