2025 Acura ADX A-Spec Advance Package Instant Review: If Looks Could Kill

2025 Acura ADX Hits Many High Notes But Its Horsepower Might Be Too Falsetto

The 2025 Acura ADX enters the compact premium SUV space with sharp design, plenty of tech, and an upscale badge. Positioned below the sporty RDX, it targets buyers who want upscale features without straining their bank account. Here’s a quick look at what it offers.

Exterior Design and Features

The ADX hits high notes with Acura’s signature diamond pentagon grille, slim LED headlights, and a coupe-like roofline. The A-Spec trim adds gloss black accents, 19-inch dark-finish wheels, LED fog lights, and a standard panoramic moonroof. Optional front and rear spoilers, plus a logo projector, boost the street presence. High marks for aggressiveness without foolishness.

Powertrain, Horsepower, and Transmission

The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder makes 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, mated to a CVT with paddle shifters. Hmmm. Since many rivals offer more, this is a bit of a disappointment, especially for an a-Spec trom. The all-wheel-drive adds road-holding prowess, and acceleration is good enough … but is good enough good enough?

Driving Experience

Tuned for comfort more than sport, the ADX A-Spec delivers a refined ride thanks to its fully independent suspension and five-mode Integrated Dynamics System. It’s confident in everyday driving, with a decent balance of responsiveness and composure. More power would up the smile-factor.

Interior Design, Comfort, and Convenience

Inside, soft-touch materials, contrast stitching, and suede-like surfaces offer premium vibes. The Advance Package adds heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and 12-way driver seat adjustments. Rear passengers get USB-C ports, and the power tailgate has hands-free operation with walk-away close. Aces in this area.

Infotainment

Hearty kudos that a 9-inch touchscreen replaces Acura’s old touchpad system. With wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Google Built-In, Alexa, and a 15-watt wireless charger, the ADX’s tech is worlds ahead of some previous Acuras. A 10-inch digital instrument cluster adds zing, while a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen system booms out audio. Nearly a home run, but a bigger touchscreen would be nice.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Standard AcuraWatch includes all the expected features: forward collision warning, adaptive cruise, lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, and more. Upgrades like front/rear sensors, multi-angle rear camera, and rain-sensing wipers round out a solid safety suite. More aces.

Fuel Economy

Rated at 25/30/27 mpg (city/highway/combined) with AWD, the ADX beats many small turbocharged non-hybrid rivals. The CVT and small-displacement engine prioritize efficiency. Whether that’s good or bad depends on how quick you’d like to be.

Price and Value

At $46,890 as tested, the ADX A-Spec with Advance Package packs in tech, safety, and comfort. It’s not a rocket, but it delivers strong value and smart packaging in a stylish, compact footprint. If it had more horsepower, we’d fall in love.

Driving Today Rating

On our scale of one to five, four tires and a spare, we rate the 2025 Acura ADX A-Spec a 4. Efficient, feature-rich, and sharply styled, it’s a nice premium SUV in a downsized package.

Review written by Jack R. Nerad

See what America on the Road’s Jack Nerad and Matt DeLorenzo have to say about the 2025 Acura ADX by clicking here.