2025 Acura ADX

When I first saw that the 2025 Acura ADX was coming to market, I studied the pictures of closely. I liked the familiar front end and the car’s small proportions. The sides of the car looked pretty bold as well, but when I looked at the rear end, I noticed the stubbiness of the cargo hatch and the rake of the window and said to myself, “That looks like a rebadged Honda HR-V.”

After the specs of the car were released, I poured through them to confirm my suspicion, and it turns out that I was only partially right. The ADX is built on the same platform as its corporate cousin, but it has a different engine, a more sophisticated AWD system, and a nicer interior. I was stoked because I like entry-level luxury cars, especially when they offer more than the commuter cars on which they are based. I finally got to drive the car and after spending a week in it, I can confirm that although the ADX shares some of its parts with the HR-V, driving it is a different experience.

Exterior

OK, I’ll skip the HR-V/ADX comparison and stick to just talking about the Acura. The ADX sports the brand’s signature grille and those slick Jewel Eye LED headlights up front, it looks assertive but not overdone. I like how the lines give it an athletic vibe, and those 18- or 19-inch wheels (depending on the trim you pick) fill out the stance nicely. The roofline slopes just enough to keep it looking fresh and a bit sporty without sacrificing practicality.

Swing around back, and you’ve got LED taillights and a neat spoiler that actually helps with aerodynamics. You can opt for chrome details, two-tone paint, and even a panoramic sunroof if you want to go upscale. It’s one of those designs that feels premium but still approachable, whether you’re cruising downtown or parked in the driveway.

Interior

Sit inside the ADX and you’ll notice some familiar Acura touches. That is, if you have been in other Acura models. Regardless, there’s plenty of room, and Acura didn’t skimp on materials, there are soft touches everywhere, optional leather, and some brushed aluminum for style. The front seats are very comfortable and are power-adjustable. The rear seat area has enough room for three adults, thanks to the lack hump in the floor.

Additionally, the front seats in my A-Spec-trimmed tester were heated and ventilated, which was a welcomed feature because it was hot outside. You can also flip the rear seats down for extra cargo room, and little extras like ambient lighting and multi-zone climate control make it feel upscale.

Powertain and Driving Impressions 

The ADX is powered by the same turbocharged 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine as the Integra, but Acura says it’s tuned slightly different and offer 10 less horsepower than its sibling. That means the ADX produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, which may not be the same 200 rating as the Integra, but you won’t notice a difference when behind the wheel. The engine is connected to a CVT, which sends the power to the front wheels, but the brand’s Super-Handling AWD system is optional. With that system, the ADX can send up to 50 percent of its power to the rear wheels, which helps in slippery conditions.

I didn’t have the courtesy of driving the ADX in inclement weather, but I did drive it on the highway and regular roads, like most people will do, and found it be easy to drive. The SUV’s small dimensions made it easy to handle and the visibility out of all four corners was good from the driver’s seat. The turbocharged engine also has plenty of mid-range power, but the CVT (which feels like one long gear) bogged it down a little. Acceleration could have been snappier and the engine thrummed and felt laggy when accelerating hard and passing other cars, which is annoying for a driving enthusiast like myself. I wished Acura put in a 10-speed automatic like it did with their other models.

Also, while the ADX rode smoothly and the driving experience could be tailored with the flip of switch on the center console to change the drive modes, I found that there was a lot of road noise in the cabin. That’s surprising, considering it’s an Acura that costs over $40,000. For my money, I would want a quieter ride. Also, the EPA estimates that the all-wheel-drive ADX can get up to 28 mpg combined (27 mpg for the front-drive models), which I didn’t get to see because I only averaged around 23 mpg.

For the record, the HR-V is rated similarly, but some owners have reported getting closer to 30 mpg in real-world driving. However, the HR-V only has 158 horsepower in comparison, so the ADX could be better if more power is what you seek.

Technology

Acura has always been known for stuffing a lot of technology into its vehicles and the ADX is no exception. There is a nine-inch touchscreen that sits in the middle of the dash, which features wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Alexa built-in, and an intuitive menu that looks bland, but is easy to navigate.

The optional premium audio system is made by Bang and Olufsen, which I highly recommend getting if you’re an audiophile like me. There is also a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel and a bevy of safety systems included in the ADX.

Safety

Safety is front and center. The ADX comes with AcuraWatch, which includes adaptive cruise, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Airbags and a sturdy safety cell mean you’re well protected, too.

Summary

Ultimately, the 2025 Acura ADX may be a rebadged Honda HR-V, for the most part, but it’s much more than that. The ADX’s turbocharged engine, tech-savvy interior, and elegant style set it apart from its corporate cousin, while its competitive pricing structure makes it a compelling choice over rivals like the Mini Countryman, BMW X2, and Volvo XC40.

And although the ADX has its flaws, I would recommend it handily over the competition, and yes, that includes the HR-V.