2025 Acura ADX vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline

$35,000 · Crossover

$40,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura ADX excites with efficiency and city agility, starting at a tantalizing $35,000. It champions frugality, delivering a sharp 28 MPG combined from its 190 hp powertrain paired with a CVT, making it the pocketbook champion. Conversely, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline bellows performance from its larger frame, commanding $40,595 while unleashing a robust 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque through its sophisticated AWD and 9-speed automatic. This power difference—a commanding 90 hp advantage for the Ridgeline—comes at the cost of fuel economy, yielding only 21 MPG combined. While the ADX feels trim at 185.8 inches long, the Ridgeline stretches to 210.2 inches, offering vastly different spatial propositions despite both falling under the crossover umbrella.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura ADX if...

Budget constraints mandate keeping the initial purchase price under $36,000.
Maximizing fuel stops is critical, leveraging its 31 MPG highway rating.
Maneuvering and parking in tight urban environments are primary concerns due to its shorter length (185.8 inches).

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

A powerful driving experience is paramount, appreciating the 280 hp output difference.
Maximum capability is needed from the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
Hauling capability is desired, even if the listed cargo capacity (7.3 cu ft) suggests a unique utility focus compared to the ADX.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura ADX	Honda Ridgeline
Length	185.8"	210.2"
Width	72.5"	78.6"
Height	63.8"	70.8"
Wheelbase	104.5"	125.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Honda
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	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Honda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Honda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/31 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	364.0/434.0 mi.	351.0/468.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	19.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Honda
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 Seatback Storage	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Honda
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	7
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Stereo Power	—	215W
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Honda
Front Head Room	38.4 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	62.0 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	59.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Honda
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.7 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	61.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	56.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R H	245/60R
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Honda
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura ADX and 2026 Honda Ridgeline.

How does the fuel requirement difference impact long-term running costs?

The 2025 Acura ADX recommends premium unleaded for its 190 hp engine, which costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded favored by the 2026 Honda Ridgeline. This initial fuel cost saving for the Ridgeline somewhat mitigates its lower 21 MPG combined rating.

Which vehicle offers better straight-line acceleration?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline holds a decisive advantage due to its 90 hp surplus and significantly higher torque output of 262 lb-ft. Its standard AWD likely translates that power into quicker launches compared to the FWD-based ADX.

Is the 2026 Honda Ridgeline actually a traditional truck despite being listed as a crossover?

While listed similarly, the Ridgeline's inherent body structure and the extremely low 7.3 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the ADX's 24.4 cu ft suggests it prioritizes passenger comfort and on-road dynamics, likely retaining unibody construction.

What is the difference in the driving feel provided by the transmissions?

The 2025 Acura ADX utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), promoting smooth, uninterrupted acceleration tailored for efficiency. The Ridgeline uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic, allowing for more distinct gear changes that enthusiasts often prefer when extracting performance.

How significant is the $5,595 price gap for entry-level buyers?

The $5,595 savings allows buyers to opt for the more economical 2025 Acura ADX while potentially upgrading features within the Acura lineup or saving substantially on insurance and registration.