ACURA ADX 2025

Like it or not, anything that even vaguely resembles a utility vehicle attracts far more attention than a sedan. For example, the Acura RDX and MDX have long been lifesavers for the brand's dealerships, which struggle to sell the two remaining sedans in their lineup. This is undoubtedly what prompted the decision to discontinue the TLX after the 2025 model year.

This will occur about a year after the launch of the ADX, which marks the brand's first foray into the premium subcompact SUV segment. It's fair to say that Honda's luxury division took its time to offer a rival to the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Volvo XC40. However, it priced its new model several thousand dollars below those competitors. This will certainly help the ADX challenge the dominance of that trio in Quebec.

Acura couldn't have offered this price advantage if it had designed its new model from scratch. That's why the ADX uses the Honda HR-V platform, the CR-V's powertrain, and interior components that are ubiquitous throughout the Honda lineup. An Acura-inspired design, upscale materials, and a generous list of standard features still distinguish the model from its "mainstream" cousins.

But once behind the wheel, does it feel like driving a regular HR-V, especially since both vehicles are built in the same Mexican factory?

Scroll down to the video in the Evaluation section to see our automotive experts' answer .

Until 2024, if you were an Acura fan who found the RDX too large and the Integra too low-slung, you had no choice but to look elsewhere. In fact, we know someone who opted for a Lexus UX for that exact reason.

They probably wouldn't have switched brands if their dealer could have offered them the ADX. It would have given them a vehicle spacious enough for a couple, with adequate performance, and much easier to use than most of its rivals. On the other hand, this driver would likely have found the ride too firm and the cabin too noisy. By trying to enhance the dynamic handling of its small SUV compared to the HR-V, Acura sacrificed some of the refinement expected from a luxury product.

The competition fares better in this regard, but it costs more. And despite some improvements in reliability, no European manufacturer can promise the same low maintenance costs as Japanese brands.

The ADX therefore fills a gap in Acura's lineup. But if you don't care about a prestigious badge, take a look at the top-of-the-line versions of popular subcompact SUVs. You could easily save $10,000 to $15,000 by choosing, for example, a Mazda CX-30 GT Turbo or a Volkswagen Taos Highline instead of an ADX Platinum Elite A-Spec.

And if you need more space for the family, keep in mind that a base Acura RDX costs only $2,000 more than a fully loaded ADX. Even better, a Honda CR-V Touring saves money both at the dealership and at the gas pump, compared to the smaller Acura, without sacrificing any features.

Watch our complete video review (in French with YouTube-embedded English subtitles)

Safety features

• Antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist

• Stability and traction control
• Hill-start assist
• Hill-descent control
• Front airbags
• Front knee airbags
• Front side airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Five adjustable head restraints
• Rear seat alert
• Rearview camera
• Tire pressure monitor with adequate pressure alert
• Forward collision alert
• Forward automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Lane centering assist
• Automatic high-beams
• Blind-spot monitoring with steering assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors and surround-view monitor (standard, Platinum Elite A-Spec, unvailable, other trim levels)

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Overall score: 5/5
Frontal impact: 5/5
Side impact: 5/5
Rollover resistance: 4/5

Insurance Institute For Highway Safety

Moderate overlap frontal impact: 3/4
Small overlap frontal impact: 4/4
Side impact: 4/4