The 2025 Acura ADX was introduced by the Japanese brand to finally compete in the subcompact luxury utility segment. While an interesting vehicle overall, it does have some shortcomings that will need to be addressed.
It took quite some time for Acura to figure out that it needed an entry-level crossover. And if it knew long ago what it had to do, we’re left wondering why it took the brand so long to introduce it, but hey—there are many factors to consider for an automaker, such as profitability and where the vehicle will actually be manufactured, for example. Either way, it’s now here in the form of the 2025 Acura ADX.
We should note that this isn’t Acura’s first subcompact crossover effort, at least from a global standpoint. In 2016, the Acura CDX was launched in China, based on the Honda HR-V’s architecture, and was sold there until 2022, when the brand decided to exit the market. North America is getting the ADX instead, which also uses HR-V bones and is built in Mexico on the same line as its Honda counterpart.
The ADX is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine that develops 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, managed by a continuously variable automatic transmission. In Canada, all-wheel drive is standard, but it isn’t the brand’s SH-AWD system that integrates a rear differential for torque vectoring, meaning it can’t shift power from one rear wheel to another to enhance handling. In short, it’s still a system that sends torque to the rear wheels in a matter of milliseconds when wheel slippage occurs, but lacks that extra capability which may or not be felt by everyone in real-world driving conditions.
City/highway/combined fuel economy ratings are set at 9.1 / 7.7 / 8.5 L/100 km, while premium fuel is required. During our most recent drive of the 2025 Acura ADX, we managed a respectable, but not breathtaking, average of 8.7 L/100 km.
The ADX is available in three trim levels, including base, A-Spec and Platinum Elite A-Spec. Mechanically, there are few differences across the three, but the base ADX is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in P225/55HR18 tires while the others get 19-inch rollers with P235/45HR19 rubber. All three trim levels offer four drive modes (Normal, Snow, Comfort and Sport), but the Platinum Elite A-Spec also includes the Individual mode allowing drivers to fine-tune throttle response, steering effort, artificial engine sound level, instrument cluster graphic layout and automatic stop/start activation (or not), while there are no suspension settings to choose from.
Standard features in the 2025 Acura ADX include a windshield wiper de-icer, remote engine start, LED exterior lighting, a power liftgate, leatherette seat upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, an eight-speaker Acura sound system, a 10.2-inch digital driver instrument cluster, a nine-inch infotainment system touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot (data subscription required) and wireless phone charging. The usual roundup of advanced safety features are present as well, such as automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist.
Aside from a sportier exterior and interior appearance, the A-Spec trim levels also feature LED fog lamps, a cargo cover, perforated Ultrasuede and leatherette upholstery, a four-way power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats and rear-seat USB-C ports, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec also benefits from front and rear emergency braking, a surround view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power-folding mirrors with Gloss Black mirror caps, a hands-free power liftgate, a 12-way power driver’s seat, driver seat position memory, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo and a Google built-in infotainment interface with Amazon Alexa voice assistance.
In Canada, 2025 Acura ADX pricing ranges from $47,575 to $54,975, freight and delivery charges included. Acura also mentions $999 in dealer fees on its website, so that must be added to the tab as well. In the United States, the ADX is priced from $36,350 to $43,950. Subcompact luxury crossover competition includes the Alfa Romeo Tonale, Audi Q3, the BMW X1 and BMW X2, the now-discontinued Cadillac XT4, the Lexus UX, the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Volvo XC40.
Why You Should Buy a 2025 Acura ADX
- The ADX’s interior looks good, fit and finish is swell, and the front seats are comfortable. The rear-seat area is one of the most accommodating in its segment, while cargo volume ranks among the most capacious as well. We just wish the angle of the rear seatbacks were adjustable for extra comfort.
- The Acura ADX’s infotainment system serves up an easy-to-use interface with a simple menu layout. For those who prefer using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the touchscreen is flanked by a hard buttons for returning to the main menu and a proper volume button. As much as the Acura RDX’s infotainment system is complex and distracting, this one is straightforward just plain works the way we want it to.
- Many rivals offer more powerful engines, but the turbo 1.5L mill in the ADX is lively enough to make the daily drive entertaining. It’s also reasonably efficient compared to the fuel consumption ratings of its competitors.
