You know that sweet spot between “sporty enough for me” and “practical enough for the people I love (and all their stuff)”? That’s where the 2025 Acura ADX lives. It’s Acura’s new gateway SUV—compact on the outside, surprisingly roomy inside, with the kind of tech and safety that makes weekday chaos feel a little more… civilized. Also: it’s fun. No apologies.
Why the ADX works for family life (a.k.a. the parent math)
Cabin & cargo in real life
Rear seat legroom is a generous 37.7 inches, and cargo space is 24.4 cu-ft with the seats up—55.1 cu-ft folded. Translation: school backpacks + sports duffels + a last-minute Costco run won’t make you play trunk Tetris. The load floor is low, the opening is wide, and the power tailgate with Walk Away Close means you can leave like a magician when your hands are full of juice boxes. The top trim adds hands-free tailgate, which is clutch when you’re hip-bumping a stroller.
Car seats & kid gear
The second row has LATCH lower anchors on the outboard seats and tether anchors across all positions, so installing two seats is straightforward and a forward-facing in the middle can tether properly. Buckle stalks are accessible, and the doors open wide enough that you won’t need to become a yoga instructor to cinch a seat. There’s also a Rear Seat Reminder, because we’ve all driven off with something important… like a diaper bag (or the cupcakes).
Tech your family will actually use
Every ADX gets a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 10.2-inch digital cluster, wireless charging, and 5G connectivity baked in. If you upgrade to the A-Spec with Advance Package, you unlock Google built-in (Maps, Assistant, Play) with a complimentary three-year unlimited data plan and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen system that makes “Encanto” oddly epic. Rear passengers get extra USB-C ports on A-Spec and above, and yes, the system is fast and has real buttons for volume. Dad thumbs rejoice.
Safety that’s not naggy
The ADX brings 10 airbags (including knee airbags and rear outboard side airbags), next-gen front airbags that help control head rotation, and the full AcuraWatch suite: Adaptive Cruise with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Info, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor—the works. On higher trims you also get a Multi-View Camera and Low-Speed Braking Control that can save your bumper from scooter surprises. There’s even a Driver Attention Monitor for those “I slept 4 hours” mornings.
How it drives (with kids onboard)
Under the hood is a 190-hp 1.5-liter turbo that’s punchy around town and relaxed on the highway. The CVT is tuned with Step-Shift logic so it “feels” like it’s changing gears under hard throttle, and you get paddle shifters for those moments you find a curvy on-ramp without anyone asking for snacks. AWD is available and smart—it can preemptively route power rearward before slip happens. Snow day? Tap Snow mode and go. The chassis is genuinely buttoned-down (it shares architecture DNA with Integra), so it feels composed instead of floaty when you dodge a rogue soccer ball.
Noise, cups, and comfort (the stuff you notice daily)
Acura throws serious sound-deadening at the ADX—acoustic insulation, ANC, aerodynamic tricks—so you can actually hear the back seat negotiate who “had it first.” The Body-Stabilizing front seats keep you comfy on long hauls, and there are eight legit drink holders sized for 32-oz bottles. The A-Spec cabin adds Ultrasuede trim, a flat-bottom wheel, ventilated seats, and ambient lighting for a little “parents’ night out” energy even when you’re just hitting pickup.
Fuel economy & fill-ups
Official ratings land at 26/31/28 mpg (city/hwy/combined) for 2WD and 25/30/27 mpg with AWD. Acura recommends 91-octane—worth budgeting for if you’re moving up from regular. For the mix of pep and efficiency, the math checks out.
Trims & What to Buy
- ADX (base): The essentials are already here—9" screen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated fronts, moonroof, AcuraWatch. If you’re mostly city-suburb and want the value play, this is it.
- A-Spec: Adds the look (19s, LED fogs, gloss-black trim) and the feel (Ultrasuede seats, ventilated fronts, flat-bottom wheel), plus rear USB-C ports and a panoramic roof. This is the “treat yourself” sweet spot most parents will love.
- A-Spec with Advance Package: Go big with Google built-in (3-yr data plan), Bang & Olufsen audio, hands-free tailgate, multi-view camera, parking sensors with Low-Speed Braking Control, heated wheel, and more leather. If your car is also your office/uber/music venue, this is worth the splurge.
Pros & Cons (Heavy on the Pros)
Pros
- Roomy where it counts: Adult-friendly back seat; cargo space that handles kid life without complaint.
- Family-first safety: 10 airbags, comprehensive driver assists, calm highway manners.
- Everyday easy tech: Wireless everything, quick UX, and real knobs—no menu spelunking for volume.
- Quiet, comfy, composed: Excellent noise isolation and supportive seats; more “premium calm” than “entry SUV.”
- AWD + drive modes: Confident in bad weather without turning you into a rally driver. (Unless you want to… in Sport.)
- Thoughtful touches: Walk-Away Close tailgate, abundant cupholders, big door bins, low lift-over for heavy stuff.
Cons
- Premium fuel recommended: Plan for 91-octane at the pump.
- Best toys at the top: Google built-in and that glorious Bang & Olufsen system require the A-Spec with Advance.
- CVT only: It’s a well-tuned CVT, but if you’re a “must have a conventional automatic” person, just know the score.
The Parent Take
The 2025 Acura ADX hits that rare balance: it feels like your car when it’s just you and a coffee, and it becomes the family hauler without the wheezy sighs. It’s easy to live with, surprisingly premium inside, and the safety/tech stack is dialed for real life. If your weekends look like sports fields and birthday parties—and your weekdays include a commute where you’d like a little joy—you’ll vibe with the ADX.
My pick for most families? ADX A-Spec with AWD. It nails the look, adds the comfort features you’ll appreciate every day, and with AWD and the full drive-mode set, it’s ready for weather and road trips. If you want the full tech candy shop, the A-Spec with Advance is a worthy stretch.
Either way, the ADX is the rare “first Acura” that doesn’t feel like a compromise. It just feels like a smart choice that also happens to make you smile. And yes, it swallows the snack bin. (Ask me how I know.)
