Acura is going after a new segment of consumers, with the hopes of bringing them into the brand sooner.
And to do that, the Japanese carmaker has introduced an all-new model, the compact ADX SUV.
Like other Acura models, it is available in three trims, with the ADX, ADX A-SPEC and ADX Platinum Elite A-SPEC, which is what we drove.
Starting price for the luxury compact SUV is $49,201, while the tester – with a few extras – tops out at $57,064.80.
Even in base form, the ADX is well-equipped, with standard all-wheel drive, sport-tuned suspension, turbo engine, power liftgate and more.
The Platinum Elite A Spec trim adds to that with ventilated front seats, 19-inch wheels, a powerful 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and the Integrated Dynamics System with five distinct driving modes, including driver-customizable Individual mode.
Powertrain: The ADX features a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is paired with a CVT. It isn’t the most potent, but at 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, offers more than enough propulsion for a vehicle of this size.
And while it does consume premium fuel, the estimated consumption rate is 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres. And I came close to that with my result of 9.1 L/100 km.
Exterior: The ADX is a nicely designed SUV, and the Platinum Elite A-SPEC gets a few extra style cues that help elevate that.
And they look pretty good against the Urban Grey Pearl paint, which is a $900 extra. The tester had gloss black mirrors, LED fog lamps, gloss black lower exterior trim, Gun Metallic skid garnishes front and rear, and Berlina Black 19-inch wheels, which are a nice contrast to the exterior hue.
Interior: The cabin may be a little less luxurious that some other Acura models, but I quite liked it. It was neatly laid out, with simple controls for the ventilation system, radio and a very traditional shift lever for the transmission. Call me old school, but this is how I prefer things to be.
The A-SPEC trim comes with Ultrasuede trim for the comfortable seating, which are heated and ventilated.
A 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, panoramic sunroof and flat-bottom sports steering wheel cap off the cabin features.
2025 Acura ADX Platinum Elite A Spec
2025 Acura ADX Platinum Elite A Spec
2025 Acura ADX Platinum Elite A Spec
2025 Acura ADX Platinum Elite A Spec
Despite the compact nature of the ADX, the cabin doesn’t feel overly cramped. The rear seats could be a little short on legroom, but there’s ample storage space in the cargo area.
Infotainment: The Platinum Elite A-SPEC has the same standard 9-inch infotainment screen but takes things up a notch when it comes to audio quality with a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.
It also is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both wirelessly, and the trim we tested also has Google built-in, and buyers get a complimentary three month/3GB data plan.
In addition, the ADX has all the other standard features most consumers want like satellite radio, Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless device charging.
Drive: The little ADX is a fun little SUV to drive. The turbocharged engine provides a good amount of power to motivate the ADX, and the sport-tuned suspension ensure an agile and enjoyable ride.
The CVT, which can sometimes be a drag, is no such thing for the ADX. Acura engineers have sport-tuned the CVT to maximize driving enjoyment, including things like early downshifts during braking, as well as what they call Step Shift programming that simulates gear changes under hard acceleration.
A fun, sporty way to introduce people to the Acura brand.
2025 Acura ADX Platinum Elite A Spec
2025 Acura ADX Platinum Elite A Spec
2025 Acura ADX Platinum Elite A Spec
Conclusion: The all-new Acura ADX is stylishly designed and well appointed, with enough sportiness from the engine and suspension to ensure drivers – and passengers – enjoy their ride.
While the cabin may be on the smaller side compared to the other Acura SUVs, this is a vehicle that is likely to appeal to younger families who might not yet need the larger space of the brand’s other models.
2025 Acura ADX Platinum Elite A Spec
Price as tested: $57,064.80
Freight: $2,595
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder/ CVT
Power/torque: 190 horsepower/ 179 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Premium (53 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 8.5 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 9.1 L/100 km
Warranties: 4-years/80,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Audi Q3, BMW X1, Cadillac XT4, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Volvo XC40
Website: Acura Canada