2026 Acura ADX Review: A Comfortable Luxury SUV That Needs More Power
Table of Contents
The Acura ADX is an important model for Acura. It gives the brand an entry point into the premium SUV market while sitting below the MDX and the RDX in the lineup.
Acura has offered entry level models before. When the brand arrived in the US around four decades ago, it launched with the flagship Legend and the Civic based Integra. The ADX now plays a similar role as Acura’s smallest and most affordable SUV.
The 2026 Acura ADX starts at $35,000 for the front wheel drive model. The A Spec starts at $38,200, while the A Spec with Advance Package starts at $42,400. All wheel drive adds $2,000 to each version.
The basic idea is simple. Take the Honda HR V platform, give it a more powerful turbocharged engine, add Acura styling, a more upscale cabin and more equipment, and sell it as a premium compact SUV.
That formula works in several areas. It also has a few obvious weaknesses.
2026 Acura ADX engine and performance
The Acura ADX uses a 1.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine with direct injection and DOHC VTEC. It produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb ft of torque. Acura pairs the engine with a continuously variable transmission, or CVT. Front wheel drive comes standard, while Acura offers all wheel drive as an option.
The engine is closely related to the unit used in the Acura Integra and Honda Civic Si, although Acura tunes it differently for the ADX. The ADX produces 10 fewer horsepower than the Integra.
Compared with the Honda HR V, however, there is a meaningful jump in output. The HR V uses a naturally aspirated 2.0 liter four cylinder producing 158 horsepower, while the ADX adds 32 horsepower and roughly 40 lb ft of torque.
On paper, that sounds like a healthy upgrade.
The problem is the weight.
The ADX weighs around 3,600 pounds in the configuration tested by Car and Driver. That is a lot of mass for a vehicle using a 190 horsepower engine. Car and Driver recorded 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds with an AWD ADX, which puts performance firmly on the slower side of this segment.
Testing of the 2026 model in the supplied material produced a best 0 to 60 mph time of 8.56 seconds.
That number tells you quite a lot about the ADX. It is not a quick luxury SUV.
There is also noticeable hesitation when you ask for maximum acceleration. The CVT uses simulated shifts, and that does not always help the ADX feel as responsive as it should.
A conventional automatic transmission would have made this powertrain more interesting. Acura has used excellent dual clutch transmissions in the past, so the decision to use a CVT here feels like a missed opportunity.
The ADX is much larger than it looks
One interesting thing about the ADX is its size.
Acura calls it a premium compact SUV, but at 185.8 inches long, it is a fairly large vehicle for this class. The ADX uses a 104.5 inch wheelbase and measures 72.5 inches wide.
It is roughly six inches longer than the Honda HR V on which it is based.
That creates slightly unusual proportions. The front and rear overhangs are relatively long, while the wheelbase remains much shorter than the overall length.
There is a benefit to this approach, though. The extra exterior length helps the ADX provide a surprisingly roomy cabin.
Acura lists up to 37.7 inches of rear legroom, and that is one of the strongest points of the vehicle. The rear seat feels considerably more usable than what you get in several smaller luxury crossovers.
For a small family, this matters more than a quick 0 to 60 time.
Exterior design gives the ADX its own identity
The ADX does not look like a dressed up Honda HR V.
Acura has given it its own design language, including the large frameless diamond pentagon grille and the brand’s chicane inspired LED lighting. The hood has several sharp creases that give the front end a more muscular appearance.
The A Spec models add a more aggressive front fascia, gloss black elements and larger 19 inch wheels. The standard wheels are 18 inches. A panoramic sunroof also comes with the A Spec models and above.
The Double Apex Blue Pearl II exterior is one of the more interesting choices. It gives the ADX a stronger visual presence and works particularly well with the lighter interior.
At the rear, the LED tail lights carry over the chicane design theme. The A Spec also gets a more pronounced spoiler and dual chrome exhaust outlets.
