The Smallest Acura SUV Is Premium
The 2026 Acura ADX, which debuted as an all-new 2025 mannequin, is the smallest SUV within the Acura line-up. This provides the model—smallest to largest SUV—ADX, RDX and MDX. Sharing a platform with the Honda HR-V the ADX plusses-up the HR-V with a premium expertise of high quality inside supplies, a extra highly effective engine and a tuned suspension. The premium subcompact SUV class is very aggressive, and Acura is able to take-on the competitors of Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, BMW X1 and the Lexus UX Hybrid.
One Engine; One Transmission; AWD Non-obligatory
Acura makes it easy because the ADX is on the market with one engine and one transmission. The 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is mated to a repeatedly variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters. Efficiency numbers are 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Entrance wheel drive is commonplace, however the ADX Clear Fleet Report drove had the elective all-wheel drive. In just a few 0-60 mph runs we averaged 8.9 seconds.
Working on 91 octane, the EPA charges the ADX AWD at 25 mpg metropolis/30 freeway/27 mixed. If choosing the front-wheel drive ADX, gas economic system numbers are 26/31/28. In 185 miles driving in Southern California we averaged 26.6 mpg. Gasoline economic system numbers reported by Clear Fleet Report are non-scientific, and symbolize the reviewer’s driving expertise utilizing the sprint gauge pc. Your numbers could differ.
Hitting the Open Street
The 2026 Acura ADX A-Spec AWD has Consolation, Regular, Sport and Snow drive modes. As well as, the Particular person mode permits the motive force to customized set the engine energy and sound, steering really feel and engine cease on idle. CVT transmissions traditionally aren’t recognized for delivering efficiency, however by manipulating the paddles and drive modes, the ADX CVT reaches above the norm. We squeezed-out some additional pep by dropping into Sport when pulling a grade or on nation sweepers and mountain twisties. The torque band kicks-in at 1,700 rpm and pulls by way of 5,000 rpm. We tossed-around the three,466 kilos as exhausting as was smart (and secure) with the ADX A-Spec AWD taking corners comfortably and with out extra physique lean.
The AWD system has what Acura calls Clever Management to sense when the automobile is dropping traction, routinely sending energy, primarily based on highway situations, to the rear wheels (greater than 50%) reminiscent of when beginning on snow and when climbing hills. When AWD isn’t wanted, the system switches again to front-wheel drive. This computer-operated system routinely and seamlessly makes the facility transfers with out discover to the motive force.
Exterior Design
The ADX options the model’s Diamond Pentagon grille with a blacked-out mesh sample framed by wide-set LED head and daytime operating lights and fog lamps.
The ADX we drove was completed in Milano Pink, which is one in all 4 colours accessible at no further value, together with Crystal Black Pearl, Adriatic Sea Pearl and Photo voltaic Silver Metallic. Platinum White Pearl and City Grey Pearl have a premium of $600.
The outside is void of pointless chrome or cladding. The door handles and shark fin antenna had been physique colour, whereas the outside mirror caps, decrease door panel and entrance and rear fascias had been in black. The ADX A-Spec will get 19-inch Berlina Black Cut up 5-spoke alloy wheels shod with 235/45 Continental ProContact all-season tires.
The hands-free distant tailgate has the rear wiper tucked properly below the window visor for a clear and upscale look. Good going, Acura designers!
The 2026 ADX A-Spec is inconspicuous, not flashy, and positively is about other than the Honda HR-V with which it shares a chassis.
Snug Inside
The black leather-trimmed seats had been 12-way energy adjustable for the motive force and 4-way energy adjustable for the passenger. Each are heated and ventilated with the motive force getting energy lumber and reminiscence. Visibility was good all the way in which round.
The rear seat welcomes grown people, holding two comfortably (three for brief jaunts) with ample leg, shoulder and head room and well-padded seat bottoms. There’s a flat cargo space of 53.9 cubic toes when the 60:40 cut up rear seat is folded.
The cockpit design, with a ten.5-inch head-up show (HUD) is driver-friendly. The 12.3-inch digital instrument display has white numbers towards a black background for the configurable gauges which might be handy for straightforward and fast driving data. Utilizing controls on the leather-covered and heated steering wheel, the motive force can scroll-through varied automobile settings and management the radio and voice activation. Simply say “Hey, Acura!”
The ADX comes commonplace with a 9-inch colour infotainment touchscreen which within the A-Spec trim has the 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. The superb sounding audio system has a easy consumer interface with AM/FM/HD radio, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Google and Alexa built-in. The lighted USB ports had been accompanied by a 12-volt outlet. Honda and Acura dropped SiriusXM just a few years in the past, so streaming the app can be obligatory.
The inside construct and materials high quality are at a excessive degree for a compact SUV. With delicate surfaces on the sprint, door panels and heart console, all embellished with high stitching, the low-profile sprint aided in good ahead imaginative and prescient and the linear sprint design gave an look of size and widening. The conveniently positioned dual-zone computerized local weather management has massive wheels for straightforward operation.
Security and Comfort
All ADX fashions come commonplace with lively and passive security options reminiscent of entrance and facet air baggage with rollover sensors, and their superior driver help techniques (ADAS). Security applied sciences embrace ahead collision and highway departure mitigation, lane preserve help, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise management.
Pricing
The 2026 Acura ADX is available in three trim ranges, and all can be found in FWD or AWD. These costs embrace the $1,450 vacation spot cost.
ADX
FWD $36,450
AWD $38,450
A-Spec
FWD $39,450
AWD $41,450
A-Spec with the Superior Package deal
FWD $43,450
AWD $45,450
Observations: 2026 Acura ADX AWD A-Spec Superior
The ADX nameplate was first launched for the 2025 mannequin 12 months as an entry to the Acura lineup, positioned alongside the Integra sedan.
Acura doesn’t market the ADX as a efficiency SUV, nevertheless it was designed to stability good dealing with with respectable efficiency and a snug experience.
Whereas the 2026 ADX is the entry degree compact SUV for Acura, it shouldn’t be thought-about a fancier Honda HR-V. It isn’t. The ADX is six inches longer, so positioned side-by-side the ADX has extra of a presence. However size isn’t the story right here. When Acura engineers, exterior and inside designers obtained going, the result’s acquainted, however completely different. The most important variations, after all, are the suspension and the engine the ADX shares with the sporty Integra, a choice by Acura to maintain a little bit of the efficiency DNA in its first entry into this standard SUV phase.
The ADX has given Acura sellers one thing to be enthusiastic about as compact SUVs are hot-selling. Current year-over-year progress within the phase is predicted to proceed. The ADX is an interesting step-up from a sedan, but in addition for some individuals it is going to be downsizing from the bigger RDX and MDX as their existence change.
So how does the considered a premium compact SUV in your driveway sound? Go to your native Acura supplier and see for your self.
Be certain to opt-in to the Clear Fleet Report e-newsletter (high proper of web page) to be notified of all new tales and automobile evaluations.
Story and photographs by John Faulkner.
