Acura’s newest entry into the compact luxury SUV market, the 2026 Acura ADX, is designed to attract new buyers seeking a premium experience at a more affordable price. But after extensive testing, industry experts say the ADX doesn’t quite deliver the luxury punch it promises.

While the vehicle offers a smooth, comfortable daily drive and earns high marks for safety, critics argue that it feels too much like a dressed-up Honda HR-V, and not enough like a true luxury SUV.

A Premium Price Without the Premium Feel

The ADX sits above the Honda HR-V in Acura’s lineup, with the top-tier Advanced Package model starting around $45,350. On paper, this price places it in direct competition with popular European small SUVs, such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Volvo XC40.

However, when placed next to those established luxury rivals, the Acura falls short in delivering the refinement and exclusivity expected at this price point. Much of that comes down to its shared platform with the HR-V, an excellent subcompact SUV in its own category, but not one that feels “luxury-grade” when rebadged and repriced thousands higher.

For buyers paying an extra $15,000 to $20,000 over a standard HR-V, the similarities in interior layout, materials, and driving feel are hard to ignore. See more Photos

Performance: Smooth but Uninspiring

Under the hood, the 2026 ADX features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While this setup delivers good fuel efficiency and light, easy steering, ideal for urban driving, it lacks the power and refinement expected in the luxury class.

During testing, MotorTrend’s editors described the powertrain as “buzzy” and said it struggles to deliver speed under pressure. One editor noted that the ADX “feels fine at 80% of its limits, but completely falls apart when pushed beyond that.”

Despite Acura’s efforts to improve noise insulation and ride comfort, wind, road, and tire noise still intrude more than expected in a premium SUV.

Strong on Safety and Everyday Usability

Where the ADX truly shines is in safety and practicality. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and performed well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) testing.

Every model comes standard with AcuraWatch, a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic emergency braking. Reviewers praised these systems for being easy to use and dependable in real-world conditions.

Inside, the ADX also gets points for usability, real physical buttons for controls (a rarity these days), generous rear-seat space, and a comfortable ride in everyday driving. It’s clearly designed for commuters who want an upscale yet easygoing experience.

Design: Familiar, Maybe Too Familiar

Visually, Acura has done a decent job giving the ADX a sharper, sportier exterior look than its Honda sibling. But once inside, the similarities to the HR-V are impossible to ignore.

The dashboard design, materials, and overall layout feel lifted almost directly from Honda’s smaller SUV, leading some critics to describe the ADX as “a high-end trim package rather than its own model.”

This lack of a distinct identity hurts Acura’s efforts to stand out in a crowded luxury SUV market, especially when buyers can get more stylish and performance-oriented options from competitors at similar prices.

Verdict: Safe, Comfortable, But Not Compelling

The 2026 Acura ADX isn’t a bad vehicle, far from it. It’s comfortable, efficient, and very safe. For many buyers who value reliability and everyday ease over sporty driving, it might be a fine choice.

However, as part of MotorTrend’s 2026 SUV of the Year testing, which evaluates vehicles based on efficiency, design, safety, engineering excellence, value, and performance of intended function, the ADX struggled to stand out.

As features editor Christian Seabaugh summed it up:

“There are far more compelling vehicles at this price point, so it’s hard to see why someone would choose the ADX.”

Ultimately, Acura’s newest SUV feels like a premium-priced Honda rather than a true luxury contender, a safe bet for cautious buyers, but not one that excites or inspires in a segment full of exceptional choices.

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