Why the New Acura ADX Is a Great Option for Daily Commuters

That's where the Acura ADX becomes interesting.

Acura's compact luxury SUV combines a turbocharged engine with good fuel economy, a surprisingly useful cargo area and the upscale features commuters want without forcing them into a large SUV.

For drivers commuting around Columbus, Auburn, Opelika and LaGrange, the ADX may be one of the most sensible entry points into a luxury SUV.

Acura ADX MPG: Up to 31 MPG Highway

Let's start with the number commuters are likely to care about most.

That's a particularly useful balance for commuters because choosing AWD doesn't result in a dramatic fuel-economy penalty.

If your commute involves substantial highway mileage between LaGrange and Columbus or frequent drives around Auburn and Opelika, a 30-31 mpg highway rating can make the ADX considerably easier to live with than a larger, more powerful luxury SUV.

A Turbocharged Engine Without Excessive Fuel Consumption

Efficient doesn't have to mean dull. Every ADX uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission. 

A commuter doesn't necessarily need 400 horsepower to sit in traffic. What matters more is having responsive power when merging onto the interstate or passing slower traffic without paying for excessive fuel consumption every day.

Acura also gives the ADX multiple drive modes. FWD and AWD models include Snow, Comfort, Normal and Sport modes, while the A-Spec with Advance Package adds an Individual setting.  Sport mode can make the ADX feel livelier when the road opens up, while Comfort is better suited to settling into a routine commute.

The ADX Is Small Enough to Make Daily Life Easier

One of the most underrated advantages of a compact luxury SUV is simply not having too much vehicle. Large SUVs are wonderful when you need three rows and significant cargo capacity. They're less wonderful when you're navigating a crowded parking garage five days a week.

The ADX gives drivers an elevated SUV seating position without the footprint of a large family SUV.

That makes it easier to:

For someone who spends most of the week alone or with one passenger, that matters.

But It Still Has 55.1 Cubic Feet of Maximum Cargo Space

Compact doesn't necessarily mean impractical.

The ADX provides 24.4 cubic feet of cargo volume behind its second row in ADX and A-Spec configurations, expanding to as much as 55.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

That's enough flexibility for far more than a laptop bag.

Think:

The 60/40 split-folding rear seat also means you don't have to choose between passengers and cargo every time you're carrying something long. 

Acura ADX vs. a Sedan for Commuting

Why buy an ADX instead of a traditional luxury sedan? For many commuters, it's the seating position and versatility.

The ADX gives you the higher driving position buyers increasingly prefer while retaining compact dimensions. You also get the cargo flexibility of a liftgate rather than a conventional trunk. That makes the ADX easier to transition from workweek to weekend.

Friday afternoon, it's a commuter.

Saturday morning, fold the rear seats and load it for a trip.

You don't need to own more vehicle than you use just to have versatility when you need it.

Available AWD Without Giving Up Much MPG
All-wheel drive can be reassuring during Georgia's heavy rain, particularly when summer storms turn a normal commute into a downpour in minutes.

The ADX's available AWD system can direct up to half of available power to the rear wheels to enhance control and handling.  What's particularly noteworthy is the efficiency.

For shoppers who want AWD, losing only one MPG in the EPA combined rating may be an acceptable trade.

Technology That Makes the Commute Easier

Commuters interact with their infotainment system every single day, so this isn't a trivial feature. Every ADX includes a 9-inch touchscreen, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility and wireless Android Auto compatibility. 

Move up to the A-Spec with Advance Package and the technology becomes considerably more upscale, including Google built-in and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.  That combination is particularly appealing if your commute doubles as your podcast, audiobook or music time.

There are also USB ports capable of delivering up to 60 watts of power, enough to support fast smartphone charging and even larger devices such as laptops. 

AcuraWatch Is Standard

Driver-assistance technology becomes particularly useful when you drive the same congested route every day. AcuraWatch is standard on every ADX package. It includes technologies designed to enhance driver awareness and help mitigate certain collision risks. 

Among the available and standard technologies Acura highlights are:

Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow is particularly relevant to commuters because it can help maintain a set interval behind detected traffic ahead.

It's still your responsibility to drive attentively, but having technology working alongside you can make repetitive highway travel less taxing.

A More Affordable Entry Into Luxury

The ADX also addresses one of the biggest barriers to moving from a mainstream SUV into a luxury brand: price. The ADX starts at $35,000 for FWD, while AWD starts at $37,000 before destination and other charges. The A-Spec starts at $38,200 FWD, while the A-Spec with Advance starts at $42,400. 

That puts the ADX into an interesting position. Acura's own comparison data shows the ADX competing against vehicles including the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lexus UX, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40.  For someone moving up from a mainstream compact SUV, the ADX provides a relatively accessible way into premium-brand ownership.

Comfort Matters When You Drive Every Day

A feature that seems like a luxury on a spec sheet can become essential when you use it five days a week. Heated front seats are standard across the ADX lineup. The A-Spec adds ventilated front seats, while the A-Spec with Advance upgrades to leather-trimmed seating.  The A-Spec and A-Spec with Advance also include a panoramic moonroof. 

None of these features makes your commute shorter. They can make the time you spend doing it considerably more pleasant.

Why the ADX Makes Sense Around Columbus, Auburn, Opelika and LaGrange

This is where the ADX's particular combination of attributes works well.

Drivers in our area may split their time between urban streets, suburban roads and long stretches of highway. Someone living in Opelika and working around Auburn has different daily driving needs from someone regularly traveling between Columbus and LaGrange, but both benefit from a vehicle that's comfortable, efficient and easy to maneuver.

The ADX provides up to 31 mpg highway, available AWD, 190 horsepower and up to 55.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity without moving into a larger SUV than many commuters actually need. 

Shop the Acura ADX at Acura of Columbus

If most of your driving involves commuting, errands and weekend trips rather than transporting seven passengers, take a closer look at the Acura ADX.

It offers the elevated seating position and versatility people want from an SUV while maintaining the fuel economy and maneuverability that matter during daily driving.

Drivers from Columbus, Auburn, Opelika and LaGrange can visit Acura of Columbus to compare the ADX, A-Spec and A-Spec with Advance Package and decide whether FWD or AWD makes more sense for their commute.

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