Acura ADX Test Drive.
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Acura officially describes the new ADX compact SUV as “Positioned alongside the Integra, the ADX brings a new gateway model to the Acura lineup. Welcoming a new generation of buyers to the premium brand.”
I know looks are subjective, but for my taste, the ADX still doesn’t look very premium. All body panels are different from the Honda HR-V, and yet, its proportions are very similar to the Honda. It also, at least to me, doesn’t look more modern than the much older Acura RDX.
As most readers must know by now, I am not a big fan of huge plasticky grilles on small cars. And yet, here you are…
Inside, the Acura ADX is trying to look and feel different than the much cheaper HR-V. But mostly fails. Just like in the Integra, there are too many parts common to its Honda cousin that the whole thing still ends up looking like a Honda. The screen is even the exact same as the much cheaper Civic. These aren’t bad bits at all. But the ADX claims to compete against entry-level luxury compact SUVs like the Audi A3 or BMW X1. Even the Lexus UX seems more upscale.
As you can see from the photos above, obvious cost-cutting measures are showing on the rear door panels. Not only do they lack the trim from the front panels, but they are exactly the same as the ones used in the Honda H-RV.
Again, a matter of taste… But I personally think the white and blue suede trim of my loaded A-Spec model was pretty… Shall we say, ghastly.
White and blue might be a hard combo to get right. However, VW seems to be doing it the right way in the ID.4…
Otherwise, the Acura ADX is quite roomy. The 15 speakers Bang & Olufsen sound system sounds quite amazing. Of course, it comes with extra features not available in the Honda version. Like a panoramic sunroof. Driving modes with a customizable individual mode.
The Acura ADX is very smooth and quiet most of the time. However, I still think Honda’s 2.0 Liter is smoother than the 1.5 Liter turbo used in the ADX. Of course, the turbo engine produces more power than the good old 2.0 Liter in the HR-V. But the CVT transmission seems to “zap” most of it away in normal driving. Something I had noticed before in the Civic. (When the Turbo was available). This means the Acura ADX doesn’t feel that much quicker than the HR-V in daily driving.
Road noise depends a lot on the type of road you’re driving on, but the ADX is mostly quiet. I have to mention a very strange very deep booming sound that appears at exactly 60 MPH. And above. It is just annoying as well as a bit disturbing. I guess it comes from the CVT somehow, but who knows…
The ADX AWD is rated at 25/30MPG. The best I was able to get around town was around 21MPG. And 30 on the HWY is actually what you get.
The steering has a very nice feel to it. And the suspension is very comfortable.
However, I wouldn’t call the Acura ADX sporty. But I also wouldn’t call it luxurious either. Of course, many luxury features are present. But the overall look and feel of the interior is not luxurious at all. Especially for the $44,000 asking price of the loaded AWD trim I was driving. Which is well into Audi Q3 pricing territory.
At just over $2000 more than the Acura Integra, the ADX will probably end up being much more popular. Just because it’s an SUV and that’s what people want these days.
Which is fine as long as you don’t expect a real luxury experience.
For my money, I would get a slightly used Acura RDX. Which is still a great crossover with a much more upscale look and feel than the ADX. Sure, you’ll have to deal with the maddening trackpad.
But that 2.0 Liter turbo/10-speed auto combo is a huge step up from the ADX…
I agree that the ADX just doesn’t quite do enough. Seating should be Acura’s big calling card – in any model. These and the Integra seats are just pulled from the Civic and they’re not comfortable after a bit of driving. Acura, make sure your cars all have lumbar, and you should offer an adjustable thigh support in the top trims. That’s what a premium or performance car should have. The Aspec trim’s interior motif IMO is just tired at this point – even that blue stripe. At least this got rear seat vents and USBs – that should be on any premium/luxury car.
The unfortunate part is this car is slow. The mileage is no better than the HR-V. For that fuel economy, it should be fast and have the SH-AWD (not Honda’s RT-AWD). The wrong engine choice was made. External styling also feels old, in person. Expecially from the rear quarter view. Its a shame. They’re hyping this car so heavily, but I think it’ll see sales for the first year and then slide, like the Integra. Acura just isn’t taking necessary steps to do anything but get their RSX BEV built. So many failing Acuras, its just a shame.
I just don’t understand the Integra and this ADX. Weakly massaged Hondas at very premium prices. Hopefully the upcoming RSX EV will be the new “real” entry Acura.
Its not as attractive in person. Looks kind of old already.