Acura ADX A-Spec AWD | Name a Better SUV for $40k

Inside, the ADX A‑Spec mixes sport and luxury with high‑quality materials, contrast stitching, and a clean, driver‑focused layout. The cabin feels upscale and tech‑forward, with solid ergonomics and a youthful, performance‑leaning vibe that fits the A‑Spec badge.

Power comes from a 1.5‑liter turbocharged engine delivering smooth, responsive performance for daily driving. Paired with Acura’s available AWD system, the ADX feels confident and composed whether you’re commuting or carving through weekend backroads.

Tech lovers get a digital instrument cluster, a crisp infotainment setup, wireless connectivity, and AcuraWatch safety features. It’s a well‑rounded package that blends modern convenience with everyday usability.

Perfect for viewers shopping the luxury small‑SUV space, the ADX A‑Spec AWD stands out with style, comfort, and real‑world performance.

Also check out Drive Culture on YouTube. Drive Culture is detailed car review YouTube channel hosted by the ultimate car enthusiast, Jonathon Rivers.

Who is Jonathon Rivers?

Well, he's a +15 year Auto Industry veteran, born and raised in the Motor City!

He lived several years in Japan, speaks & reads Japanese, and now works for American Honda Motor. (Although this channel is his own & not affiliated)

He's owned several fun cars including a Evo IV, multiple Civic Si, Focus RS, and most recently the Integra Type S (which he lead planning for Acura)!

He's also been lucky enough to drive just about every key new product in the market from compact cars, to SUVs, EVs and super cars!

If that isn't enough to prove his "car guy" status, Jonathon has also been featured in Motor Trend, Car and Driver, AutoBlog, Jay Leno's Garage, Raiti's Rides and the SavageGeese channels! He's on Instagram  here and Facebook  here.

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A transcript, cleaned up by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.

[Image: YouTube Screenshot]

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Transcript:

Here is a cleaned-up, professional version of your transcript with filler words removed, grammar corrected, and flow improved while preserving the original meaning and structure.

[Intro – Driving]

We’re going to pull this back into S, and now I’m going to get into it here. This car tries to pass me, but it can’t — I’m doing pretty good. This car accelerates well, and the nice thing about pulling it into the S transmission setting is that it actually holds the simulated gear.

Welcome to Drive Culture. I’m Jonathan Rivers, and today I have a 2025 Acura ADX A-Spec all-wheel drive. I’m going to tell you why this mid-level trim might be the best one in the entire ADX lineup.

We’ll go over the exterior, interior, powertrain, and of course, take it for a drive. If this is the type of content you enjoy or you’re new to the channel, be sure to subscribe and click the bell so you don’t miss future videos. With that, let’s get started.

Pricing & Trims

Here we are with the mid-level ADX trim called the A-Spec. If you haven’t checked out the other Drive Culture videos, I’ve already reviewed the entry-level trim as well as the fully loaded A-Spec Advance.

Before getting into pricing, it’s worth noting that the ADX is an all-new compact crossover for Acura. There has never been an ADX before — it’s a completely new nameplate that now sits alongside the Acura Integra as an entry point into the brand. Buyers may start here and eventually move up to an RDX or MDX. This is now the smallest SUV Acura makes and represents one of the most accessible ways into the lineup.

All trims are front-wheel-drive based, but all-wheel drive can be added for $2,000.

Entry-level ADX: $35,000 MSRP

Add AWD: $37,000

A-Spec trim: $38,000

A-Spec with AWD (like this one): $40,000

A-Spec Advance: $44,000

These prices exclude destination, handling, and paint options. The vehicle shown here is finished in Platinum White Pearl, which adds $600.

Now, let’s walk around the exterior.

Exterior

One of the defining features of A-Spec trims across the Acura lineup is the addition of gloss black elements for a sportier look. While the standard ADX looks good, the A-Spec enhances the design with larger wheels, black accents, and additional features.

The ADX shares styling cues with other Acura models, including sharp hood creases and sculpted fenders. The Platinum White Pearl paint contains metallic flakes that really catch the light.

Up front is Acura’s Diamond Pentagon grille, finished in gloss black with detailed surfacing. Higher trims add parking sensors integrated into the grille, but those are reserved for the A-Spec Advance.

The premium LED headlights feature Acura’s “Chicane” daytime running light signature — a checkmark-style design — with LED fog lights below. A silver front lip spoiler is standard regardless of exterior color, and the intercooler and radiator are visible behind the grille.

