Acura's new baby SUV: Introducing the 2025 ADX

The 2025 Acura ADX will soon take its place among sub-compact luxury crossovers.

EllenDeGeneres

Dec 26, 2024 - 11:06

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Acura's new baby SUV: Introducing the 2025 ADX

It’s easy to see why the 2025 Acura ADX is heading to production so soon. With a class of pocket-sized, luxurious crossovers selling well in North America, it seemed like a logical move. We’ve seen this type of vehicle become so popular to the point that almost everyone has one.

The ADX is not in a league of its own

This is a class that straddles several income brackets, ranging from the low $30,000 to the mid $50,000 range. Automakers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Genesis, and others do well in this class. Others, like Mazda, Mini, and Volvo, fight for market share as well.

This is why Acura needed a player. The ADX is larger and more expensive than many of its competitors, yet they have access to a platform and powertrains that could make them competitive right out of the box.

What is the 2025 Acura ADX?

The ADX comes in three trims: ADX, ADX A-Spec, and ADX A-Spec with Advance Package. All three come with the same 1.5-liter, turbocharged VTEC engine, and they all have a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It comes standard in FWD configuration, but you can opt for all-wheel drive (AWD) if that better suits your needs.

That AWD system can send up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear wheels if slipping is detected. It’s not built for any kind of off-roading; rather, it’s mainly geared to challenging traction situations. The sports-tuned suspension is also geared towards enthusiastic driving.

The standard ADX gives you a 10.2-inch digital gauge package and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. You also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless charging and the “AcuraWatch” driver’s assist and safety system as standard. Additional standard equipment includes 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and an eight-speaker audio system.

There are four driving modes (Snow, Comfort, Normal, and Sport), 5G connectivity, and a power tailgate with “walk away close.” Other options will be posted later.

If you step up to the A-Spec, you get a couple more aesthetic and convenience features like 19-inch wheels, LED fog lamps, gloss black lower exterior trim, Gun Metallic skid garnishes, and Ultrasuede seating fabrics. A panoramic moonroof along with ventilated front seats are standard on both the A-Spec and the A-Spec with Advance Package.

Finally, there’s the ADX A-Spec with Advance Package and a standard feature list that's so long, a bullet point list seems more fitting:

A full-leather trimmed upholstery with Ultrasuede inserts
Power-folding gloss black mirrors
Power tailgate with walk-away close & hands-free access
“Berlina Black” 19-inch wheels
15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Google built-in and Alexa built-in
Heated steering wheel
Integrated Dynamics System with five distinct driving modes, including driver-customizable Individual mode
Front and rear parking sensors
Surround-view Camera System
Remote engine start with vehicle feedback
12-way power adjustment memory driver's seat with power lumbar
Fifth “Individual” drive mode

The Acura ADX is equally as nice in person

Most people know the ADX is based on the same Honda Architecture platform and shares many of the same components as the current Honda HR-V. The 104.5-inch wheelbase and 55.1 cubic foot total cargo area are the same. Despite the similarities, they sure don’t look alike.

The 2025 Acura ADX looks a lot more like a smaller RDX than anything else. In fact, it's hard to find any line that reminds anyone of the Honda cousin. Speaking of “cousins,” the Acura Integra’s cockpit components look like they’re everywhere. In fact, I suspect that much of the ADX’s powertrain came right from the Integra.

The premium model will offer off-white seats with blue inserts as a unique interior choice. Honestly, it wakes up the cabin, and combining that material with the open panoramic roof gives the vehicle a more spacious feel.

Acura should (and does) boast about its backseat comfort. It is definitely in the mix to be best-in-class. Even at 6’1”, I was able to comfortably sit behind the driver's seat with room to spare. The headroom is excellent, and shoulder comfort for four adults should be no issue.

There are some clever spots for cups and bottles, and the storage locations are fairly logical to boot. Accessories will be coming at a later date, and I suspect a roof-rack kit will be among the choices. Forget a hitch-mounted bike carrier or towing. Acura says the ADX isn’t built for towing.

Final thoughts

If the automaker can make the ADX as much fun to drive as an Integra, they may have something here. Acura reps kept calling it a “gateway” car that’s aimed at youthful buyers. I get it, and I think it may achieve a few conquest sales. Either way, it’s a sharp package with way more space than a Lexus UX.

Speaking of sales, the 2025 Acura ADX will go on sale early in 2025. Acura told me that pricing will start in the mid-$30,000 range, which is competitive. Other information, like specs, actual pricing, EPA numbers, and so forth, will come soon.