New entry-level SUV coming to Honda’s luxury brand early next year.
Acura is getting ready to join the Premium Subcompact Crossover segment with the 2025 ADX. This small SUV will slot below the RDX in size and price. It will serve as an alternative gateway to the brand for buyers who might not otherwise be interested in the sportier flavor of Acura’s Integra hatchback.
Size
Picture ADX as a fancier version of the HR-V produced by Acura-parent Honda, and you’ll be on the right track for where it will fit into the lineup. Indeed, these two vehicles share many common points of engineering. They will, however, differ significantly when it comes to drivetrain and feature availability.
Starting with the styling, ADX’s front end bears familial resemblance to the larger RDX and MDX SUVs with its upside-down pentagonal grille and sharp chin. The back looks a bit more like an HR-V than perhaps intended, likely a result of engineering and/or cost constraints. It’s fine for what it is, but it doesn’t really shout premium as much as a BMW X1 or Merecedes-Benz GLA.
Cabin
ADX’s interior makes a stronger case for being a cut above its mainstream cousin. The overall layout and switchgear are similar, but based on initial photos, cabin materials are suitably upmarket. Standard infotainment and connectivity tech for the Base model includes a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster; dedicated 9-inch media touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility; wireless device charging; 8-speaker audio system; and 5G Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
Trim Levels
Above Base is the A-Spec, which includes unique trim, wheels, and flat-bottom steering wheel; LED fog lights; ventilated front seats; power front-passenger seat; and USB-C power points for rear-seat passengers. A-Spec intenders can add the Advance Package, which is priced as a separate trim. This adds a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system; Google and Amazon Alexa integration; driver-selectable modes; front- and rear-obstacle detection; surround-view camera; remote engine start; rain-sensing windshield wipers; hands-free power rear liftgate; 12-way power driver-seat with memory; heated steering wheel; and power-folding exterior mirrors.
Engines
As of this writing, Acura is mum on engine specifics, stating ADX’s 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is “similar” to the one used in the Integra. We take that to mean there’s some specific tuning to accommodate deployment in an SUV, including available all-wheel drive (front-wheel drive is otherwise standard on all ADX models). Expect horsepower and torque ratings close to the Integra’s 200 and 192, respectively. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard.
The 2025 Acura ADX is scheduled to go on sale in early 2025. Acura says pricing will start in the mid-$30,000s. We estimate a loaded AWD A-Spec with Advance Package will top out around $43,000.
CG Says:
We’re frankly surprised it’s taken Acura this long to enter the Premium Subcompact Crossover segment. The current-generation HR-V is as good a place to start as any, and we expect ADX to certainly offer a more-engaging driving experience. A mid-$30,000 starting price is appealing, but we’re disappointed that worthwhile convenience features like rear USB power points require moving up the product stack, which may cause some buyers to pay more than they otherwise would have wanted. Stay tuned for our driving impressions once ADX arrives in early 2025.
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