2026 Acura ADX

Based on the Honda HR-V but sharing a powertrain and suspension with the Acura Integra compact sedan, the Acura ADX handles and steers better than premium rivals. Despite a clean exterior design, the parts shared with the HR-V are evident inside. That’s not a bad thing as it’s one of the roomiest, most spacious small SUVs around. It costs about $10,000 more than the HR-V, but it comes very well equipped, making it a value that undercuts premium and luxury rivals.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact luxury SUVs, including the Acura ADX.

Sold in base, A-Spec, and A-Spec with Advance Package trims, the ADX comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) for an additional $2,000. Priced between $36,450 and $43,850, it’s less expensive than subcompact luxury SUV rivals such as the Volvo XC40, Lexus UX, and BMW X1, among others.

Before buying an ADX, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

From a dead stop, the 190-hp turbo-4 won’t launch ahead like more tightly wound turbo-4s that proliferate in this luxury segment. Once cruising, and when peak torque comes on at 1,700 rpm, a pleasant surge of power provides plenty of confidence to merge aggressively or for most uphill passing moves. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) fakes gear shifts via paddle shifters or the Sport setting in the gear shifter, but it’s best to just stay in Sport or Individual mode and let it do its thing. Otherwise, it’s a composed and quiet cruiser.

For shoppers seeking more performance, Acura could remedy the casual acceleration by offering the 320-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 used in the Integra Type S. Of course, that would come at a price, but it would pair well with the sharp handling and direct steering inherent in the ADX. Those attributes are the true charms of the ADX.

The mesh vent covers, climate panel, and 9-inch touchscreen set on the dash like a tablet come direct from the Honda HR-V, allowing some criticism of badge engineering in the ADX. Badge engineering is when an automaker sells largely the same car under more than one name and price. The ADX remains affordable by luxury standards but, more importantly, the shared platform with the Honda opens up the roomiest cabins in the small SUV class. That’s huge.

With 37.7 inches of rear legroom, there’s plenty of room for four adults and a carry-on and backpack for each in the cargo hold. Headroom and shoulder room are also above average for the class, and deep door pockets optimize the space. Fold down the 60/40-split rear seats for 55.1 cubic feet of space. The cramped center console is a little odd, with a slight wall on the passenger side and asymmetrical cupholders.

Sport-tuned suspension: The ADX employs a pretty standard MacPherson front strut and multilink rear suspension, but the Integra-based suspension is tuned well to handle the taller and heavier proportions of the ADX. There’s more subframe rigidity, larger stabilizer bars, and increased spring rate to offset the 3,514-pound curb weight. It’s fun to drive.

Great standard features: Every ADX has heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, a moonroof, a power tailgate, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a wireless device charger.

A wealth of standard safety features: Unlike luxury rivals, Acura loads the ADX with standard driver-assist features, including lane-departure warning, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keeping assistance, and road sign recognition.