The design does a good job of making the ADX look more expensive than its Honda relative.
That is exactly what Acura needed to do.
Cargo space is one of the ADX's strengths
The ADX has a useful cargo area for its class.
Acura lists up to 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 55.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded on the standard model. The A Spec with Advance has slightly different figures because of its equipment.
There is also underfloor storage and a temporary spare tire.
The rear seats fold to create a nearly flat load floor, although you need to access the rear seat area to operate the folding mechanism.
This is another area where the ADX makes a strong case for itself. It may not be exciting on paper, but it is practical.
The Acura ADX interior feels properly upscale in the front
The cabin is probably one of the ADX’s biggest selling points.
The A Spec with Advance Package gets genuine leather seats, while lower versions use synthetic leather. The front seats also get heating and ventilation, with the ventilated seats being particularly notable because some European competitors do not offer the feature in this class.
The driver’s seat has 12 way power adjustment and the Advance Package adds memory settings.
The cabin uses a mixture of soft touch materials, leather and suede style trim. The Light Orchid interior is especially distinctive when paired with Double Apex Blue Pearl II.
There are some cheaper looking materials lower down in the cabin, including hard plastic and piano black trim. The latter also has the usual problem of collecting fingerprints and dust very quickly.
The overall impression is still positive.
The steering wheel feels good in the hands, the controls have a satisfying mechanical feel and the traditional gear selector is easy to use.
Technology is good, but Acura could have done more
Every ADX gets a 9 inch touchscreen and a 10.2 inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard.
The Advance Package adds Google built in, including Google Maps, Google Assistant and access to the Google Play Store.
The top model also gets a 15 speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system.
The sound system is one of the highlights of the cabin. It gives the ADX a more premium feel and is one of those features that you notice every day.
There is also wireless smartphone charging and USB C connectivity.
The biggest problem is that Acura stops at a 9 inch centre screen. At this price, a 12.3 inch display would have made more sense, particularly on the top trim.
The ADX also does not offer a head up display.
That is a strange omission on the most expensive version of the car.
The 360 degree camera is useful, but trim dependent
The full 360 degree camera is available on the Advance Package. It provides a top down view along with trajectory and distance markers.
The system also works with cross traffic braking.
It is useful equipment, especially for a vehicle that is relatively large for its class.
The problem is that Acura makes buyers move up the trim range to get it.
The same applies to several other premium features.
Rear seat space is better than expected
The rear seat is where the ADX starts to make a lot of sense.
With 37.7 inches of rear legroom, there is enough space for adults to sit comfortably. The supplied test experience also found enough room to cross your legs, with a nearly flat centre floor.
There are rear air vents and two USB C charging ports.
The seats do not recline, and heated rear seats are not available even on the Advance Package. The rear door panels also use more hard plastic than you would expect from an Acura.
Still, the space itself is excellent.
Acura lists 37.7 inches of rear legroom, and its own comparison data shows the ADX ahead of the Lexus UX and close to the much larger RDX in this measurement.
That makes the ADX a more convincing family vehicle than its exterior dimensions might suggest.
How does the Acura ADX drive?
The ADX is much better at everyday driving than its acceleration figures suggest.
The suspension has a soft and comfortable setup. It absorbs bumps well and keeps the ride composed on normal roads.
The steering is relatively quick and has a decent amount of weight. There is not much feedback through the wheel, but the ADX still feels controlled when driven through corners.
It is sporty enough without becoming uncomfortable.
The problem is that the ADX does not offer adaptive dampers. Even the top Advance Package misses this feature, while the Integra offers adaptive dampers.
For a vehicle marketed around Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance philosophy, that feels like a missed opportunity.
The biggest problem is the powertrain
There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the 1.5 liter turbo engine.
It has enough power for normal city driving, highway cruising and everyday overtaking.
The problem is that the ADX looks more athletic than it actually is.
The CVT adds to that problem. It can feel hesitant when you ask for hard acceleration and the simulated shifts do not always make the vehicle feel faster.
