The 2025 Acura ADX Delivers Luxury At An Approachable Price

Acura continues to lead strongly in the luxury and performance segment for automobiles by way of its extensive offerings, including the standout ZDX and its popular MDX models. Last month, CASSIUS had the honor of test-driving the 2025 Acura ADX, and the vehicle proves that the luxury subcompact crossover space has a potential champion on the horizon.

The Acura team graciously hosted a group of media professionals to experience the 2025 Acura ADX firsthand at the beautiful Alila Marea Beachfront Resort in Encinitas, California. While the conditions then were gloomier than usual for Southern California, the Acura drive experience team made sure to craft a route that took us through the rolling hills of San Diego County and allowed us to capture the essence of what the ADX intends to present to potential buyers.

First, let’s get into the specs of the base ADX model. The vehicle sports a turbocharged VTEC engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, which makes the car especially quick and able to handle most driving situations. The vehicle also has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Paddle Shifters, and a front-wheel drive (FWD) system, with all-wheel drive (AWD) with intelligent control system available as an option. We should note that the engine specs are shared between all three models of the ADX.

The ADX’s dimensions are 104.5 inches for the wheelbase, and it comes in at 185.8 inches. Width-wise, the SUV measures at 72.5 inches, and has a height of 63.8 inches. Curb weight for the base ADX is 3,369 for the FWD model and 3,514 for the AWD model. The base and A-Spec models boast Front 8-way Power Driver’s Seats, while the A-Spec Advance has the Front 12-way Power Driver’s Seat with Power Lumbar Support. Acura also gets a strong salute for including Android Auto along with Apple CarPlay, which plays well with the heads-up display screen. We invite readers to click here to get into the weeds of the differences between the base model, A-Spec, and the top-of-the-line A-Spec Advance model, which is the one we test drove.

One thing that comes across in the 2025 Acura ADX is that it doesn’t feel like a subcompact crossover, also known as the small SUV category. The cabin was roomy enough for a person over 6’0, and spacious enough that one didn’t feel crowded. And while we only had a few hours with the vehicle, we managed to experience the scope of the vehicle’s dazzling interior, including the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System, complete with 15 speakers, and only featured in the A-Spec Advance.

Drivers of subcompact crossovers should have some comfort in handling the ADX, which hugged twists and turns as we drove our test vehicle through Santa Ysabel for a quick halfway stop at the famed Julian Pie Company for a slice. As we ascended the hills, we tested out the various drive modes of the ADX: Normal, which provided the right balance of power and speed; Comfort, which lent to more leisurely driving and easier turns; and the zippy Sport mode, which surprised us in how responsive and varied the modes are. There is also a custom Individual mode in the base, and an additional Snow mode for the A-Spec and A-Spec Advance models.

Stopping just outside of Santa Ysabel for some photos, the Acura ADX garnered several second looks, including from fellow Acura drivers inquiring about when the vehicle will be available to the public, and it is currently available now. The suggested price for the ADX base model is $35,000 for FWD and $37,000 for AWD. For the FWD A-Spec, the suggested starting price is $38,000 and $40,000 for AWD. Lastly, the A-Spec Advance’s suggested starting price is $42,000 (FWD) and $44,000 (AWD).

Because of its luxury feel, solid standard options, and optional upgrades across trims, the approachable price of the 2025 Acura ADX makes it a standout purchase for those looking to enter the luxury SUV market without breaking the bank. It also gives off the feel of the first “splurge” vehicle for younger professionals who still want to spend wisely.

It’s also a stylish, hip vehicle for those fresh out of graduate school or established couples starting their families, as the ADX is surprisingly roomy inside. We can’t think of anything negative to say about the ride, and beyond some wonky reason under the hood we’re not qualified to break down in full, we recommend this vehicle firmly.

In our short time, we loved the ADX and how it embodies the prevailing spirit of Acura’s “Precision Crafted Performance” motto.

Learn more about the 2025 Acura ADX and all of the models here.

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Photo: Acura/D.L. Chandler

The 2025 Acura ADX Delivers Power & Poise At An Approachable Price Point  was originally published on ionecassius.staging.go.ione.nyc