2025 Acura ADX Road Test: How Does It Stack Up Against the Competition?

• Alongside the Integra, the ADX serves as an entry point for buyers into the Acura brand.

• It’s powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine.

• It carries a starting price of $48,692.

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At the outset, it’s worth noting that we drove the 2025 Acura ADX Platinum Elite A-Spec on earlier this summer. For this comparison, we’re matching it up against the two most popular models in the luxury subcompact SUV category: The BMW X1 and X2 pair, and the Volvo XC40.

So how does the 2025 Acura ADX hold up against these competitors?

1. The 2025 Acura ADX is Less Powerful Than Its Rivals

Mechanically, the 2025 Acura ADX follows a familiar formula from Honda and Acura. Under its hood is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s the smallest displacement and the least powerful in this group, generating 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, well below what its competitors offer. Both BMW and Volvo equip their models with 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines. In BMW’s case, the xDrive28i delivers 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the XC40 produces 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. The Volvo is also the only one of the three with any form of electrification, featuring mild hybrid technology.

Notably, BMW is the only manufacturer among the three to offer a more powerful variant beyond the base model, the M35i xDrive.

Among the drawbacks of the 2025 Acura ADX, the transmission tops the list. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While acceptable in an entry-level vehicle, this type of transmission feels out of place in a model positioned as premium. By comparison, the X1 has a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the XC40 comes with a traditional eight-speed automatic.

2. The 2025 Acura ADX Uses Slightly Less Fuel Than Its Competitors

For reasons unknown, Natural Resources Canada has yet to publish official fuel economy ratings for the 2025 Acura ADX, even though it’s been on the market for a few months. Regardless, the onboard computer in the model we tested recorded a combined consumption of 8.3 L/100 km. That figure is lower than its main rivals.

The federal agency lists a combined rating of 8.5 L/100 km for the BMW X1 and 9.1 L/100 km for the Volvo XC40. Interestingly, the mild hybrid system in the Swedish SUV does not seem to provide much of an advantage compared to its peers.

3. The 2025 Acura ADX Has a More Attractive Starting Price

Although it’s easy to pause when seeing a bill topping $55,000 for the Platinum Elite A-Spec version, it’s important to remember that this is the highest trim and most expensive variant. The ADX starts at roughly $48,000. Compared to the two European rivals, it shows a more attractive entry price. Without options, the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 start at between $50,000 and $51,000. In all cases, it doesn’t take much to push the total up by another $10,000.

4. Average Cargo Volume for the 2025 Acura ADX

When looking at cargo space, the Acura ADX sits roughly in the middle compared to the X1 and XC40. The ADX offers 690 litres of cargo capacity, while the BMW X1 provides 728 litres and the Volvo XC40 569 litres.

BMW also offers the X2, which is directly based on the X1 but features a sportier design with a sloping rear, giving it more of a coupe-like profile. Acura does not have an equivalent, though Volvo provides a similar approach with its fully electric EC40.

5. No Towing Capacity for the 2025 Acura ADX

Towing is not recommended by Acura for the ADX. It’s a different story for its two competitors. The BMW X1 can tow up to 1,588 kg, and the XC40 can handle the same load, provided the trailer has brakes.

While luxury subcompact SUVs aren’t built for heavy-duty work, it’s often practical to tow a small camper or utility trailer. In this respect, the XC40 and X1 offer more versatility.

6. A Standard-Size Touchscreen in the 2025 Acura ADX

At the centre of the Acura ADX dashboard is a 9-inch touchscreen for operating the infotainment system. That’s the same screen size as found in the Volvo. BMW, meanwhile, equips the X1 with a 10.3-inch screen. Simple and straightforward, the ADX system is arguably the easiest of the three to use.

In brief

Overall, the Acura ADX represents a solid first step for the Japanese luxury brand in this segment. Few vehicles dominate on their first try. Its driving dynamics aren’t particularly striking, with the CVT transmission partly to blame. It also might benefit from standing further apart from its Honda sibling, the HR-V. Additionally, offering a hybrid option would seem essential.

A brand representative noted that the ADX is proving popular with mainly female buyers whose children have left home.

In the coming months and years, it will be interesting to see how the model evolves within its segment. The Q3 is being completely redesigned for 2026, the Cadillac XT4 is disappearing, and Lexus is pushing the UX. The luxury subcompact segment is anything but quiet.