Car and Driver reached 60 mph in 8.7 seconds with an AWD ADX and also described the vehicle as needing more power.
The supplied testing produced a slightly quicker 8.56 second result, but the overall conclusion remains the same.
The ADX is not a performance SUV.
It is a comfortable SUV with sporty styling.
There is a difference.
Fuel economy is reasonable
Acura’s official EPA figures depend on the drivetrain.
The front wheel drive ADX is rated at 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined. The AWD version is rated at 25 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined. Acura recommends premium 91 octane fuel.
The supplied testing saw around 26 mpg in mostly city driving and 35 mpg during highway testing.
That highway result is encouraging, although real world fuel economy will depend heavily on speed, traffic and driving style.
The bigger question is why Acura does not offer a hybrid.
A hybrid powertrain would suit the ADX extremely well. It could improve low speed response, reduce fuel consumption and make the small luxury SUV feel more effortless in everyday driving.
Honda already has two motor hybrid technology in its wider lineup, so it is easy to understand why a hybrid ADX feels like an obvious missing piece.
2026 Acura ADX pricing
The 2026 Acura ADX has a relatively attractive starting price for a luxury branded SUV.
| Version | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| ADX FWD | $35,000 |
| ADX AWD | $37,000 |
| A Spec FWD | $38,200 |
| A Spec AWD | $40,200 |
| A Spec with Advance FWD | $42,400 |
| A Spec with Advance AWD | $44,400 |
These are Acura’s current listed starting prices before destination, taxes and other charges.
The A Spec package adds around $3,200 over the base model, while moving from A Spec to A Spec with Advance adds another $4,200.
The top version can therefore get expensive quickly.
The supplied test vehicle came to around $46,500 with destination.
That sounds like a lot for a small Acura.
However, the comparison changes when you look at competing luxury SUVs. Acura itself compares the ADX against models such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lexus UX, Mercedes Benz GLA and Volvo XC40, and highlights its lower starting price and strong equipment level.
The A Spec with Advance starts at $42,400, while Acura’s comparison page lists several competitors at significantly higher prices.
That gives the ADX one of its strongest arguments.
It is not cheap in absolute terms.
It is relatively good value for a luxury branded SUV.
Acura ADX sales are already strong
The ADX has also become an important sales model for Acura.
Acura sold 20,133 ADX vehicles in the US during 2025, its first partial year on sale.
By the end of June 2026, Acura had sold 16,554 units in the US. Acura said the ADX had its second best month of the year in June, with more than 3,100 units sold, while Q2 sales increased 94 percent.
That is important because the ADX is doing the job Acura designed it to do.
It brings buyers into the brand.
The company describes the ADX as a gateway crossover, and it accounted for a significant share of Acura’s retail sales in the segment.
So while enthusiasts may complain about the lack of power, the market appears to be more interested in the overall package.
What is good about the 2026 Acura ADX?
The ADX has several clear strengths.
- Comfortable ride quality
- Spacious rear seat
- Useful cargo area
- Strong standard equipment
- Attractive exterior design
- Available ventilated front seats
- Available 360 degree camera
- Good quality front seats
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available Google built in
- Excellent Bang and Olufsen sound system on the top trim
- Competitive pricing against several luxury rivals
- Available all wheel drive
What needs improvement?
There are also some obvious weaknesses.
- Slow acceleration
- CVT feels hesitant under hard acceleration
- Engine sounds buzzy
- Cabin could use more sound insulation
- No hybrid powertrain
- No adaptive dampers
- No head up display
- No heated rear seats
- Too much piano black trim
- Some rear cabin materials feel more Honda than Acura
- Top trim becomes expensive quickly
Should you buy the 2026 Acura ADX?
The 2026 Acura ADX is an interesting example of a vehicle that looks worse on paper than it feels in everyday use.
