2025 Acura ADX First Drive: Much More Than A Luxed-Up Honda HR-V

Acura never had a subcompact crossover in its lineup. And that’s a problem. With models such as the BMW X1/MINI Countryman, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA/GLB, and Volvo XC40 now grabbing a large chunk of the entry-level premium space, Acura is left in their dust with all but an Integra sedan to fight back.

That’s all about to change with the recently introduced ADX, a subcompact premium crossover that shares most of its bones with the Integra. But while I was expecting this thing to be nothing more than a Honda HR-V with fancier seats and headlights, it turns out the ADX has a lot more going for it than simple Honda-Acura badge engineering. Yes, it’s still missing a few key attributes to become a true game-changer in this space, but the ADX has enough substance to convince an X1 owner to trade in their BMW key fob.

2025 Acura ADX First Impressions: Familiar Looks, Baby RDX Proportions

What I like about the ADX is that it looks like a shrunken version of the attractive RDX. But it’s only when you see it in real life that you realize how tiny the ADX actually is. The ADX also shares most of its headlight and taillight designs with the Integra because, well, this is essentially an Integra on stilts. I’ll get back to the technical specifications later, but I really don’t mind the way this thing looks. Check it out from the side profile view. The ADX has a long hood and a pulled-back cabin. This is unusual in the subcompact premium crossover space, granting this small Acura a rather unique presence on the road.

My only gripe with this design actually comes from the black wheels. This is a personal opinion, of course, but I feel like black wheels have been played out. They also sort of fade away within this ADX A-Spec’s wheel arches. Acura could have offered a brighter wheel option, which, I believe, would have given the A-Spec more character. And while the paint quality on this Solar Silver coating was excellent, I’d personally get my ADX A-Spec in brighter colors like Adriatic Sea Blue or Milano Red.

2025 Acura ADX Exterior Dimensions

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

In the ADX’s case, the main distinction between the U.S. and Canadian markets is that Canada sells the ADX with standard all-wheel drive. In the U.S., all versions are available with front-wheel drive. You’ll need to pay an extra $2,000 for four-wheel traction. Apart from that, both markets are aligned to sell three trim levels with similar equipment and available colors. The only slight distinction here is that, in the U.S., the top-spec trim level is called the A-Spec with Advance, while in Canada, it’s called the Platinum Elite A-Spec.

U.S. Versus Canada Lineup Breakdown And Starting MSRP (model tested in bold)

Driving Impressions And Performance: A Slower, Heavier Integra

From a mechanical standpoint, the ADX is a mixed bag of Honda Civic, HR-V, CR-V, and Acura Integra. The platform itself is shared with the Civic/Integra, but the ADX is six inches longer than an HR-V, while being about the same width and height. The wheelbase is also identical to its Honda sibling. And the hardware is familiar stuff: Honda’s now ubiquitous 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.

2025 Acura ADX Technical Specifications

Except the ADX doesn’t get the Integra’s 200-horsepower version, but rather the CR-V’s more toned-down 190-horsepower specification, with torque at an identical 179 lb-ft. As a matter of fact, the ADX reaches its max horsepower and torque figures at the exact same RPM figures as a CR-V: 6,000 and 1,700 RPM respectively.

And that’s really where the ADX is at a serious disadvantage against punchier rivals. All of its European competition kicks off with more powerful 2.0-liter turbo engines. The ADX feels anemic by comparison, with lackluster acceleration and that dreaded feeling of driving a big car powered by a small engine. To its defense, this remains a gem of a little mill, one that both loves to rev and put down meaty turbocharged torque. But since it’s mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a lot of its character gets lost in the annoying drivetrain drone. Again, even the most basic MINI Countryman or BMW X1 at least comes with an actual gearbox, giving these rivals a more dynamic edge.

Finally, although it’s still unclear if Acura is planning an actual Type S version of the ADX (that would be seriously cool), this drivetrain combination is the only one available for now. Rivals either offer more powerful performance versions or even fully electric alternatives to spice up acceleration. Sadly, the ADX offers none of that.

