The 2025 Acura ADX is a Fancy-Pants HR-V with a 1.5L Turbo

There’s a new entry point to Acura’s SUV lineup, and it goes by the name ADX. From the front, the design department has done a good job of hiding the origins of its new compact crossover but, from the rear, it’s immediately apparent that this is a luxirified Honda HR-V that will go into battle with the likes of the Lexus UX.

Indeed, the new ADX is exactly as tall and wide as the HR-V, and shares its wheelbase, too, though it is a little longer overall, thanks no doubt to its new snout. Acura describes the crossover as having a frameless diamond pentagon grille, and it is as attractive here as it is on the brand’s other products. Similarly, its “chicane” headlights cut an attractive figure and laser-brazing has allowed the automaker to remove the roof moldings from the crossover, giving it an upscale, almost concept-car-like look.

Unlike the HR-V (which is powered by a 158-horsepower 2.0L engine), the ADX will be motivated by a 1.5L turbocharged engine whose output has yet to be revealed by the brand. The Integra, which is based on the same platform, also uses a 1.5L turbocharged engine, and it makes 200 hp. However much power it kicks out, the engine is bolted to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has “step shift” programming to make it feel more like a conventional transmission with gears. Up to 50 per cent of the engine’s power can be sent to the rear wheels, and an aluminum front subframe, dual pinion power steering, and sport-tuned suspension have been used to cut weight and improve handling.

Inside, the ADX gets a 10.2-inch instrument screen and a 9-inch touchscreen with Google Assistant, as well as some of the tech company's other apps built in. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard across the three model lineup: which is made up of the Premium, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite A-Spec trims. The last option offers, among other features, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with laser-etched speaker grilles.

For Canadian customers, the 2025 ADX will be available with two interior colour options, Ebony and Red/Ebony (a U.S. model with the Orchid/Blue interior that we will sadly be denied is also shown in the gallery). In the A-Spec model and above, the crossover will get Ultrasuede seat trim and a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel. As standard, the seats will be heated, but higher trims benefit from ventilation.

The automaker has also added extra spray foam insulation, sound-absorbing fender liners, sound-insulating carpets, and active noise control in the crossover to make it quieter and more refined. All models will offer 690 L of storage behind the rear seats, and 1,560 L of cargo space with the 60/40 folding seats flattened.

The ADX will come with a variety of standard safety features, including AcuraWatch, which includes blind spot warnings, lane keep assistance, collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, low speed follow, road departure mitigation, and more.

Prices for the new model have not yet been announced, but Acura Canada has confirmed that the 2025 ADX will start arriving in local dealerships early next year.