2025 Acura ADX A-Spec with Advance Package

There's a new kid on the block in the premium compact SUV segment. Its name: the 2025 Acura ADX.  As the brand's new entry-level crossover, the ADX isn't rolling on to the scene as a disrupter, but as an SUV with both hits and misses in its attempt to entice a new generation of buyers to the brand. It shares a platform with the Honda HR-V, for better and sometimes worse.

Exterior

Acura gets it right with the ADX's exterior design that fits right in with the rest of the lineup. It looks terrific in Urban Gray Pearl with a black frameless Diamond Pentagon Grille with a mesh pattern.  

The A-Spec Advance amps up the sporty factor with 19-inch alloy wheels,  a black lip spoiler, LED fog lights,  Gun Metallic skid garnishes, gloss black mirror caps, black power folding mirrors,  and more. The back end features a sculpted hatch, rear spoiler and dual exhaust finishers.

The exterior is also equipped with Acura's  "Chicane" LED daytime running lights and brake lights. This ADX is additionally accessorized with front and rear underbody spoilers and cool logo pattern projectors on the front doors.

Powertrain 

Since the ADX and HR-V share the same underpinnings, it follows they start with the same engine - a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder. In the ADX, engineers turbocharged it for a boost from 158 to 190 horses.  (The standard Integra engine is also a turbocharged 1.5-L and it makes 200 horsepower.)

Unfortunately the ADX also borrows the HR-V's Continuously Variable Transmission.  Even with special sport tuning, it doesn't deliver the responsiveness you'd expect.  Even worse, and Acura you know I love you, the sound of the CVT droning is shockingly loud.  CVTs have their pro's for sure - fuel economy being one. But there are certainly more refined CVTs these days that offer better performance than you get here.

For the record, this vehicle is also equipped with all-wheel drive. 

Interior 

This ADX's A-Spec's driver-centric cabin makes a sporty, bold first impression with its Red/Ebony interior.  It features leather-trimmed seating, soft-touch materials, and quality silver metal trim.  The mixed material door panels are interesting and a nice look. Overall, the ADX is a roomy SUV with a width that gives you a hefty amount of elbow room. 

Leather-trimmed seats with Ultrasuede inserts impress with their bolstered design, comfort, and heating/ventilated climate features. A 12-way power driver's seat with power lumbar is also a plus - the passenger's is 4-way power. 

The performance-inspired leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel shares the HR-V's hardware but gets the ADX treatment with perforated leather, metal paddle shifters, red stitching, and an integrated heated steering wheel button. Above it, a 10.2-inch easy-to-read Acura Precision Cockpit digital display gives you all your driver info.  

The nine-inch touchscreen that runs Acura's multimedia system has great graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the Advance package adds Google built-in and Alexa built-in.  If you love quality audio, you'll want the Advance package for its HD Radio and its fantastic new 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system - developed just for ADX. The Aluminum speakers look great, too.

Now to a couple of, in my opinion, interior misses. The cabin shows its less upscale side with a tech-devoid dual-zone climate center stack and HR-V-borrowed leather-wrapped gear shift knob on the glossy black center console, even with a special sport treatment.

Second row roominess impresses. Passengers enjoy a drop-down center armrest, soft-touch seat backs, A/C vents and the A-Spec's rear USB ports (There are 2 USB-C ports for the front row.)

Cargo space gets my thumbs up and a hands-free power tailgate features a walk away close function.  There is under storage as well as 12-volt in the cargo area and another 12V up front.

Other standard features on this loaded model as equipped include sport pedals, 5G WiFi, ambient LED lighting, wireless charger, rain-sensing wipers, remote engine start, and a multi-view camera system.

Ride and Drive

While it lacks the horsepower to be a performance SUV, the ride and drive aspects the ADX were great.  You'll get where you are going in style and comfort.  Ride quality is superb thanks to its sport-tuned suspension. Steering feel felt engaging especially in Sport which enhances throttle response. Visibility is great too. 

The Advance AWD is equipped with Acura's Integrated Dynamics System that features four driving modes (Snow, Comfort, Normal and Sport). Advance adds a 5th customizable drive mode.

Safety 

 Verdict 

So after all this, who is the ADX A-Spec Advance for?  I'd say it's for entry-level luxury buyers looking for sporty looks and a roomy, comfortable but not boring ride at an affordable price point.  It does deliver a lot for the price point and this is certainly an SUV that will look nice in the driveway.  It's not for those looking for performance that matches its sporty looks, and those for whom loud CVT's are a deal breaker.

2025 Acura ADX A-Spec with Advance Package

• What I Liked Most:   Great sporty looks, leather-trimmed seats, sport-tuned suspension, and B&O sound system.
• What I would change:  Loud CVT.
• MSRP:  Base: $42,000. As equipped: $46,890
• Official Color:  Urban Gray Pearl.
  
• Fuel Economy:  25 city/30 highway/27 combined.
• Odometer reading when tested:   2,333 miles.
• Curb Weight:  3,611 pounds.
• Spare tire:  Compare spare.
• Length-Width-Height:  185.8" long/72.5" wide/63.8" high.
• Fuel Tank Capacity:   14 gallons with fuel filler on the driver side. 
• Towing Capacity:  1,500.
• Ground Clearance: 7.3".
• 2025 Acura ADX in a few words:  Affordable entry-level luxury for buyers looking for sporty looks and a comfortable ride and drive.
• Final Assembly Location:  Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico.
• Warranty: 4-years/50,000 miles New Vehicle Limited Warranty; 7-years,100,000-miles Powertrain, Complimentary maintenance 2-years/ 24,000 miles.
• Manufacturer's website:  Acura

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