2025 Acura ADX Initial Drive Review: This Story Looks Familiar

      The automotive industry resembles Hollywood in that, amidst a plethora of obligatory sequels and misguided remakes, fresh intellectual property isn't often presented. The 2025 Acura ADX might have a new name, but be aware: this storyline is familiar.

      Essentially, the ADX functions as an Integra SUV. It shares the same platform, uses the same powertrain, and incorporates numerous interior elements from the Integra. While it is smaller than the RDX and MDX (though Acura claims it's larger than European competitors), the ADX positions itself alongside the Integra as one of Acura’s entry-level offerings.

      **The Basics**

      To give credit where it's due, the ADX has an appealing exterior. It features a long hood, a wide rear stance, and a pentagonal grille with aggressive headlights that work well together. The taillights might appear slightly oversized for the rest of the body, but overall, the car resembles a mini MDX, and the Urban Gray Pearl color shifts to a yellow hue when exposed to sunlight.

      Inside, the steering wheel, climate controls, gear shift, and screens (10.2 inches for the instruments, 9 inches for the center display) are all sourced from the Integra, which ultimately traces back to the Civic. This isn’t necessarily negative — we appreciate the Civic here. The dashboard features a distinct design that is visually akin to the electric ZDX's and significantly enhances its appeal compared to those vehicles. The red soft-touch surfaces, stitching, and bright accents make the ADX feel more upscale than its origins, and the glossy black plastic has a slightly textured finish that likely helps conceal dust, scratches, and fingerprints better than a smooth surface would.

      However, a significant drawback of this interior—shared by other Honda products—is the uncomfortable seating. The seats may be suitable for a brief test drive with a salesperson and perhaps decent for the initial hour of ownership, but anything longer leads to discomfort in my lower back.

      Another ironically weak aspect is the sound system. Opting for the top-tier A-Spec Advance Package like the one I tested provides 15 Bang & Olufsen speakers. However, the audio quality leaves much to be desired. The bass is lacking, and finer acoustic details tend to sound muddled.

      To be fair, this likely stems from the fact that the ADX is positioned as an entry-level luxury vehicle—I wasn’t overly impressed with the Integra’s ELS system either. However, this rationale feels weak when recalling the superior Yamaha system in the Mitsubishi Outlander I tested recently, which achieves better sound quality with fewer speakers at a lower cost.

      On a positive note, the rear seating area is reasonably spacious. Acura claims its 37.7 inches of legroom is class-leading, surpassing the Audi Q3’s 36.1 inches and the BMW X1’s 37 inches, although the Mercedes GLA offers 38 inches. Rear passengers have their own vents and USB-C ports, but the top door panels are made of hard plastic if that matters to you. The cargo space—24.4 cubic feet, expanding to 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded—is also claimed to be among the largest in its class. (Fact check: True. The ADX offers a larger cargo area than the Q3 and GLA but is outdone by the X1.)

      Additionally, the paddle "shifters" behind the steering wheel are metal. Nice touch!

      **Driving Experience**

      Paddle "shifters," however, because the ADX lacks actual gears; instead, it utilizes a CVT simulating the actions of a traditional automatic, which it manages quite effectively. Powering the ADX is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Launching from a stop, the ADX isn't particularly quick, but once it gains momentum, it exhibits brief bursts of energy (after all, this engine is also found in the Honda Civic Si). Engaging Sport mode, which raises the engine revs, provides a bit of help.

      Handling through corners, the ADX performs well, which isn’t surprising given its foundational structure. Although the suspension has been "sport-tuned," it remains comfortable over uneven surfaces and might even venture into a floaty feel. I completed a 90-minute drive without consciously considering the brake pedal, which is likely a positive indicator.

      Engaging one of those cold, clicky paddles behind the steering wheel brings about surprisingly convincing simulated shifts, happening quickly and with a satisfying 'snap.' The metal construction of these paddles enhances the illusion, allowing for a taste of high performance without the associated costs or risks of license points.

      Combined with a light yet sturdy chassis and precise steering, the ADX is adept both in urban settings and on twisting roads. However, it is also noisier than I would prefer for a luxury crossover. Road noise was particularly noticeable despite Acura