From the side, the ADX clearly presents itself as a subcompact SUV, though interior space tells a different story. A-Spec models include painted fender flares, side spoilers, and A-Spec badging on the front fender.

Standard models get 18-inch wheels, but the A-Spec upgrades to 19-inch shark gray wheels wrapped in Continental tires (235/45R19). The Advance trim paints these wheels gloss black.

The mirrors include LED turn signals but are not power-folding. Around back, the design continues with a sporty roof spoiler, LED taillights that mirror the front lighting signature, A-Spec badging, and dual chrome exhaust finishers with a subtle rear diffuser.

Despite being an entry-level SUV, the ADX clearly aims for a sporty presence.

Interior

Inside, the ADX delivers a surprisingly premium cabin for the price. At around $40,000, it offers strong value.

The dashboard features soft-touch materials throughout, along with leatherette trim and contrast stitching. This example has Acura’s Orchid interior, which brightens the cabin compared to the available black or red options.

The flat-bottom steering wheel is well-sized with excellent ergonomics, perforated leather, contrast stitching, and metal paddle shifters that feel genuinely high quality.

The center dash uses a brushed finish with chrome accents, while the joystick-style air vents are easy to adjust. Climate controls are manual but tactile and satisfying to use. Heated seats come standard with three settings.

Storage is plentiful, including USB-C ports (one for data, one for charging), a 12-volt outlet, wireless charging, cupholders, and a spacious center console.

Door panels continue the premium theme with soft-touch materials and blue suede inserts that feel both upscale and comfortable.

The seats are particularly impressive. Leatherette bolsters combine with suede inserts and perforated Orchid material, providing both grip and comfort. Both front seats are power-adjustable.

You also get a panoramic moonroof with a power sunshade — a step up from the standard moonroof on lower trims.

Technology

9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster

Eight-speaker audio system

While the Bang & Olufsen system is reserved for the A-Spec Advance, this setup still sounds very good.

Rear Seats

Rear-seat space is excellent for a subcompact SUV. At 5'10", I have plenty of legroom, headroom, and shoulder space, and the floor hump is minimal enough for three passengers if needed.

Materials carry over from the front, including leatherette and suede inserts. Amenities include rear air vents, two USB-C charging ports, adjustable headrests, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders.

Child seat installation is straightforward thanks to exposed latch anchors.

Cargo

The power tailgate can be opened from the cabin, key fob, or directly at the rear. It also features adjustable height and walk-away close.

Cargo space measures:

24.4 cubic feet behind the second row

55.1 cubic feet with seats folded

Underfloor storage includes foam compartments and a spare tire — a welcome addition.

Powertrain

Every ADX comes with the same setup:

1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

190 horsepower

179 lb-ft of torque

CVT transmission

Standard front-wheel drive, optional all-wheel drive

Now let’s take it on the road.

Driving Impressions

Starting up is straightforward: foot on the brake, press the start button, shift into Drive, and go. The electronic parking brake automatically disengages when you accelerate.

On the road, the ADX feels solid and refined. Cabin noise is minimal around town, and the suspension strikes a great balance between comfort and control despite lacking adaptive dampers.

Drive Modes

Snow

Comfort

Normal

Sport

Comfort softens throttle response for efficiency, while Normal adds weight to the steering and improves responsiveness. Sport sharpens everything further.

Fuel economy is strong, and real-world driving should easily match EPA estimates depending on driving style.

The chassis handles bumps well — even aggressive railroad crossings produce minimal disruption.

Switching to Sport mode and pulling the shifter into S activates simulated gear changes within the CVT. Using the paddle shifters displays gear numbers in the cluster, creating a more engaging driving experience. While the system will automatically upshift under heavy throttle to protect the transmission, it still adds a welcome layer of driver involvement.

Braking performance is confident, and overall handling makes the ADX surprisingly fun for an entry-level SUV.

Most owners will likely stick to Normal or Comfort for daily commuting, but it’s nice to have the extra responsiveness when desired.

Outro

That’s a wrap on the 2025 Acura ADX A-Spec all-wheel drive. Is this mid-level trim the best value in the lineup?

Be sure to check out my reviews of the entry-level and A-Spec Advance trims, and let me know in the comments if you’d like to see other trims, color combinations, or competitors.

If you’ve watched before, thank you for your support. If you’re new here, consider subscribing so you don’t miss future episodes.

Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you next time on Drive Culture.