Acura ADX.
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We have been waiting for years for a compact Acura SUV. And I must say, I am quite disappointed.
We all knew the new small Acura would be based on the Honda HR-V and that’s actually OK. The HR-V is a fine compact SUV that drives and feels more upscale than it is. But I really expected the Honda Hybrid system in this. Instead, we get the good old 1.5 Liter Turbo and a CVT. And these 2 don’t work well together at all.
I remember test-driving the Civic with that same combo and thought the base 2.0 Liter was actually better. Since most of the 1.5 Liter Turbo’s power is zapped away from the CVT.
As expected, it also inherited the lumpy proportions of the HR-V. Which is not good at all. The rear end is really heavy looking and that huge black plastic Acura grille not only looks ghastly to begin with, but old. The whole design looks older to me than any other Acura model, including the RDX.
Pricing hasn’t been announced but it is rumored to start at around $35,000. Again, expected since the HR-V tops at around $30,000. However, this is for the base model, and higher-end trims could get over $40,000. While the much nicer RDX starts at $44,700.
that also means could also great a slightly used RDX for less than the new ADX. The RDX is still a fantastic choice with an upscale interior and a great powertrain. And it still looks better than the ADX in my opinion.
The interior is of course more upscale than the HR-V. But again, not that fantastic for something that could end up well over $40,000 for some trims.
As I said, I was really expecting something better. Especially something more modern and dynamic looking…
Good looking car, but the interior is vulgar. No HUD availability…bummer. That tablet
looks like it came out of a toy store and looks cheap being tacked on to the dashboard, clearly an after thought. Acura….you need to do better if you want to be taken as a serious luxury car brand!
This is suddenly Acura’s most compelling product. If it has the sunroof and AWD at about $36,000 for a base model, it will be a hit. If it goes above $40,000 it will start to compete with Lexus NX, which it doesn’t look quite on par with.
This will interest people who wanted an HRV, but maybe felt it wasn’t fast enough, flashy enough, or had enough stuff. Hopefully it drives better and is quieter too. The real issue for the ADX may be fuel economy, without having a hybrid option. The 2.0L in the HRV gets terrible mileage, but I’m betting it will get the 2.0L hybrid for MY2026, and its trims will be restructured to be just like the CRV, Accord, Civic. And so the ADX may suffer the same fate of the Integra… it sells well out of the gate, but loses steam quickly. I dont think the new govt is going to quench people’s desire for a more fuel efficient car, when hybrids and electrics are quickly getting close in price to their ICE breathren. Its about money. So Acura needs to get with the Sport Hybrid program, not just BEVs.
Im so sick of gloss black all over the wheel arches and everything! It would have looked a lot cleaner with just body colored paint. If that means the HRV comes shining through, then the design team didn’t go far enough to distinguish this. Gloss black paint is the easy out, using crappy design. That’s why it looks old to me. And as much as the Youtubers are p!$$!ng their pants over the blue interior, its not doing much for me. It looks cheap.
Vince I know you are getting old, but…
“that also means could also great a slightly used RDX”
Do you ever read what you publish?
Vince, I like the design.
Hopefully it will come with at least driver power seat, handles above the door (front) separate switch to control the above lights (front and back). When driving at night, passengers in the back use the light, instead the front lights go on as well, no switch.
Arm rest in passenger in the rear (middle).
I have the top of the line HR-V and the wife loves it, but at the same time she complaints about the issues I disclosed above. Honda got so cheap and I have the top of the line trim.
Happy Holidays.