SAN DIEGO — Some automobiles, like Ferrari, have names that inspire lust and envy. Others, like Yugo or Cimarron, make you chuckle. Others, like the Honda Accord, inspire adoration. Then there are names that bring blank stares. They are typically alphanumeric and unrelated to the vehicle to which they are attached.

That’s not the case with the all-new Acura ADX, an all-new compact SUV and Acura’s new entry-level model. It’s at the beginning of an SUV line-up that ends at the other end of the alphabet with the larger MDX and ZDX SUVs. Too bad the RDX is smaller than either of them, so the letters don’t seem to have much logic beyond Acura’s own capriciousness.

The new ADX employs the same advanced global subcompact vehicle architecture as the Acura Integra, but with extensive strengthening throughout to improve handling and ride quality. Power comes from the Integra’s turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to what Acura calls a sport-tuned continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). When accelerating, the CVT shifts similar to a traditional automatic transmission, or use the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is a $2,000 option.

Opting for all-wheel drive doesn’t inflict much of a penalty at 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving, 1 mpg less than the front-wheel drive ADX. But Acura recommends using 91 octane fuel. My initial drive in San Diego and its environs saw an average of 15 mpg.

More Honda than Acura, the engine supplies fairly good power in most situations. But its small size is evident when more power is needed for passing. It’s agonizingly low, and isn’t nearly as effortless as you might expect. It’s driveline is more mainstream Honda than upscale Acura. Considering that Acura teams its engine to a continuously variable transmission, it proves to be fairly responsive. But a conventional transmission or a dual-clutch transmission would be a better choice. And as is typical of Acura and Honda products no matter what the price, road and tire noise are cacophonous.

But it’s the ADX’s handling that makes it such a welcome addition to the lineup. Steering is ideally weighted and fairly quick. The suspension is expertly tuned for carving through corners with little body lean. It makes for a truly responsive fun-to-drive compact SUV. Even bumps are well absorbed. It’s so good in fact, its easy to overlook most of the powertrain’s issues.

More impressive is the ADX’s interior.

It’s suitably upscale without being fussy or pretentious, cabin finishes seem similar to those of the far pricier ZDX, and that’s no bad thing, with shiny black plastic and metal trim and soft leather seating surfaces. The driver-oriented instrument panel has a large vertical separation on the right side that flows into the center console separating the front seats.

The front seats have good bolstering and the seat bottom is suitably wide for larger drivers. There’s good leg room in both rows, although the rear seating position is low, and head room is merely adequate. The rear door openings are narrow at the bottom, and there are no grab handles by the doors. But there’s more than enough room in the cabin for most Acura buyers.

The only hint of any Honda Civic heritage is the diamond-shaped grille on the A/C vents. No reflections in the windshield, thank God. And there’s plenty of standard stuff to reinforce its place in the premium SUV firmament, including a panoramic moonroof, heated front seats, dual-zone climate controls, rear air conditioning vents, a power tailgate and 18-inch alloy wheels. Offered in base, A-Spec and A-Spec with Advance Package trim, the latter pair come with 19-inch rubber, LED fog lamps, gloss black lower exterior trim.

Thankfully, the climate controls are knobs and buttons. It’s all very sensible and welcome. Its rational sensibility is reinforced by the 9-inch infotainment screen doesn’t suffer from a case of size anxiety, being sensibly sized, and boasts a physical knob as well as buttons for the home screen and back functions. There’s also a 10.2-inch digital instrument display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Wi-Fi hotspot, a Qi-compatible 15-watt wireless smartphone charger, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that make for an impressive tech package.

Prices start at $36,350 including a $1,350 destination charge.

The 2025 Acura ADX wears its best Integra underpinnings well, with compliant, confident handling that’s incredibly fun-to-drive. It’s held back by a powertrain that seems a bit too mundane for an Acura. That said, it isn’t the only entry-level SUV to suffer from such an affliction.

But the ADX’s cabin is a suitable step up from its more plebeian relatives, and the Acura ADX is sure to become Acura’s bestseller by year’s end.

If you’re looking for a premium compact SUV, this an SUV well worth sampling before you decide.

2025 Acura ADX

Base price: $36,350-$45,350

Engine: Turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder

Horsepower/Torque: 190/179 pound-feet

EPA rating (combined city/highway): 26 mpg (FWD), 28 mpg (AWD)

Fuel required: Premium 91 octane

Length/Width/Height: 186/73/64 inches

Ground clearance: 7.3 inches

Payload: Not available

Cargo capacity: 24-55 cubic feet

Towing capacity: Not rated

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