Quick Take: 2025 Acura ADX
One would think a small crossover based on the Acura Integra platform would be an instant winner. One would be surprised to find out the 2025 Acura ADX isn't quite what I'd hoped for.
I had the chance to get about 20 minutes of wheel time a couple of weeks ago in Wisconsin, and I really had high hopes for the ADX. Those hopes weren't completely dashed, but they weren't fully realized, either.
The biggest letdown here is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the continuously variable automatic transmission -- it just doesn't feel well-sorted. The ADX also felt a tad underpowered with its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder putting out just 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
It's a shame that the engine can't even match the power of the base Integra (200/192). A little more verve would make the ADX that much more fun -- and even perhaps make the CVT more livable.
The good news is that the ADX does handle well -- this is where the Integra platform's influence shines. It's sharp enough in cornering to bring about some grins, even with a little bit of body roll. Acura/Honda remains very good at dialing in steering feel, as well.
There's also very little in the way of ride sacrifice -- it's comfortable while still being sporty, no too stiff or too soft.
Inside, it's fine -- familiar to anyone who has spent time in the Integra or Honda Civic. That means it's functional, a tad bland, and the infotainment screen is tacked on.
It does feel a touch small inside, though not quite cramped. I didn't have a chance to explore the rear seat.
Styling-wise, I like the look from in front, but the rear end looks too much like a Honda HR-V for my taste. Acura went a bit too conservative here and missed the chance to stand out.
I should note that I didn't have a window sticker to refer to, so I am not sure if this one was equipped with all-wheel drive or certain other features. I've reached out to Acura for clarification and will update if necessary.*
*Acura has confirmed the one I drove was all-wheel drive.
I wanted to really like the ADX, but instead I found it to be a mixed bag. The handling is the highlight here, but the overall package feels underdone. There's nothing wrong with using the Integra as a base for a crossover, but it feels like Acura didn't give the ADX enough of its own personality -- it didn't resonate with me the way the RDX and MDX do.
Acura also needed to give it a skoosh more power. I am not asking for Type S numbers here -- but 200/200 would've been fine.
See 99 More Photos Of The 2025 Acura ADX
The 2025 Acura ADX presents itself as an affordable, sporty luxury crossover. It's sporty, but could be sportier, and affordable, but could be more affordable (base prices are over $35K and into the 40s for upper trims). Thankfully this could be fixed quite easily -- a little more power, some better CVT tuning, and restyle of the rear end would go a long away.
[Images: Acura]
Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
Tim Healey grew up around the auto-parts business and has always had a love for cars — his parents joke his first word was “‘Vette”. Despite this, he wanted to pursue a career in sports writing but he ended up falling semi-accidentally into the automotive-journalism industry, first at Consumer Guide Automotive and later at Web2Carz.com. He also worked as an industry analyst at Mintel Group and freelanced for About.com, CarFax, Vehix.com, High Gear Media, Torque News, FutureCar.com, Cars.com, among others, and of course Vertical Scope sites such as AutoGuide.com, Off-Road.com, and HybridCars.com. He’s an urbanite and as such, doesn’t need a daily driver, but if he had one, it would be compact, sporty, and have a manual transmission.
More by Tim Healey
Comments
Join the conversation
Thanks for the review. This car gets me kind of excited and is not so far out of my price range based on the way EVs are leasing. I know some people are sick of the matte gray and black rims, but I still like it. Maybe just because I haven't owned that color yet. ;)
I appreciate the bold design and tech integration on the ZDX, especially the Google-based infotainment. But like most new EVs, lease pricing is where things get interesting. Acura’s lease offers have been surprisingly aggressive compared to what you’d expect from a premium badge.
I actually put together a value breakdown of current lease deals—including the ZDX—for anyone curious how it stacks up against rivals:
Car Lease Search
Still not sure if Acura’s range and charging network support will hold up in the long run, but as a short-term lease? It’s looking more and more like a smart play.
The 2025 Acura ADX looks like a bold step forward for Acura! Sleek styling, refined interiors, and impressive tech features make it a strong contender in the compact SUV space. It’s exciting to see Acura blend performance with everyday practicality so well. If this is the direction the brand is heading, the future looks promising!
Car Care Services