Shopping for a subcompact luxury SUV that won’t break the bank? The all-new 2025 Acura ADX and the established Lexus UX are two of the most affordable entry points into the premium SUV world. Both promise a blend of style, tech, and practicality, but they take very different approaches to get there. If you’re torn between these Japanese luxury rivals, this breakdown covers everything you should consider.
- The Acura ADX starts at $36,350, while the Lexus UX starts at $37,915.
- The Acura is much roomier, with an extra 4.6 inches of rear legroom and 42% more cargo room behind the back seats compared to the Lexus.
- The Lexus earns up to 43 mpg combined and uses regular-grade gas, while the ADX tops out at 28 combined mpg and requires premium fuel.
Two Different Philosophies Under the Hood
The Acura ADX is an all-new entrant into the segment and is the brand’s entry-level choice. When it comes to performance, the 2025 Acura ADX and Lexus UX take opposite paths. The ADX is motivated by a turbocharged 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. It offers front-wheel drive as standard, but the brand’s Super-Handling AWD system is an option.
The Lexus UX 300h takes an entirely different approach. Lexus used to offer the UX with a gas-powered engine choice, but it has discontinued it in favor of hybrid propulsion. As such, the base UX 300h pairs a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a combined 196 horsepower.
The ADX’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 27 lbs.-ft. more torque (179 vs. 152) than the UX’s hybrid system. That extra grunt gives the Acura a peppier feel around town and during highway merges. Meanwhile, the UX excels in fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 43 mpg in most trim levels. If saving money at the pump is your priority, the Lexus pulls ahead here.
Interior Space and Cargo Room
The Acura ADX vs Lexus UX comparison reveals a major gap when it comes to interior space. The Lexus UX is kind of like a hatchback on stilts, while the Acura ADX feels more like an SUV. This is primarily because the Acura is much roomier, with an extra 4.6 inches of rear legroom and a full 42% more cargo room behind the back seats compared to the Lexus.
With 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, the ADX offers plenty of room for groceries, weekend gear, or airport luggage. When more space is needed, the rear seat can be folded to reveal up to 55.1 cubic feet of space. UX rear passengers are stuck with a meager 33.1 inches of rear legroom compared to the 37.7 inches that the ADX offers. And if you need to carry luggage, you’ll only have a maximum of 17.1 cubic feet to work with.
For drivers looking to use a small luxury SUV as a family vehicle, the Acura ADX is the way to go because of its much roomier interior.
Tech Features and Standard Equipment
The Acura ADX offers plenty of value by including a generous list of standard tech. Even in its base form, the ADX has features like an 11.5-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and optional upgrades like a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker sound system.
The Lexus UX offers strong technology as well, but some of its features require stepping up to a higher trim level. Its infotainment system is user-friendly, and higher trims unlock a larger 12.3-inch screen, premium audio, and more advanced driver aids.
The ADX A-Spec with Advance Package includes a standard panoramic moonroof, while the Lexus UX only offers a moonroof. The ADX provides the convenience of wireless charging standard, while the Lexus UX only offers wireless charging with an upgrade.
The ADX comes standard with the AcuraWatch suite of driver assistance technologies. That includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and advanced tools like low-speed braking control and traffic jam assist.
Pricing and Value Breakdown
There’s not a huge price gap between the ADX and the UX, but the Acura ADX earns the distinction of the lowest starting price in the subcompact luxury SUV class. In an automotive market where affordability is on everyone’s mind, this is a real luxury SUV that starts well under $40,000.
With prices ranging from around $36,000 to $43,000, the ADX is one of the more affordable luxury SUVs in its class. Acura’s approach of making luxury features more accessible at lower trim levels makes it a stronger choice for tech-savvy shoppers.
Although it may be showing its age compared to the brand-new Acura ADX, the UX remains one of the most practical and frugal luxury SUVs available. With hybrid efficiency and class-leading resale value, this is a luxury vehicle that’s also a prudent financial decision.
Best Fit for Your Driving Style
Although the Acura ADX and Lexus UX are packaged and sized similarly, they serve entirely different buyers. The ADX is roomier, sportier, and more value-driven, with stronger practicality and generous standard features. The UX is better suited for eco-conscious buyers who prioritize efficiency, reliability, and upscale refinement.
Deciding between these two SUVs depends on whether you value everyday usability or hybrid efficiency more. Either way, both models show that luxury can come in compact packages tailored to modern lifestyles.
Pick the ADX if you need space, want a turbo punch, and appreciate loaded standard features. Go with the UX if fuel economy tops your list and you’re comfortable with a cozier cabin. Both offer upscale touches without the typical sticker shock.
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