The Smallest Acura SUV Is Premium
The 2026 Acura ADX, which debuted as an all-new 2025 model, is the smallest SUV in the Acura line-up. This gives the brand—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 experience of quality interior materials, a more powerful engine and a tuned suspension. The premium subcompact SUV category is highly competitive, and Acura is ready to take-on the competition of Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, BMW X1 and the Lexus UX Hybrid.
One Engine; One Transmission; AWD Optional
Acura makes it simple as the ADX is available with one engine and one transmission. The 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters. Performance numbers are 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Front wheel drive is standard, but the ADX Clean Fleet Report drove had the optional all-wheel drive. In a few 0-60 mph runs we averaged 8.9 seconds.
Running on 91 octane, the EPA rates the ADX AWD at 25 mpg city/30 highway/27 combined. If opting for the front-wheel drive ADX, fuel economy numbers are 26/31/28. In 185 miles driving in Southern California we averaged 26.6 mpg. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific, and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.
Hitting the Open Road
The 2026 Acura ADX A-Spec AWD has Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+ and Snow drive modes. In addition, the Individual mode allows the driver to custom set the engine power and sound, steering feel and engine stop on idle. CVT transmissions historically are not known for delivering performance, but by manipulating the paddles and drive modes, the ADX CVT reaches above the norm. We squeezed-out some extra pep by dropping into Sport or Sport+ when pulling a grade or on country sweepers and mountain twisties. The torque band kicks-in at 1,700 rpm and pulls through 5,000 rpm. We tossed-around the 3,466 pounds as hard as was sensible (and safe) with the ADX A-Spec AWD taking corners comfortably and without excess body lean.
The AWD system has what Acura calls Intelligent Control to sense when the vehicle is losing traction, automatically sending power, based on road conditions, to the rear wheels (more than 50%) such as when starting on snow and when climbing hills. When AWD isn’t needed, the system switches back to front-wheel drive. This computer-operated system automatically and seamlessly makes the power transfers without notice to the driver.
Exterior Design
The ADX features the brand’s Diamond Pentagon grille with a blacked-out mesh pattern framed by wide-set LED head and daytime running lights and fog lamps.
The ADX we drove was finished in Milano Red, which is one of four colors available at no additional cost, including Crystal Black Pearl, Adriatic Sea Pearl and Solar Silver Metallic. Platinum White Pearl and Urban Gray Pearl have a premium of $600.
The exterior is void of unnecessary chrome or cladding. The door handles and shark fin antenna were body color, while the exterior mirror caps, lower door panel and front and rear fascias were in black. The ADX A-Spec gets 19-inch Berlina Black Split 5-spoke alloy 19-inch wheels shod with 235/45 Continental ProContact all-season tires.
The hands-free remote tailgate has the rear wiper tucked nicely under the window visor for a clean and upscale look. Good going, Acura designers!
The 2026 ADX A-Spec is understated, not flashy, and certainly is set apart from the Honda HR-V with which it shares a chassis.
Comfortable Interior
The black leather-trimmed seats were 12-way power adjustable for the driver and 4-way power adjustable for the passenger. Both are heated and ventilated with the driver getting power lumber and memory. Visibility was good all the way around.
The rear seat welcomes grown humans, holding two comfortably (three for short jaunts) with ample leg, shoulder and head room and well-padded seat bottoms. There is a flat cargo area of 53.9 cubic feet when the 60:40 split rear seat is folded.
The cockpit design, with a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) is driver-friendly. The 12.3-inch digital instrument screen has white numbers against a black background for the configurable gauges that are convenient for easy, quick and convenient driving information. Using controls on the leather-covered and heated steering wheel, the driver can scroll-through various vehicle settings and control the radio and voice activation. Just say “Hey, Acura!”
The ADX comes standard with a 9-inch color infotainment touchscreen which in the A-Spec trim has the 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. The excellent sounding audio system has a simple user interface with AM/FM/HD radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Google and Alexa built-in. The lighted USB ports were accompanied by a 12-volt outlet. Honda and Acura dropped SiriusXM a few years ago, so streaming the app will be necessary.
The interior build and material quality are at a high level for a compact SUV. With soft surfaces on the dash, door panels and center console, all embellished with top stitching, the low-profile dash aided in good forward vision and the linear dash design gave an appearance of length and widening. The conveniently placed dual-zone automatic climate control has large wheels for easy operation.
Safety and Convenience
All ADX models come standard with active and passive safety features such as front and side air bags with rollover sensors, and their advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Safety technologies include forward collision and road departure mitigation, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Pricing
The 2026 Acura ADX comes in three trim levels, and all are available in FWD or AWD. These prices include the $1,450 destination charge.
ADX
FWD $36,450
AWD $38,450
A-Spec
FWD $39,450
AWD $41,450
A-Spec with the Advanced Package
FWD $43,450
AWD $45,450
Observations: 2026 Acura ADX AWD A-Spec Advanced
The ADX nameplate was first introduced for the 2025 model year as an entry to the Acura lineup, positioned alongside the Integra sedan.
Acura does not market the ADX as a performance SUV, but it was designed to balance good handling with respectable performance and a comfortable ride.
While the 2026 ADX is the entry level compact SUV for Acura, it should not be considered a fancier Honda HR-V. It isn’t. The ADX is six inches longer, so placed side-by-side the ADX has more of a presence. But length isn’t the story here. When Acura engineers, exterior and interior designers got going, the result is familiar, but different. The biggest differences, of course, are the suspension and the engine the ADX shares with the sporty Integra, a decision by Acura to keep a bit of the performance DNA in its first entry into this popular SUV segment.
The ADX has given Acura dealers something to be excited about as compact SUVs are hot-selling. Recent year-over-year growth in the segment is expected to continue. The ADX is an appealing step-up from a sedan, but also for some people it will be downsizing from the larger RDX and MDX as their lifestyles change.
So how does the thought of a premium compact SUV in your driveway sound? Visit your local Acura dealer and see for yourself.
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Story and photos by John Faulkner.
