Taking a Spin in the 2025 Acura ADX Compact SUV
New Acura ADX Offers Smooth Ride and Impressive Fuel Efficiency
The Acura ADX, a new addition to the Acura luxury brand's lineup, is making waves in the subcompact luxury SUV category. The ADX slots below the compact RDX and the midsize, three-row MDX SUV, offering a unique blend of performance, efficiency, and comfort.
One of the standout features of the 2025 Acura ADX is its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This transmission offers smooth and predictable torque delivery, providing a consistent and refined driving experience that suits daily commuting well. The CVT is tuned for simulated shift points, reducing harshness compared to many traditional automatics, and contributing to a quiet cabin at highway speeds.
However, the CVT does have its drawbacks. It delivers a muted throttle response and delivers lackluster, droning acceleration, which may feel less engaging than an 8-speed automatic. Despite tuning, the ADX's 0-60 mph time is nearly 9 seconds, slower than some competitors in the category.
The interior of the Acura ADX is a testament to luxury. Plush materials, dedicated climate controls, a 9-inch central touchscreen, and a traditional volume knob create a sophisticated and user-friendly environment. The interior space is impressive, with adults finding ample room in both the first and second rows. The ADX also boasts 24 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row seat and 55 cubic feet of space when the second row seats are folded down.
The ADX's electric-assist power steering delivers exceptional feel and feedback, making for confident handling around corners. Putting the ADX in "Sport" mode enhances its handling capabilities, with minimal body roll and capable brakes.
The Acura ADX is priced at $36,350 for the base trim, $39,350 for the mid-grade ADX A-Spec, and $43,350 for the top trim ADX A-Spec Advance. The ADX's performance pedigree, including a flat-bottom steering wheel, racy graphics, and optional all-wheel-drive system, may feel out of place with the CVT drivetrain.
Despite the performance limitations of the CVT, the ADX's fuel efficiency is impressive. With a mixed EPA rating of 27 mpg, the ADX outperforms most competitors in the category. The CVT likely contributes to this efficiency, making the ADX an attractive option for those prioritizing fuel economy.
In summary, the 2025 Acura ADX's CVT prioritizes fuel efficiency and smoothness but compromises performance feel and cabin noise compared to traditional automatic transmissions, reflecting typical CVT trade-offs in compact luxury SUVs. Despite this, the ADX offers a refined driving experience, impressive interior space, and a competitive price point, making it a compelling option in the subcompact luxury SUV market.
References:
- Edmunds: 2025 Acura ADX Review
- Car and Driver: 2025 Acura ADX First Drive Review
- MotorTrend: 2025 Acura ADX First Drive Review
- Roadshow: 2025 Acura ADX First Look
- Autoblog: 2025 Acura ADX First Look
- In the automotive industry, the new Acura ADX is generating buzz due to its contribution to the subcompact luxury SUV sector.
- The CVT transmission in the Acura ADX provides a smooth and quiet ride, ideal for daily commuting, but falls short in delivering engaging acceleration compared to an 8-speed automatic.
- Beyond its performance, the Acura ADX showcases a luxurious interior with plush materials, dedicated climate controls, and a user-friendly layout.
- The Acura ADX's electric-assist power steering offers exceptional feedback and handling, making it a capable choice for city driving and winding roads.
- With its European-league and premier-league soccer ticketing partnerships, Acura aims to cater to sports enthusiasts interested in the ADX, including sports betting fans.
- Given its impressive fuel efficiency of 27 mpg, the Acura ADX is an attractive choice for those prioritizing eco-friendliness and cost-effective car-maintenance.
- Electric vehicles and sports analysis enthusiasts might find the Acura ADX less appealing, given its reliance on a traditional internal combustion engine and lack of performance-oriented features compared to high-end sports cars and high-efficiency electric vehicles.
