- Acura’s new ADX will serve as the compact crossover entry to the brand
- The model will come powered by a 1.5L turbocharged four, with standard AWD
- Sales are expected to start this spring, with prices in the mid-$40,000s
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With a lineup already sounding for all the world like a list of airport codes (save for “Integra,” of course) Acura is introducing a new (alphanumerically badged) compact crossover for the 2025 model year. Called the ADX, it is set to do battle with machines like the BMW X3 and Lexus NX. In other words: an incredibly crowded and competitive segment.
Under the hood is a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine which is similar in spirit to the mill found in the Integra, though it (predictably) is only offered with a continuously variable transmission in the ADX. The brand promises some fake-news ‘step shift’ simulated gears in some driving conditions, though. Power figures are expected to slot in at 190 horses and 179 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel-drive is standard in Canada, and can send up to half the torque to its rear wheels when needed.
Measurements are right on top of the X3’s, checking in at 4,718 millimetres (187 inches) from tip to tail, and with a height of 1,620 mm (63.7 inches) from roof to rocker. Styling hews to the corporate design, with a so-called frameless diamond pentagon grille up front bookended by a set of headlights with a distinctive lighting signature that is duplicated in the rear with sharp taillights. Wheel options will be 18s or 19s, depending on trim. Speaking of, Canada will get a base ADX, ADX A-Spec, and ADX Platinum Elite A-Spec.
It is that latter trim which will enjoy goodies such as a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system which utilizes an 8.8-inch subwoofer and 16-channel amp to drive its proprietary Acoustic Lens Technology. If other Acura efforts in the audio arena have been any indication, this will be a banging stereo. Unique colour combinations serve to jazz the place up, a development of which we heartily approve.
All trims get a standard 10.2-inch digital gauge display plus a 9.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment duties. A physical volume knob is present (yes, we live in an era where that inclusion is notable) and Acura has also apparently integrated a small ledge on which to rest the edge of one’s hand whilst stabbing at the touchscreen with an outstretched finger. Wireless smartphone integration and charging are standard, though you’ll have to upgrade to the top rung if digital services like Google built-in are important.
Cargo area is listed at 690 litres (24.3 cubic feet) behind the rear seat, and 1,560 litres (55 cu ft) with those seats folded away. The former (and arguably more useful) metric is better than the X3, but the latter trails its German competitor by 140 litres, or roughly five cubic feet. We’ll reserve judgment until we see the ADX in person, because while some vehicles may have ample cargo capacity on paper, real-world shapes and sizes sometimes conspire to produce a less than useful space.
May we also please take a moment and encourage Acura to fully embrace a return to real names. Think what you will about the Integra, but the fact remains it is an entertaining car and one whose name is instantly recognizable. It’s not like the brand is lacking for strong monikers in its relatively short history — imagine if the top-dog MDX was called the “Legend,” RDX was the “Vigor,” and so forth.
The original impetus for moving to alphabet soup were marketers who, at the time, were terrified the buying public identified more with names like “Integra” and the like more than they did the actual Acura brand. I mean, so long as buyers are signing cheques to you, who cares? Take a page from the Lincoln playbook in terms of a naming convention, Acura — we promise you won’t regret it.
As for the newly introduced ADX, look for it on dealer lots early next calendar year with a price range starting in the mid-$40,000 bracket.
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