2025 Acura ADX: Is This the Luxury Subcompact SUV You’ve Been Waiting For?
Hey there, car enthusiasts! Are you, like me, always keeping an eye out for the next best thing in the automotive world? Well, buckle up because the luxury subcompact SUV market just got a whole lot more interesting with the arrival of the 2025 Acura ADX! These smaller SUVs are super popular these days, and Acura’s new offering is turning heads, especially with its surprisingly reasonable price tag. So, let’s dive in and see what makes this new model tick, shall we?
The 2025 Acura ADX: An Overview
Acura is calling the ADX a “gateway” to their brand, which is pretty cool. Basically, it’s their most affordable SUV, designed to attract new customers who are looking to step up into the luxury market without breaking the bank. The ADX is built on the same platform and shares the same engine as the Acura Integra, which is a great starting point.
Now, let’s talk numbers. The base model starts at $36,350, which includes the destination charge. That’s pretty competitive for a luxury SUV, and it can go up to around $45,000 – $46,000 if you start adding features and choose the higher trim levels. So, who is this car for? Well, it seems perfect for first-time luxury car buyers or anyone wanting a taste of luxury without spending a fortune.
Trims and Pricing
Acura is offering the ADX in a few different trim levels, each with its own set of features and price point:
Base Model (FWD): This is where it all starts. For $36,350, you get a 9.0-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, a digital gauge cluster, heated front seats, and a power tailgate. It also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power moonroof, 18-inch alloy wheels and AcuraWatch suite of driver assist systems. It’s a pretty solid package for the price!
A-Spec (FWD and AWD): Stepping up to the A-Spec trim, you’re looking at a starting price of $39,350 for the FWD version. This one gets you some more stylish goodies, like larger 19-inch wheels, LED fog lights, and glossy black trim. Inside, you get upgraded materials, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats. Plus, the interior has an ultrasuede finish with red contrast stitching for that extra sporty feel. You can also get it with AWD.
A-Spec with Advance Package (FWD and AWD): This is the top-of-the-line model, starting at $43,350. You get all the goodies of the A-Spec plus some seriously upgraded features including, black-painted 19-inch wheels, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, Google Built-In software with a three-year data plan, a 360-degree camera system, and a heated steering wheel. It also features more black trim. Again, you can also get it with AWD.
One thing to keep in mind, all trims offer all-wheel drive for an extra $2,000, which is a nice option for those of us who live in areas with tricky weather.
Performance and Engine
Under the hood, the ADX features the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that powers the Acura Integra. In the Integra, this engine produces 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. However, some sources note that Acura hasn’t given specific power figures for the ADX. So, it’s safe to assume that the ADX will offer similar performance to the Integra, but we will need to wait for testing to be sure.
The ADX comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is not a traditional automatic transmission. CVTs are known for their fuel efficiency, but they can sometimes feel a bit different than traditional automatics.
One important thing, the ADX engine is definitely an upgrade from the Honda HR-V, whose engine has been called “utterly gutless”. So, if you’ve driven the HR-V, expect a more responsive and enjoyable drive in the ADX.
Interior and Exterior Design
Stepping inside the ADX, you’ll find a much more upscale cabin than the HR-V, as you’d expect from an Acura. Acura has given the interior more stylish color schemes, ambient lighting, red contrast stitching and a flat-bottom steering wheel. There is also additional acoustical spray foam insulation to make the cabin quieter. You can also get ventilated front seats on the higher trims, which is a nice touch.
On the outside, the ADX has a “racy” look with a sloped rear, giving it a wagon-like appearance. The A-Spec model really takes it up a notch with the 19-inch wheels and darkened trim.
Technology and Infotainment
Tech-wise, the ADX is pretty well-equipped, the base model comes with a 9-inch touchscreen display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top trim offers a premium 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. There is also a digital cockpit with a 10.2-inch driver display.
Acura has included its “AcuraWatch” suite of driver-assist systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and traffic-jam assist, which is also included in the base trim. And if you go for the A-Spec with Advance Package you get the Google Built-In software with a three-year data plan.
Comparison with Competitors
Acura is positioning the ADX to be a great value in the luxury subcompact SUV segment. It undercuts most of its luxury competitors in price. We can imagine that the ADX will be competing with models from brands like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, and that many people will be cross-shopping those makes and models.
When compared with the Honda HR-V, the ADX comes out on top as the more premium option. The ADX offers more power, a more luxurious interior, and more advanced technology. It’s designed to be a step up in every way.
Is the Acura ADX Worth It?
So, is the ADX worth considering? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. If you value a more stylish interior with higher-quality materials, and more powerful engine than you’d get in a Honda, then yes, the ADX is worth it. It provides a good entry point into the luxury segment without sacrificing essential features.
The base model has a lot to offer, and the A-Spec models add even more creature comforts and tech. However, the A-Spec with Advance Package is the top of the line and adds some great features, if you’re willing to go for the top trim.
Conclusion
The 2025 Acura ADX is shaping up to be a strong contender in the luxury subcompact SUV market. It offers a great combination of affordability, features, and that Acura badge. If you’re in the market for a new SUV, or want to step into luxury car ownership, keep an eye out for the ADX when it reaches dealerships in the spring.
What are your thoughts on the new ADX? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out your local Acura dealer for a test drive when they arrive!
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