2025 Acura ADX vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2025 Acura ADX, despite sharing its platform with the Honda HR-V, distinguished itself with a unique Acura styling. Its large pentagonal grille with diamond-patterned mesh was a striking feature, complemented by standard LED lighting elements. The A-Spec models added LED fog lights, enhancing its sporty appearance. The rear design included vent-like creases, a hatch-top wing, and dual exhaust outlets, contributing to its athletic look. The ADX offered a range of wheel options, with 18-inch wheels standard and 19-inch Berlina Black or Shark Grey wheels on A-Spec trims. The interior exuded Acura's premium feel, with red leatherette available on higher trims, and a thoughtful use of textured black trim to minimize glare and fingerprints. The ADX's interior design was praised for its premium feel, meeting expectations for an Acura SUV.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages, each tailored to different powertrains. The TX 350 came with the Luxury package, while the 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package. The TX's exterior featured a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle design, paired with sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. The interior offered three colour options, with ambient lighting adding warmth. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics present. Lexus redesigned the door handles, opting for pressure-reactive exteriors and push-to-open interiors, which some found unnecessary. Despite these quirks, the TX's design aimed to provide a spacious and functional experience.

The 2025 Acura ADX was equipped with a 1.5-litre VTEC turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it offered adequate power for its size, though it lagged behind competitors like the Infiniti QX50 and BMW X1, which boasted engines with at least 220 horsepower. The ADX's fuel economy was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, matching some rivals. Despite not being the most powerful, the ADX's power output was sufficient for daily driving and occasional spirited drives. It featured multiple drive modes, including Sport, Normal, Comfort, and Snow, allowing drivers to tailor their experience. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim added an Individual mode for further customization. Visibility was excellent, and noise cancellation measures were effective, providing a quiet cabin.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 horsepower. The gas model used an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid employed a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 came with full-time AWD, and the TX 500h used Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response. The TX 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling. While not a sports car, the TX provided a balanced driving experience, with the hybrid model offering additional performance features.

The 2025 Acura ADX offered a premium interior with leatherette seating surfaces and microsuede accents on higher trims. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel featured a sportier design on A-Spec models. Standard features included heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, with ventilation and additional power adjustments on A-Spec trims. The ADX provided ample headroom and legroom, surpassing competitors like the Lexus UX and BMW X1. Cargo space was generous, with 690 litres behind the rear seats and up to 1,560 litres with seats retracted. A power tailgate, dual-zone climate control, and rear-seat vents were standard.

The 2026 Lexus TX boasted three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. Ventilated second-row seats were standard on the TX 500h. The third row offered ample space and a recline function, accommodating full-sized adults comfortably. A one-touch button facilitated third-row access, though folding the second row flat was cumbersome. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX excelled in cargo space, offering 572 litres with all seats in place and expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. The TX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2025 Acura ADX featured a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wi-fi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. A-Spec models added rear USB-C ports, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim offered Alexa Built-In, Google Built-In, HD Radio, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. The audio system featured a unique "beosonic" app for easy sound customization.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel controls were multi-functional but confusing, with functions displayed on the gauge cluster or head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. A subscription was required for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera offered a clear view, and the Advanced Park system assisted with parking. The TX provided seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2025 Acura ADX came with the AcuraWatch suite, offering adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot information, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The surround-view camera system was optional on the Platinum Elite A-Spec. While crash-test ratings were pending, the ADX aimed to match the Honda HR-V's high safety ratings.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control was effective once set up, though the steering wheel controls were confusing. The TX received five stars from the NHTSA and mixed ratings from the IIHS, with "Acceptable" and "Good" scores in various crash tests.