- Acura products usually enjoy a strong reputation for reliability and, consequently, their good resale value. We’re expecting the same for the ADX, which is built with off-the-shelf Acura and Honda components and doesn’t delve into innovative, untested technologies.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy a 2025 Acura ADX
- The ADX isn’t rated to tow. That’s a shame, because despite being a subcompact crossover and shoppers in this segment are obviously not looking for something to pull a 32-foot camping trailer, it would be convenient if the ADX could at least tow a watercraft, for example. The ADX isn’t the only model in its category that can’t be equipped for towing, but the BMW X1 can pull a load of up to 1,588 kg or 3,500 pounds, while the Volvo XC40 can tow up to 1,600 kg or 3,527 pounds, for example.
- It’s not a big issue, but the ADX isn’t as quiet on the road as some of its peers. This despite an Active Noise Cancellation system. The subcompact Acura does try to hide the fact that it shares the same architecture as the Honda HR-V, but several rivals offer better cabin sound insulation.
- The ADX’s price is on the lower end of the subcompact luxury crossover segment, and includes a few features that are normally found on the options list, such as the panoramic roof. However, for about the same price, consumers can get behind the wheel of an Audi, a Lexus or a Volvo, while BMW’s two adversaries aren’t that far away—at least before adding on option packages. Simply put, the ADX isn’t overpriced, nor does it offer tremendous value.
- The Acura ADX is short on customisation possibilities. The base trim level only offers two paint colours, one of which costs an extra $900, while the mid-range A-Spec offer four colours, all greyscale hues, so we must choose the Platinum Elite A-Spec to get a little more flair with red and blue paint choices. Meanwhile, there are only two available interior color schemes in Canada. In comparison, the base BMW X1 offers 13 paint colours, four interior colours, four interior trim options, and five alloy wheel designs.
Should You Buy a 2025 Acura ADX?
If we can’t quite swing the monthly payment of an Acura RDX, or if the latter’s infotainment system is a dealbreaker, then yes, the ADX is worth a look. It may not be as entertaining to drive as the RDX, but it isn’t boring, either. It’s also fairly efficient and offers a roomy cabin, and we expect it to be a reliable and durable vehicle for those who seek long-term ownership.
On the other hand, it may be a little too close to the Honda HR-V in its overall shape, in its dashboard design and in its struggle to provide a quiet ride for its occupants—through there’s definitely an improvement in that regard for the Acura over the Honda. The ADX shouldn’t disappoint subcompact luxury crossover buyers, but it doesn’t innovate or shake up the segment in any way. That may be enough for loyal Acura clients, but not for conquest sales by attracting shoppers who usually turn to Audi, BMW and Lexus.
| Specifications |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Acura ADX | 2025 Audi Q3 | 2025 BMW X1 | 2025 Lexus UX | 2025 Volvo XC40 | |
| Price Range Before Options ($CAD) | $47,575 to $54,075 | $45,350 to $54,550 | $50,820 to $60,820 | $45,810 to $53,549 | $49,670 to $59,220 |
| Engine | Turbo 1.5L I4 | Turbo 2.0L I4 | Turbo 2.0L I4 | 2.0L I4 HEV | Turbo 2.0L I4 MHEV |
| Output (hp) | 190 | 184 to 228 | 241 to 312 | 196 (combined) | 247 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 179 | 221 to 251 | 295 | 139 (gas engine) | 258 |
| Combined (L/100 km) | 8.5 | 9.5 to 10.2 | 8.5 to 9.0 | 5.6 | 9.1 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,655 | 2,680 | 2,692 | 2,640 | 2,702 |
| Length (mm) | 4,718 | 4,486 | 4,501 | 4,495 | 4,440 |
| Width (mm) | 1,840 | 1,849 | 1,844 | 1,840 | 1,863 |
| Height (mm) | 1,621 | 1,598 | 1,641 | 1,540 | 1,652 |
| Headroom Front/Rear (mm) | 979 / 935 | 1,006 / 955 | 1,029 / 998 | 889 / 924 | 997 to 1,030 / 974 to 994 |
| Legroom Front/Rear (mm) | 1,065 / 958 | 1,016 / 917 | 1,026 / 940 | 1,068 / 842 | 1,040 / 917 |
| Cargo Volume Min/Max (L) | 690 / 1,560 | 671 / 1,359 | 728 / 1,620 | 487 / 1,231 | 569 / 1,319 |
| Max Towing Capacity (kg) | 0 | 0 | 1,588 | 0 | 1,600 |
