2025 Acura ADX: Casting a Shadow Over the RDX
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Acura is not exactly a rookie in the crossover segment. The MDX, its first true SUV developed in-house, hit the market in 2005, followed two years later by the RDX compact SUV. But with prices on the rise and vehicles continuously growing, Acura needed a smaller utility vehicle—one that would compete in an increasingly popular segment in Canada.
With options like the Audi Q3, BMW X1/X2, Mercedes-Benz GLA and more, consumers have plenty to choose from. However, Japanese offerings remain limited, with only Lexus representing the category through its subcompact, hybrid-only UX. Infiniti tried to break through a few years ago with the sleek QX30—sharing many components with the aforementioned GLA—but that attempt didn’t prove successful.
- Also: 2025 Acura ADX: Late to the Party, Still a Welcome Addition
- Also: 2025 Acura ADX Priced to Beat German Rivals Except One
The all-new ADX is a cheaper entry point to Acura’s SUV lineup, although its base MSRP is higher than that of the third-generation RDX that debuted in 2019. It's remarkable how inflation has driven up vehicle prices in just a few years. Fortunately, the ADX is assembled alongside the Honda HR-V in Mexico, which will work in its favour in the ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States. We’ll see how that situation evolves in the coming weeks.
A More Luxurious HR-V?
Platform sharing is common practice in the auto industry, and while Acura's designers have managed to mask some of the Honda model's styling cues, the ADX is indeed a more refined version of the HR-V. The proportions are quite similar—long front overhang, identical side windows and windshield, and so on—but thanks to its pentagon-shaped grille, wider wheels and uniquely designed daytime running lights, Acura’s smallest utility vehicle manages to set itself apart from its platform cousin.
In top-of-the-line A-SPEC Elite trim, the most expensive of the three available, there are more exterior colour options—beyond shades of grey, white and black, the vehicle can also be dressed in red or blue—and a more comprehensive list of features, as well. The differences are subtle yet notable: the wheel colour varies between the A-SPEC and A-SPEC Elite models, and the mirror caps on the latter are black.
The Acura ADX also comes with additional drive modes. While the HR-V sticks to three (Normal, Econ, Snow), the ADX offers Normal, Comfort, Snow, Sport and Individual, the last one being exclusive to the A-SPEC Elite model we tested. The IDS (Integrated Dynamics System) does a good job of altering the vehicle’s personality, especially in Sport mode where engine response becomes livelier. Alas, unlike its larger and more premium Acura siblings, the ADX doesn’t benefit from the same Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, nor does it feature adaptive dampers. Too bad.
Behind the Wheel
Over the years, Honda’s engineers have developed some of the most memorable powertrains in modern automotive history. The turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine in the new Acura ADX won’t go down as a legend, but it’s undeniably better suited to this chassis than the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre unit bolted to the Honda HR-V.
Some drivers will be disappointed to learn that a continuously variable transmission (CVT) remains part of the package. However, considering the ADX’s predominantly urban focus, it feels like a good match—the same engine-transmission combo is already used in several other vehicles. Producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque (with premium fuel), the 1.5-litre turbo gives this dressed-up HR-V a sense of liveliness.
Chassis tuning is unique to the ADX, and it shows. Riding on 19-inch wheels with wider tires, Acura’s baby crossover clearly is more dynamic than the HR-V it’s based on. That’s quite a feat considering said tires are merely designed for touring. Sport mode further enhances that impression of athleticism. Thankfully, the team responsible for cabin comfort made sure to address sound insulation—something the HR-V lacks. Inside the ADX, everything feels much more refined and quieter.
A Familiar Environment
Acura is a conservative brand when it comes to designs and in-car technology. One glance at the ADX’s dashboard confirms this—it’s the same horizontal layout found in many of Honda’s latest models, with three climate control knobs positioned just below the central air vents.
Above them, the touchscreen boasts high-quality graphics that would have been unimaginable in an Acura product not long ago. The controls are perfectly sized given the display’s relatively modest 9-inch dimensions.
On the centre console, the shifter is positioned to the right of the drive mode selector, auto start/stop button, hill descent assist and other drive-related controls. Where the ADX stands out more is in the ergonomics of the steering wheel, which feels very pleasant in hand. Seat support and overall comfort are also worth noting. Just don’t expect these buckets to be as aggressively bolstered as the ones found in the high-performance Acura Integra Type S.
A Promising Future?
Given all the turmoil the auto industry is currently facing—tariffs, inflation, supply chain disruptions, etc.—it’s hard to predict exactly how popular the 2025 Acura ADX will be with Canadian buyers. But with an MSRP lower than that of many other SUVs in the segment, the newest and smallest member of the family is likely to achieve solid sales in the months and years ahead.
Some may argue that the ADX doesn’t deliver the same level of driving engagement as its German rivals. Still, the proven powertrain works well here, and although acceleration can get a bit loud when revs shoot up high, most of the time the ADX is as gentle as a lamb. What remains to be seen is how the public will respond to this pocket-sized newcomer. One thing’s for sure: the gap between the ADX A-SPEC Elite and a base RDX (or even an RDX A-SPEC) is quite small.
