2025 Acura ADX vs 2025 Lexus NX

$35,000 · Crossover

$40,965 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura ADX captivates with its accessible entry point at just $35,000, offering sharp Japanese precision for less coin. It delivers a respectable 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque through its continuously variable automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2025 Lexus NX commands attention with a more premium stance, though it starts $5,965 higher at $40,965. Lexus brings a slight edge in power, packing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, channeled through a more engaging 8-speed shiftable automatic. While both crossovers boast an identical 28 MPG combined rating, the NX achieves a superior highway figure of 33 MPG versus the ADX's 31 MPG. Furthermore, the ADX offers marginally more utilitarian space, boasting 24.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft. Buyers must weigh Acura’s strong price point against Lexus's slightly stronger powertrain output and marginally better highway efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura ADX if...

A strict budget of $35,000 is paramount for your crossover purchase.
You prioritize maximum cargo volume, needing that extra 1.7 cu ft offered by the ADX.
You are comfortable with the traditional feel and operational characteristics of a continuously variable transmission.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

A more potent 203 horsepower engine output is essential for your driving style.
You prefer the traditional engagement and defined shifts of an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
The superior highway fuel economy of 33 MPG warrants the extra $5,965 investment.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura ADX	Lexus NX
Length	185.8"	183.5"
Width	72.5"	73.4"
Height	63.8"	66.1"
Wheelbase	104.5"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	203 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/31 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	364.0/434.0 mi.	377.0/478.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Front Head Room	38.4 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	56.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.7 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	225/55R H	235/60R18
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura ADX and 2025 Lexus NX.

Does the difference in horsepower significantly affect real-world driving performance?

The 2025 Lexus NX holds a 13-horsepower advantage over the 2025 Acura ADX. While the NX has the higher figures (203 hp vs 190 hp), both vehicles utilize front-wheel drive, meaning both will lean toward comfortable cruising rather than outright sprinting.

How does the required fuel grade impact long-term ownership costs?

The 2025 Acura ADX recommends premium unleaded fuel, potentially increasing running costs despite its lower sticker price. In contrast, the 2025 Lexus NX accepts regular unleaded, which is typically cheaper at the pump.

Which vehicle is physically larger, despite similar exterior dimensions?

The 2025 Lexus NX is noticeably taller, standing at 66.1 inches compared to the ADX’s 63.8 inches. However, the 2025 Acura ADX is slightly longer by 2.3 inches overall, offering a fractional edge in cargo space.

Are the transmissions fundamentally different in how they deliver power?

Yes, the ADX uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) known for smooth, gearless operation, whereas the NX features a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic, which often provides a more direct and connected driving feel.

What is the true cost implication of the $5,965 price gap?

That $5,965 difference is substantial at this price point; buyers gain 13 horsepower and slightly better highway MPG with the NX but sacrifice the ADX's superior cargo volume.