But Acura’s latest cute-ute makes up for its lack of power in the way it drives. Feeling considerably more refined than an HR-V thanks to improved suspension geometry and increased cabin sound deadening, the ADX offers a premium experience that’s on par with the European opposition. It’s also riding on a fantastic chassis sourced out of both the Civic and the Integra, granting the ADX the sort of puppy-dog handling characteristics Honda built its reputation on. The ADX’s chassis is tight, responsive, and compliant, which leads to a surprisingly fun little crossover to toss around in the corners.

2025 Acura ADX Fuel Consumption

The EPA still hasn’t published official fuel economy numbers for the all-wheel-drive ADX, but Acura gives it a manufacturer estimate of 27 MPG combined. This puts it in a similar ballpark to the all-wheel-drive Honda CR-V. Since I only drove the car for a few hours in a controlled environment, I was unable to obtain a real-world figure. I’ll need to live with the ADX for an entire week to truly evaluate its fuel consumption.

Manufacturer And As-Tested Fuel Consumption

Interior Design And Comfort: A True Premium Cabin With Amazing Seats

Where the ADX truly shows its worth is in the quality of its interior. Sure, it shares most of its switchgear with a Honda Civic, but everything you touch feels of great quality and as though it’ll last forever. It also clearly demonstrates that when Acura provides the premium treatment to a Honda product that no stone is left unturned. There’s the increased sound deadening, but also the available Bang & Olufsen audio system, which sounds rather fantastic for a vehicle of this price bracket. Finally, the seats in this A-Spec Advance have a neat, plush, and bouncy feel to them that I’ve only experienced in very expensive luxury vehicles. This is a very well-executed premium product.

Another standout quality of the ADX is the rear seat leg and headroom. Normally, my six-foot self doesn’t fit very well on the back of these subcompact crossovers, but in the ADX, I was impressed by the level of leg and headroom, allowing even a big guy like me to find comfort.

2025 Acura ADX Interior Dimensions

Technology And Ease Of Use: Familiar And User-Friendly Infotainment Interface

Again, the technology in the ADX is what we’ve not come to accept from recent Honda products. I say Honda because the ADX doesn’t have the same setup as the rest of the Acura lineup. Rather, like the Integra, it aligns itself with Honda’s vehicles. And that’s a good thing because the ADX doesn’t try to lure you into some annoying trackpad shenanigan like in a TLX.

It’s a standard touch-operated interface with a set of physical buttons on the left-hand side. And all works with tremendous fluidity. Straightforward and quick to respond, this system has a pleasing graphical interface while incorporating some handy Google-based features like Google Maps. What I also appreciate about the ADX is that although its instrumentation is all screen, Acura does a good job of separating the gauge cluster and the infotainment system. It’s a more visually aesthetic setup than the large slab of screen that carmakers are all now mostly defaulting back to.

Cargo And Storage Space: A Segment Leader

The ADX’s cargo space numbers instantly reflect its HR-V bones. You’re effectively getting with this Acura the same default and total cargo space numbers. And that’s a good thing, as it allows the ADX to rank as one of the most spacious models in its class. For reference, the ADX offers more cargo space than the BMW X1 (25.7 cu-ft/46.9 cu-ft) and Audi Q3 (23.7 cu-ft/48 cu-ft). It’s only slightly beaten by the Mercedes-Benz GLB in total cargo space (62 cu-ft).

2025 Acura ADX Cargo Space

The ADX Will Definitely Hurt The Competition

Speaking with the Acura dealership that loaned me this ADX, I discovered that this is the vehicle the automaker needed to attract new consumers. My contact there admitted that the Integra no longer acts as the gateway model to the Acura brand due to the dwindling popularity of sedans. And while the RDX remains a steadfast contender in this class, raking in steady sales in the U.S. and Canada, the truth of the matter is that empty nesters and young professionals seeking something a tad more compact ended up heading towards an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes dealership instead.

So, no, the ADX doesn’t revolutionize the segment. Nor does it put down the same energetic acceleration as its European rivals. I would also have liked to see the Civic Hybrid’s fantastic powerplant offered as a secondary drivetrain option. That would definitely have given the ADX the performance and technological edge it’s missing. But the ADX remains a no-brainer formula that offers a unique blend of sophistication, driver engagement, and practicality, all at a frankly decent price point, and backed by Acura’s reputation for reliability and low running costs. It’s well off to steal some sales from the competition.