Automakers appear to be slicing their really reasonably priced entry-level fashions faster than an Iron Chef cuts an onion, however mercifully Acura is breaking that pattern with its new subcompact luxurious crossover, the ADX. Primarily based on the Honda HR-V, the ADX is precisely the sort of providing Acura has wanted, particularly because the ADX is projected to begin within the mid-$30,000 vary when it goes on sale early subsequent yr.
Not like the HR-V, the ADX shares the Integra’s turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain, although it’s solely supplied with a CVT that has paddle shifters. Regardless of sharing DNA with the athletic Integra, Acura says the ADX is aimed barely extra on the luxurious aspect of the spectrum, and it has an unbiased suspension setup with distinctive tuning. Acura hasn’t launched official energy or EPA figures for the ADX but, however given the engine’s Integra roots, it would seemingly crank out related energy numbers to the Integra’s 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. Entrance-wheel drive is customary whereas all-wheel drive is non-obligatory on all trims, and although it’s not Acura’s well-known torque-vectoring SH-AWD system, it may nonetheless ship as much as 50 p.c of engine torque to the rear wheels for added grip and a few dealing with assist. Most trims supply 4 drive modes — Snow, Consolation, Regular, and Sport — and the highest trim provides a customizable Particular person drive mode.
In alignment with the remainder of Acura’s mannequin lineups, the ADX might be supplied in customary Premium, A-Spec and A-Spec Superior trims. Styling is subjective, however in my humble opinion, the 2 A-Spec with Advance Bundle fashions I previewed are cute little crossovers with some aggressive cues. From the entrance it provides “Honey I shrunk the RDX,” and the rear is intriguing. You’ll be able to undoubtedly see the HR-V DNA within the ADX’s proportions rear finish, but it surely’s nonetheless uniquely Acura. I like the body-colored aerodynamic parts that body the rear window from the edges, and the aggressive spoiler. If that’s nonetheless not aggressive sufficient for you, Acura provides a cool ZDX-esque mid-tailgate spoiler, which seemingly doesn’t help a lot with downforce however makes it much more of a particular providing in an in any other case considerably bland phase. Behind that distinctive rear styling is class-leading cargo capability, one other feather within the ADXs hat.
Customary options embrace an influence tailgate, a ten.2-inch digital gauge cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment show with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wi-fi charging pad. Upgrading to A-Spec will get you a panoramic sunroof, ventilated entrance seats, sportier inside trimmings, 19-inch wheels and a four-way energy passenger seat. Taking issues to the highest Superior trim actually attire up the place with a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system, surround-view cameras, parking sensors, distant begin, a heated steering wheel, Google and Alexa built-in, and a 12-way energy driver’s seat.
Acura’s active-safety options are customary on all ADXs, together with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping help, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, lane-departure help, site visitors jam help, site visitors signal recognition and a rear cross-traffic monitor.
Given the ADXs proposed mid-$30,000 beginning worth and its in depth listing of normal options, I feel the ADX might be a simple car to suggest. The inside is on par with its rivals just like the Lexus UX, Audi Q3, BMW X1, Volvo XC40 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, to call a number of. Anticipate to see the ADX in Acura showrooms in early 2025. We’re unsure why it’s taken Acura so lengthy to unveil an entry-level SUV, and we haven’t pushed the ADX but, but when Acura injected some enjoyable into this sensible little crossover, then it would simply have a giant hit on its arms.