The 190 horsepower engine is not impressive for a vehicle weighing around 3,600 pounds. The 0 to 60 mph time is slow, and the CVT does not help the driving experience when you push hard.
But most people buying a small luxury SUV are not launching it at every traffic light.
For normal driving, the ADX is comfortable, easy to drive, spacious and well equipped. The rear seat is one of its strongest features, and the cabin offers plenty of equipment for the money.
The biggest missing feature is the hybrid powertrain.
A hybrid ADX could solve several of the vehicle’s problems at once. It could improve acceleration from a stop, reduce fuel consumption and make the powertrain feel more refined.
For now, buyers who want a comfortable and practical entry level Acura have a very convincing option.
Those looking for performance should look elsewhere.
If Acura adds a hybrid system, better sound insulation, adaptive dampers and a head up display, the ADX could become an even stronger package.
For now, the 2026 Acura ADX is best understood as a comfortable, spacious and well equipped luxury SUV that puts value ahead of outright performance.
And that may actually be exactly what most buyers in this segment want.
Sources & References
Official Acura sources
- Acura USA | 2026 ADX Overview
Acura 2026 ADX Official Page
Official US model page covering the ADX design, features, trims and starting price. - Acura USA | ADX Pricing & Specifications
Acura ADX Pricing & Specifications
Best source for engine output, torque, transmission, dimensions, fuel economy, drivetrain and official US pricing. - Acura USA | ADX Comparison
Acura ADX Compare
Useful for comparing the ADX with other premium compact SUVs and Acura models. - Acura Newsroom
Acura Newsroom
Useful for official Acura announcements, product information and US sales releases.
Independent automotive sources
- Car and Driver | 2026 Acura ADX Review
Car and Driver 2026 Acura ADX Review
One of the best independent references for driving impressions, performance and overall evaluation. Car and Driver also specifically notes that the ADX could use more horsepower and that a hybrid powertrain would suit it well. - Car and Driver | ADX Specifications
Car and Driver ADX Specifications
Useful independent reference for dimensions, drivetrain, engine specifications and EPA fuel economy. - Edmunds | 2026 Acura ADX Review
Edmunds 2026 Acura ADX Review
Useful for independent testing, pricing, ownership information, trim comparisons and driving impressions. Edmunds tested the ADX at 9.4 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. - IIHS | 2026 Acura ADX Safety Ratings
IIHS 2026 Acura ADX Safety Ratings
This is the strongest source for crash testing and safety information. The 2026 ADX currently carries an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the key questions buyers may have about the 2026 Acura ADX, including its engine, performance, fuel economy, interior space, features and pricing.
What engine does the 2026 Acura ADX have?
The 2026 Acura ADX uses a 1.5 litre DOHC VTEC turbocharged four cylinder engine with direct injection. It produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb ft of torque. The engine is more powerful than the naturally aspirated 2.0 litre engine used in the Honda HR V, but it makes less power than the engine used in the Acura Integra.
How much horsepower does the Acura ADX produce?
The Acura ADX produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb ft of torque. That gives it a useful advantage over the Honda HR V, which uses a 2.0 litre naturally aspirated engine producing 158 horsepower.
Does the 2026 Acura ADX have a manual transmission?
No. The 2026 Acura ADX is offered with a continuously variable transmission, or CVT. There is no manual transmission option.
Is the Acura ADX available with all wheel drive?
Yes. The Acura ADX is available with either front wheel drive or all wheel drive. According to the supplied data, all wheel drive costs around $2,000 extra. The system is not Acura's Super Handling All Wheel Drive system used on larger Acura models.
How fast is the 2026 Acura ADX from 0 to 60 mph?
The tested 2026 Acura ADX recorded a best 0 to 60 mph time of about 8.56 seconds in the supplied testing data. Other runs recorded approximately 8.73 and 9.2 seconds. This makes acceleration one of the weaker areas of the ADX compared with several rivals.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Acura ADX?
