Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.If you have the privilege to go back and forth between Honda and Acura SUVs, you'll be amazed at how similar they are. In materials used, in layouts, screen sizes, and even body shape. It's pretty obvious to most that the MDX is the Honda Pilot in a fancy suit, the RDX is the CR-V, and now, the ADX is Acura's take on the Honda HR-V. And that's not necessarily a bad thing, because the Honda HR-V is, I'd argue, one of Honda's better SUVs for the money. But Acura had to de-Honda it just a little—but it goes further than just looks. Acura tastefully took the HR-V's winning formula and made it so much better. James OchoaView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThey're both fairly priced, too. The Honda HR-V starts at $26,500 and maxes out at $30,350, while the Acura ADX, since it comes with more, costs more. It starts at $35,000 and tops out at $42,400. Which, for a compact luxury SUV, is still more than fair. With both at the more affordable end of things, is one really better than the other? If I were choosing between the two, here's why the Acura is the obvious choice.Related: Road Ethos Launches: The New Automotive Lifestyle Site You Should ReadWhat other interior upgrades do you get with the Acura? A lotThe Honda HR-V, in true Honda fashion, offers a lot for the price, even at the base model. It's the same story with the Acura ADX. But even if you pick the highest trim of the HR-V, the interior is noticeably missing some… pazzaz. The Acura's interior is laid out the same as the HR-V, even down to the honeycomb grilles, screen placement, the software used, and the button layout. But the Acura replaced the seats with more comfortable, sportier-looking seats and more vibrant color options. When I attended the first drive event in San Diego last year, my interior was A-Spec red against that flat (but handsome) grey, and this time around, I got to experience Acura's new orchid interior color with boost blue pearl. The orchid interior is off-white with orchid blue/purple accenting, and it was absolutely stunning in person. Kristen BrownAnd it doesn't end there. The multimedia screen, which is the same I've seen in all new Hondas I've driven, is bigger. Acura uses the larger 9-inch screen, while the HR-V maxes out at the 7-inch screen. The Acura comes standard with a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system over Honda's Bose system (inarguably better), ventilated seats, and a 360-degree view camera (you only get a rear camera in the Honda), and a fully digital 10.2-inch driver information display. The Honda uses mostly analog gauges, with a smaller screen in the center for adaptive cruise information, mileage, and a wee bit more. The ride quality is similar between the two, but Acura made sure to include more sound-dampening material in the door panels, floor boards, and in the engine bay to curb road, wind, and engine noise. The ADX's size meant it's nearly impossible to be as quiet as cars twice its price, but it was noticeably quieter than the HR-V. The Acura also comes with a larger panoramic sunroof, while the Honda has a smaller, more conventional sunroof. And, this was an interesting catch, but the rear seats in the Acura have a fold-down center armrest with cupholders, while the HR-V doesn't have that—no matter the trim.Different engine, nearly identical mileage figuresThankfully, Acura tossed out the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that choked out 158 horsepower for the Integra's 1.5-liter turbocharged 190 horsepower four-cylinder engine. So, not only do you get 32 more ponies, but you get 41 extra lb-ft of torque. And, in a car that size, every extra number matters. Its CVT is sport-tuned, with a Sport and customizable mode, but they both share Snow, Comfort, and a Normal mode. Both of them come standard with front-wheel drive (in true Honda fashion), with all-wheel drive as an option.Kristen BrownHere's where the engine differences get interesting: even though there's more power in the Acura, the mileage figures between the two are nearly identical. Both are rated for 26 MPG city, 31 MPG on the highway, and 28 MPG combined when it's built with front-wheel drive. The only difference (and I do mean only difference) is that the HR-V is rated for 32 MPG on the highway. With all-wheel drive, you subtract 1 MPG from each rating. That's it. Both have the same 14-gallon tank, so the range is basically the same, too. But, for us Californians where going to the gas station is about as much fun as going to the dentist, it's important to note that the HR-V is engineered to run on regular unleaded. The Acura can run on regular, but premium octane gas is highly recommended to keep those extra ponies happy.AdvertisementAdvertisementRelated: Acura ADX vs RDX vs MDX: : The Sweet Spot Is In The MiddleCargo space figures are mirroredBecause they share the same platform hardpoints, the passenger and cargo metrics are the same. Down to the millimeter. For rear passengers, you get 37.7 inches of legroom, regardless of whether or not you're in the Honda or the Acura. Which, for a car its size, is a very usable amount for adults. The Acura, though, does offer dedicated rear-facing A/C vents back there, while the Honda doesn't. But the quarters are so close, it doesn't really matter as long as you point some vents back there. I did notice, too, that the ADX offers two USB-C charging ports for rear passengers, but only on the A-Spec and A-Spec with Advanced Package trims. Both SUVs offer 24.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row, so either would make packing a stroller a challenge, but it's plenty for groceries or a carry-on bag.My toddlers in the back of the 2026 Acura ADXKristen BrownView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleSo, even though the dimensions are the same, the Acura offers a lot more as far as accommodations are concerned. The Honda is spacious and surprisingly comfortable, but without the dedicated A/C or the USB-C charging ports, it makes it difficult to recommend if someone (like, you know, your kids or dog) will be sitting back there full time. Especially on longer drives.The pricing structure is similar, but the Acura gives you moreWhen it comes to pricing and trim structures, the Acura ADX effectively picks up where the Honda HR-V leaves off, creating a clear dividing line between mainstream value and what I like to call entry-level luxury. Both simplify the shopping process with straightforward three-trim lineups. Honda covers the budget-conscious spectrum with the LX, appearance-focused Sport, and range-topping EX-L, ranging from around $26,000 to just over $31,000. Acura uses the same tiered approach on an elevated plane, stepping from the well-equipped base ADX up to the bold A-Spec and fully loaded A-Spec with Advance Package, landing between roughly $35,000 and the mid-$44,000s. In both cases, all-wheel drive remains a flexible, standalone option across every single trim level.N.D. AdlenThe critical takeaway for shoppers is how the feature ceiling expands once you cross the roughly $5,500 gap between a loaded HR-V EX-L and a base ADX. While the top-spec Honda delivers leather-trimmed upholstery and essential driver tech, the ADX immediately justifies its premium badge with the turbocharged powertrain, a standard fully digital gauge cluster, and acoustic enhancements. Stepping up into the higher ADX trims unlocks amenities you literally cannot get in an HR-V at any price—including ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, a heated steering wheel, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Ultimately, Honda delivers high-floor practicality, while Acura uses the same platform to deliver genuine, small-footprint luxury.AdvertisementAdvertisementRelated: 2026 Acura ADX Trim Levels Explained. Which One Should You Choose?Final thoughtsYou can't really go wrong with either. For the price, the Honda HR-V is a fun, "just enough" compact SUV that's perfect for those looking to buy their first car, don't have kids or dogs, and need something reliable and remarkably affordable to drive to and from work without giving up too much on style. It's a car I recommended to my sister because the likelihood of it ever needing expensive maintenance is near zero. I told my 18-year-old niece she should save up to buy one before she goes to college, because it's safe, efficient, and reliable. So many people would benefit from how affordable it is. Kristen BrownBut if you have a bit more to spend, the Acura ADX builds on that ideology and surgically upgrades everything. Everything that had me thinking, "If only the HR-C had this," Acura went and did. And they did it without raising the price so high that us normies couldn't afford it. If I didn't have kids, the ADX in boost blue pearl with the orchid interior would be in my driveway in a heartbeat.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Reviews section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.