2025 Acura ADX: ‘Good Enough’ Might Just Be What This Segment Needs
Asking the right question is crucial. In the realm of subcompact luxury crossovers, the question isn’t, “Which one should I buy?” but rather, “Can any of them truly succeed?” The competition, from the Mercedes-Benz GLA to the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, has largely fallen short. These vehicles often struggle to justify their premium pricing, but the Acura ADX, built on the solid foundation of the Honda Civic, presents a different proposition.
Acura has demonstrated its ability to translate the Civic’s success into the luxury sector with the Integra. The ADX aims to challenge the status quo in a segment where true winners are rare.
Quick Specs
- Engine: Turbocharged 1.5-Liter Four-Cylinder
- Output: 190 Horsepower / 179 Pound-Feet
- Efficiency: 25 City / 30 Highway / 27 Combined MPG
- Weight: 3,514 Pounds
- Base Price / As Tested: $36,350 / $46,890
The Subcompact Struggle
The challenges of the subcompact luxury crossover segment are readily apparent: Short wheelbases compromise ride quality compared to mainstream compact SUVs, and budget constraints limit refinement. Acura, however, leverages Honda’s engineering prowess. The ADX boasts impressive interior space for its class, with 37.7 inches of rear legroom and 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Clever storage solutions, including eight cupholders capable of holding 32-ounce water bottles, enhance real-world usability. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity expands to 55.1 cubic feet.
This is all offered at a competitive price. The base price is $36,350, with the top-tier all-wheel-drive A-Spec with the Advance Package around $45,350. This undercuts many German rivals, which can easily reach $50,000 when reasonably equipped.
Pros: Value, Ride, and Sound
Honda’s influence on the ADX isn’t without its drawbacks. The sole engine option is the Civic’s turbocharged 1.5-liter unit, which, while adequate, lacks refinement, especially when paired with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). In Sport mode, the CVT keeps the engine at a higher RPM, which can be noisy. The 2.0-liter turbo found in some BMW models offers a step up in performance.
Despite the engine’s limitations, the ADX provides sufficient low-end torque with 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque available at 1,700 RPM. The ADX is likely not the choice for those seeking blistering speed. In standard driving mode, the CVT contributes to a somewhat sluggish feel. Sport mode improves responsiveness, but the high RPMs impact fuel efficiency. During testing, fuel economy averaged in the low-20s, although drivers aiming for maximum mileage can expect 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the all-wheel-drive model, and an extra mile per gallon in either scenario with front-wheel drive.
Unfortunately, Acura skipped their hybrid era, opting instead for a move toward pure EVs which could have improved fuel economy and power.
Cons: Performance and Interior
For performance enthusiasts, the ADX may disappoint. The BMW X1 sets the standard for driving engagement in this segment. The ADX, however, strikes a reasonable balance between comfort and handling. The suspension offers good body control, and although the all-wheel-drive system is front-biased, it contributes to confident road manners. On the highway, the ADX provides a quiet and comfortable ride.
The ADX’s driver-assistance suite could use some refinement as it has switched from a stereoscopic (dual) camera setup to a single-camera unit. The interior design is another area where the ADX reveals its Civic roots. While the seats offer attractive design options, including a cool white with blue accents, the 9.0-inch touchscreen appears somewhat small, and the use of gray plastic on many surfaces, though similar to the Honda model, does not feel very luxurious. Where the ADX shines, however, is with available features such as the 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and the integration of Google Maps in the car’s factory navigation system that comes standard for three years. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included.
A Solid Contender
While it may not be the flashiest or most luxurious subcompact crossover, the Acura ADX represents a respectable value proposition at $45,350 for a loaded example. It is only about $4000 more than the top-flight Honda CR-V Hybrid, but doesn’t have as much space or the same gas mileage, but offers a different kind of prestige. If you really value a premium driving experience and don’t need the extra space of a CR-V, the ADX is well worth considering. Just don’t go in expecting a luxury SUV for under $45,000.
Competitors
- Audi Q3
- BMW X2
- Mercedes-Benz GLA
- Volvo XC40
