2026 Acura ADX Trim Levels Explained. Which One Should You Choose?

The Smallest Acura SUV is a Big Deal

The Acura RDX will soon be no more, ending after the 2026 model year but returning as a hybrid for 2028. For 2027, you'll have to get into Acura's newest entry-level crossover, the 2026 ADX, if you don't want a three-row MDX. Sharing its underlying platform with the Honda HR-V but wrapped in considerably more attractive Acura styling, technology, and premium touches, the ADX is designed to attract younger luxury buyers who may not be ready to step up to an RDX or a much larger MDX.

Every 2026 Acura ADX is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard, while front-wheel drive comes standard, and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system is available across the lineup. The ADX is offered in your choice of three trim levels: ADX, A-Spec, and A-Spec with Advance. Here's what each one includes and which buyers they're best suited for. For the purposes of our selection, we've priced out the ADX with all-wheel drive.

ADX AWD - $37,000

The base ADX arrives surprisingly well-equipped for an entry-level luxury SUV. Standard features include a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tailgate, and AcuraWatch safety technologies. The exterior receives LED lighting throughout, while the cabin features leatherette seating surfaces and a clean, modern dashboard design. Buyers can also add SH-AWD for improved traction in bad weather.

Standard features on the base ADX include:

• 18' machine-finished 5-spoke alloy wheels
• LED headlights, DRLs, and taillights
• Heated side mirrors
• Remote entry w/ security system
• Power liftgate w/ Walk Away close
• Heated front seats
• 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• 9" touchscreen display, 10.2" instrument cluster
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Wireless phone charging deck
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Leatherette-trimmed seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Ambient LED lighting
• 8-speaker premium audio system
• Safety: Adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic monitoring, automatic high beams, rearview camera

For many buyers, this trim provides the best value in the lineup because it includes plenty of high-end standard features like the same tech as higher trims, premium audio, and heated seats without significantly increasing the price. Its looks, however, don't come across as sporty as the higher trims, and the dark monochromatic interior doesn't look as nice as the higher trim levels do.

ADX A-Spec AWD- $40,000

The A-Spec trim is aimed at buyers who want a sportier appearance without making major changes to the powertrain. Outside, the ADX A-Spec receives unique front and rear styling elements, larger 19-inch wheels, gloss-black exterior accents, and distinctive badging. The visual upgrades help the ADX stand out and give it a more aggressive personality.

Inside, Acura adds sport seats, stainless steel pedals, red contrast stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and additional interior trim upgrades. The cabin feels noticeably more upscale and youthful compared to the standard model. The A-Spec doesn't deliver additional horsepower or significantly different performance characteristics, but it does enhance the ownership experience through styling and appearance upgrades.

Standard features (in addition to the base ADX) include:

• A-Spec Sport Appearance Package
• 19" 5-spoke alloy wheels
• LED fog lights
• Microsuede trimmed interior
• Ventilated front seats
• Panoramic moonroof
• A-Spec Sport Appearance Interior Package
• Aluminum sport pedals
• 2nd row USB-C charge ports

This A-Spec trim level is for buyers who want a more aggressive look, a more upscale interior, and kids who want charging capability in the 2nd row. The A-Spec also provides two more paint colors to the ADX's palette: Adriatic Sea Blue and Milano Red. The A-Spec also adds two more interior upholstery colors: Red and Orchid (blue). The price increase is a mere $3k, so the additional equipment and upgraded looks are worth the price of entry.

ADX A-Spec AWD with Advance - $44,000

At the top of the lineup sits the A-Spec with Advance Package. This trim combines the sporty appearance of the A-Spec with the most luxurious and technology-focused features available on the ADX. Additional equipment includes a panoramic moonroof, ventilated front seats, Alexa built-in, Google built-in, a premium 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and enhanced driver-assistance features.

Acura also upgrades interior materials throughout the cabin, helping the ADX feel much closer to larger and more expensive luxury SUVs. Leather upholstery is standard on the A-Spec with Technology, as well as an upgraded 12-way power driver's seat with power lumbar. It keeps the same paint colors as the A-Spec trim as well as the additional upholstery colors.

Standard features (in addition to A-Spec):

• 19" 5-spoke black alloy wheels
• Hands-free power liftgate
• Gloss black power-folding side mirrors
• Heated steering wheel
• 12-way power driver's seat with power lumbar
• Leather-trimmed interior
• Google built-in, Alexa built-in, HD Radio
• Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system
• Remote start
• Safety: Parking sensors front and rear, rain-sensing windshield wipers, low speed braking control, Multiview camera system.

The downside is the perceived value of what you're gettting for the $44k price tag. While the extra equipment is impressive, the top trim pushes the ADX closer to the pricing territory of larger and more powerful competitors. Clearly, many of the features like a hands-free liftgate and remote start are wants instead of needs, but they add to an already compelling package.

Final thoughts

For most shoppers, the ADX A-Spec AWD offers the best balance of style, comfort, price, equipment, and long-term value. It includes the technology, safety features, and premium touches that buyers expect from an Acura while keeping costs under control. Its base price remains just $3,000 more than the standard ADX, but its looks are commensurate with a much higher-priced vehicle. The ADX A-Spec with Technology, the top trim, offers leather, a better sound system, and more safety tech, but the additions don't seem to justify the $7k increase over the base ADX.

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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 11:30 AM.