In an era where affordable luxury often feels unlikely, if not impossible, Acura is planting a flag. For 2026, the Acura ADX returns as the brand’s entry-level SUV, and the biggest news isn’t under the hood, but rather on the window sticker. Acura has not increased the MSRP in an effort to draw attention away from some of its biggest rivals, like the BMW X1, Lexus UX, and Volvo XC40.
Acura’s premium compact SUV made its official debut in November 2024 as a 2025 model, positioned below the RDX. For the 2026 model year, Acura has announced that the ADX will maintain its original starting MSRP under $36,500, unchanged from 2025.
When the average price of a new vehicle in the United States is right around $50,000, the 2026 ADX is an outlier. By holding its base price steady from its 2025 debut, the ADX positions itself roughly $13,500 below the industry average, all while offering a turbocharged engine and plenty of cool tech features.
Trim levels and starting MSRP
All-wheel drive available
Acura offers the ADX in three distinct trim levels for 2026. Prices include the $1,450 destination charge. All-wheel drive can be added to any model for an additional $2,000.
- ADX (Base) / $36,450: Includes 18-inch wheels, the 10.2-inch digital cockpit, heated seats, and the AcuraWatch safety suite.
- ADX A-Spec / $39,650: Adds 19-inch Shark Gray wheels, LED fog lights, a panoramic moonroof, and ventilated front seats.
- ADX A-Spec with Advance Package / $43,850: Features a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, Google built-in, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, and a heated steering wheel.
The 2026 ADX introduces Double Apex Blue Pearl as a new premium exterior paint option. On A-Spec models, it can be paired with a new Orchid interior featuring blue microsuede inserts.
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Base Trim Transmission
-
CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
Powertrain and fuel economy
Step Shift programming logic
The 2026 ADX is built on Acura’s global vehicle architecture, which the automaker also uses for the Integra.
At the heart of the 2026 ADX is a 1.5-liter VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft. of torque. Power is managed by a sport-tuned continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring Step Shift programming to simulate gear changes under hard acceleration.
While front-wheel drive is standard, an available all-wheel-drive system can direct up to 50% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels.
2026 Acura ADX EPA-estimated fuel economy
|
Drivetrain |
City |
Hwy |
Combined |
|
FWD |
27 |
32 |
29 |
|
AWD |
26 |
30 |
28 |
Updated exterior styling
“Precision Crafted Performance”
The ADX measures 185.8 inches in length and 72.5 inches in width, showcasing what Acura calls its “Precision Crafted Performance” design language. Defined by the brand’s signature Diamond Pentagon grille and Chicane LED lighting for both the headlights and daytime running lights, the SUV’s stance is emphasized by a low horizontal beltline, muscular rear fenders, and dual exhaust finishers.
To optimize both performance and efficiency, the exterior also incorporates a comprehensive aerodynamics package featuring an active grille shutter, a front lip spoiler, and a specialized underfloor cover.
Inside, the cabin is designed to offer top-class cargo space, providing 24.4 cubic feet of volume behind the 60/40 rear seats, expanding to 55.1 cubic feet when they are folded flat.
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Interior tech features
Exclusive Bang & Olufsen audio system
The cockpit includes a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a separate nine-inch color touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a physical volume knob for the radio and a wireless smartphone charger.
With 15 speakers, including four overhead speakers and a subwoofer, the Bang & Olufsen Luxury audio system was developed exclusively for the ADX A-Spec with the Advanced Package. Utilizing Bang & Olufsen’s Acoustic Lens technology, the system features “Beosonic” one-touch tone control, which allows listeners to quickly adjust the audio profile to match their personal preferences.
The Beosonic interface includes four different settings: Bright, Energetic, Warm, and Relaxed.
- Front Camera Resolution
-
1080p
- Security
-
24H Parking Mode
- Field of View
-
135 Degrees
- Connection
-
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
This tiny Nexar dash cam sits comfortably behind your rear-view mirror and captures footage in 1080p. It also features GPS for geo-tagging videos.
Active safety features
Rear cross-traffic monitor provides additional alerts
Every 2026 ADX comes standard with AcuraWatch, a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies.
The suite includes a collision mitigation braking system that can automatically apply the brakes if a frontal impact is detected, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, which maintains a set interval behind the car ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.
Drivers also benefit from the blind-spot information system, which includes a rear cross-traffic monitor that provides visual and audible alerts when other vehicles approach from the side while reversing.
Accessible and well-equipped
By maintaining its pricing for the 2026 model year, Acura has reinforced the ADX’s position as a strong entry point into the premium SUV market. Between its turbocharged performance and the inclusion of high-end standard features like the AcuraWatch suite, the ADX offers a lot to like without the typical price creep.
For buyers looking to bridge the gap between mainstream and premium, the 2026 Acura ADX remains one of the most accessible and well-equipped options in its class.
