ADX vs X1
Put the ADX next to the X1 and you have Acura and BMW going after exactly the same subcompact luxury suv crowd. If you only read one line, make it this: the X1 takes 2 of 4 compared areas, and the engine & performance gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X1 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Trade-off
- Space & Practicality X1 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.1
- Fuel Economy & Range5.3
- Space & Practicality8.1
- Engine & Performance7.5
- Fuel Economy & Range5.3
- Space & Practicality10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The X1 has 51 hp more power
For total system output, the X1 leads by a wide margin: 241 hp versus 190 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The X1 has 116 lb-ft more torque
This is a headline difference. With 295 lb-ft to the ADX’s 179 lb-ft, the X1 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The X1 has 5.3% more cargo space
Slight advantage to the X1: 25.7 cu ft compared with 24.4 cu ft. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
-
The ADX has better city fuel economy
On fuel economy (city), the ADX edges out the X1, 26 mpg to 24 mpg. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the ADX has the better rating here.
-
The X1 has better highway fuel economy
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 33 mpg against 31 mpg is a small but genuine lead for the X1. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | ADX | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 63.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
X1 leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the X1 leads, and not by a little. The X1 makes its case with 51 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The engine & performance verdict goes to the X1.
Total system output
ADX: 190 hp X1: 241 hp The X1’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
ADX: 179 lb-ft X1: 295 lb-ft The X1’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Trade-off
Here the two take different paths. The ADX goes for better city fuel economy, the X1 for better highway fuel economy. On fuel economy & range, the better choice comes down to your own priorities.
Fuel economy (city)
ADX: 26 mpg X1: 24 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the ADX starts from a better baseline.
Fuel economy (highway)
ADX: 31 mpg X1: 33 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
X1 leads
The ADX comes close on space & practicality, but the X1 does just enough to lead. The X1 delivers 5.3% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. In short, the X1 is the better-equipped car for space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
ADX: 24.4 cu ft X1: 25.7 cu ft The X1’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Both the ADX and the X1 cover off-road & towing equally well on paper. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | ADX | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 190 hp | 241 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft Least torque in class | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | AWD (xDrive) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | ADX | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg (winner) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 33 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | ADX | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 24.4 cu ft | 25.7 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 55.1 cu ft | 57.2 cu ft Most room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | ADX | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | ADX | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | ADX | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 63.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | ADX | X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $35,000 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the ADX if…
- you want better city fuel economy (26 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you already know your way around Acura’s products
Choose the X1 if…
- you want more power (241 hp vs 190 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 179 lb-ft of torque)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (25.7 cu ft vs 24.4 cu ft)
- you cover long highway distances (33 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the ADX or the X1?
For most people, the X1 is the stronger choice, unless you need better city fuel economy, which only the ADX offers.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the ADX versus the X1 shows that nicely. Practically speaking, the X1’s biggest advantage is 51 hp more power. Add 5.3% more cargo space to the list, and the X1 looks even better. To be fair, the ADX has better city fuel economy, and that’s not nothing.
The ADX is built for people who weigh fuel economy (city) heavily, and the X1 for people who weigh engine & performance.
My pick: the X1 is the one I’d buy, unless you care more about better city fuel economy than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.