2025 Acura ADX Platinum Elite A-Spec: Oh, baby!

The baby Acura ADX enters an increasingly crowded premium compact crossover.

It is closely related to the Honda HR-V mechanically, but unique body panels, a more powerful engine, specific chassis tuning and a seriously upgraded interior differentiate the ADX from its Honda cousin.

Where it does not differ is the exceptional build quality and the rock-solid structure the HR-V is known for.

New for the 2025 model year, the ADX is available in three trim levels, all with AWD and the same turbocharged powertrain.

A-Spec trim gives good sportiness

We sampled the line-topping Elite A-Spec which played the sporty card, with gloss black trim, including the 19-inch wheels. It had metallic garnishes at both ends, stainless gas and brake pedals, red-faced needles in the instrument cluster, flat bottomed steering wheel and a chrome shift lever!

There were heated and ventilated power front seats, USB-C charging ports for both front and rear-seat occupants, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power liftgate.

A-Spec models add sportier-looking elements such as stainless gas and brake pedal caps, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, red gauge needles, and a chrome shift knob.

Other features expected at the premium segment included Google built-in, surround-view camera system, and an impressive 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Go ahead! Find a back road for the ADX

The 1.5 litre four-cylinder engine is shared with the Integra, but slightly detuned. It may be small, but the turbocharger helps it deliver as if much larger.

I’d like a little more power but at low speeds and in urban situations, performance is more than adequate.

The continuously variable automatic transmission is among the better of the ilk and the standard sophisticated AWD system takes the worry out of inclement weather and questionable surface conditions.

The little ADX invites you to find a back road with some curves and an excuse for the long way to the corner store. The steering is direct and communicative and the suspension a nice balance between sporty and supple.

Acura ADX: Ample room up front and decent cargo space

There is ample room up front for large adults.

The second row can be considered cramped regardless of the size of the occupants BUT it is wise to consider this is the smallest Acura crossover.

If rear seat space is a major concern, the Acura salesperson would be more than happy to show you something roomier. The ADX does, however, offer a decent of amount of cargo space behind the folding second row seat.

The safety bases are covered by what the company refers to as Acura Watch. That includes blind spot information and collision mitigation braking systems, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision and front and rear low-speed automatic braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic jam assist and driver attention monitor.

Considering the competition and expectations attached to the Acura name, the ADX delivers on all fronts.

It is extremely well-appointed, offers a comfortable and quiet ride, is more than competitively priced and has an extensive standard equipment list.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2025 Acura ADX Platinum Elite A Spec

PRICE

Base: $51,480

As tested: $57,076 including freight

SAFETY

LED headlights with automatic high beams, blind spot information system, collision mitigation braking system, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision braking system, front and rear low-speed automatic braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic jam assist, driver attention monitor

INFOTAINMENT

15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, 23-cm infotainment screen, with Google built-in, wired Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, , Bluetooth streaming audio, Amazon Alexa built-in, WiFi hotspot capability, four USB-C connections, 15W wireless phone charger

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

19-inch alloy wheels, surround view camera system, front and rear park sensors, front wiper de-icer, heated power folding mirrors with. Integrated turn signals, power tailgate with programmable height, walkaway close, perforated Ultrasuede upholstery, 12-way power driver’s seat with memory, four-way power passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, dual zone automatic climate control, active noise cancellation, 26-cm digital instrument cluster

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS

Protection package, $454.30

MECHANICAL

Turbocharged 1.5-litre four cylinder, 190-horsepower, 179 lb.-ft. of torque, regular fuel, continuously variable automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive. NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 9.1/7.7

DIMENSIONS

Length, 4,718 mm; wheelbase, 2,655 mm, width, 1,840-mm; weight, 1,629 kg

COMPETITION

Lexus UX, Mercedes GLA, Volvo XC40