The supplied data lists fuel economy at 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. During testing, around 26 mpg was achieved in mostly city driving, while highway driving returned about 35 mpg.
Does the Acura ADX require premium fuel?
The turbocharged engine is recommended to run on premium fuel, although regular gasoline can also be used.
How much cargo space does the Acura ADX have?
The Acura ADX offers around 24 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Folding the rear seats increases the available space to approximately 54 cubic feet. There is also some underfloor storage and a temporary spare tire.
Is the Acura ADX spacious inside?
Yes. Interior space is one of the ADX's stronger points. Acura lists 37.7 inches of rear seat legroom, which gives the ADX more usable rear passenger space than several rivals. The rear floor is also almost completely flat in the centre, making the back seat more practical for passengers.
Does the 2026 Acura ADX have a panoramic sunroof?
Yes. A panoramic sunroof is available on the A Spec models and above. It opens over the front seats and includes a wind deflector and power retractable shade. The base ADX uses a standard size moonroof instead.
Does the Acura ADX have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. The Acura ADX offers wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. The vehicle also uses a 9 inch touchscreen as standard.
Does the Acura ADX have Google built in?
Google built in is available on the Advanced package. It includes Google Maps, access to the Google Play Store and Google voice commands. Lower trims do not get the built in Google functionality.
Does the Acura ADX have ventilated seats?
Yes. The higher A Spec Advanced model gets heated and ventilated front seats. The supplied data highlights the ventilated seats as one of the ADX's useful advantages in this segment.
Does the Acura ADX have leather seats?
The A Spec Advanced model gets genuine leather seats. Other ADX models use synthetic leather. The driver seat offers 12 way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat has four way power adjustment.
Does the Acura ADX have a 360 degree camera?
Yes, but the full top down 360 degree camera is available on the Advanced package. The system provides trajectory guidance, distance markers and additional camera views. Cross traffic braking is also included with the system.
Does the Acura ADX have adaptive dampers?
No. The Acura ADX does not offer adaptive dampers. This is one of the notable features missing from the model, especially considering that the Acura Integra offers adaptive dampers.
Does the Acura ADX have a head up display?
No. The Acura ADX does not offer a head up display. This is another feature that would have made the higher Advanced package more convincing, particularly at its price point.
How comfortable is the 2026 Acura ADX?
Comfort is one of the ADX's strongest qualities. The suspension has a soft tune that absorbs bumps well, while the front seats are supportive and comfortable. The vehicle also has good visibility and a relatively easy step in height.
Is the Acura ADX noisy inside?
The cabin is not as quiet as you might expect from a luxury SUV. Engine buzz and road noise can be heard inside the cabin, and additional sound deadening would improve the overall luxury experience.
How much does the 2026 Acura ADX cost?
The supplied data puts the base Acura ADX at around $35,000. All wheel drive costs around $2,000 extra, while the A Spec package adds roughly $3,200. The A Spec Advanced package adds approximately another $4,000, bringing the price of the tested vehicle to around $46,500 including destination.
Is the Acura ADX a good alternative to the Honda HR V?
The ADX is a more premium and more powerful alternative to the HR V. It adds the 1.5 litre turbo engine, a 9 inch touchscreen, power liftgate, upgraded interior materials and additional luxury features. The trade off is a higher price, with the supplied data putting the difference at roughly $5,000 between comparable versions.
Does the Acura ADX have a hybrid powertrain?
No. The 2026 Acura ADX does not currently offer a hybrid powertrain. A hybrid version would address one of the main weaknesses identified in the supplied evaluation, particularly its acceleration and efficiency potential.
Is the 2026 Acura ADX worth buying?
The ADX makes the most sense for buyers who value comfort, interior space, luxury features and everyday usability more than outright acceleration. Its 190 horsepower engine is not particularly quick, but the ride is comfortable, the cabin has useful technology and the rear seat is spacious. The lack of a hybrid powertrain, adaptive dampers and head up display are its main drawbacks.
