All-New 2025 Acura ADX is the Small SUV Many Were Waiting For
Acura is finally expanding its lineup with an entry-level SUV slotting below the popular RDX and MDX, at the same time creating new competition in the subcompact luxury segment.
Unveiled today, the 2025 Acura ADX will begin arriving at Canadian dealers next spring with a price range starting in the mid-$40,000s.
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The Best-Looking in Its Class?
The new ADX features a familiar design highlighted by Acura’s "frameless" Diamond Pentagon grille complete with an aggressive grille mesh. The sharp, chicane-style LED daytime running lights are reminiscent of those on the ZDX electric crossover, but the vehicle’s silhouette is more akin to the RDX. By the way, the ADX stands 4,718 mm long, which happens to be just 48 mm shorter than its compact-sized sibling.
The wheels are 18 or 19 inches in size depending on the trim level. Don’t miss the dual exhaust finishers, gray metallic lower body trim or silver skid garnishes front and rear. For a cleaner look, laser-brazing technology eliminates the need for roof moldings, and the windshield wipers hide under the hood line when not in use. As for body colours, there are six options, one of which is an ADX-exclusive Adriatic Sea Blue Metallic.
Strong Integra Connections
Unsurprisingly, the interior is almost a carbon copy of the Integra’s. It is available in a single-tone or dual-tone layout, such as the sporty red-black combo pictured below. A panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate controls and Body Stabilizing Seats that reduce fatigue and enhance comfort on long drives are included as standard.
Rear-seat legroom is somewhat generous at 958 mm, while trunk capacity is rated at 690 litres. With the 60/40-split rear seatbacks folded flat, cargo space expands up to 1,560 litres. Obviously, the ADX is far from matching the RDX, which offers 881-2,260 litres. A lift-over height of just 695 mm will make loading large or heavy items easier, as will the standard power tailgate with Walk Away Close.
More Content on A-SPEC Models
Right above the base ADX, the A-SPEC model adds ventilated front seats, Ultrasuede seat trim with red contrast stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel covered in perforated leather, ambient LED lighting, stainless sport pedals and a sporty chrome shift knob, not to mention a cargo cover.
The top-of-the-line ADX Platinum Elite A-SPEC goes a step further with front and rear parking sensors, surround-view camera and 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. It’s the only model to feature Google built-in and Alexa built-in. Standard across the line is a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 10.2-inch digital instrument display.
Integra Bones and Heart
In addition to adopting the Integra’s platform and interior, the new 2025 Acura ADX borrows its turbocharged 1.5-litre engine from the small sedan. Curiously, today’s announcement fails to specify output and torque. If the Japanese brand is serious about taking on other subcompact luxury SUVs like the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40, it would need to offer more than the 200 hp and 192 lb-ft the Integra currently serves up.
A sport-tuned continuously variable transmission is part of the mix, but unlike the FWD-only Integra, the ADX benefits from all-wheel drive. The system can send up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, Acura explains.
Drivers have a choice of four distinct driving modes—Snow, Comfort, Normal and Sport—that adjust throttle response, transmission mapping, steering feel, in-cabin sound and gauge colouration. The Platinum Elite A-SPEC adds an "Individual" mode that makes it possible to customize the setting combinations.
Acura says its engineers have optimized the dual-pinion assist electronic power steering and fully independent sport-tuned suspension to deliver a premium driving experience. Oh, and one last thing: the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver assistance technologies is included on all ADX models.
We’ll keep you posted when full pricing and equipment details become available.
