2024 ACURA ZDX 60.000$
Overview
Acura is beginning its journey into an electric future by resurrecting a name from its past: ZDX. Unlike the original ZDX, which debuted for the 2010 model year with a gas engine and fastback styling that was arguably ahead of its time, the new 2024 ZDX SUV wears a more traditional two-box SUV shape. The new ZDX's styling is interesting, though, with a floating roof, smooth body sides, and a faux grille with a light-up border. The ZDX is the product of a partnership between Acura parent company Honda and General Motors; the ZDX will utilize GM's Ultium battery. Previous reports said that the Acura will be built alongside the Cadillac Lyriq SUV at GM's Springhill, Tennessee assembly plant, and the ZDX will share that model's electric powertrains. The base A-Spec model will get a 340-hp electric motor driving the rear wheels as standard, but a second motor is optional and brings with it all-wheel drive. With one motor, the ZDX A-Spec boasts an estimated driving range of 325 miles; add the second motor, and that drops to 315. A 500-hp, all-wheel drive variant wearing the vaunted Type S badge is also available and features a more aggressive suspension tune with adaptive dampers and larger Brembo brakes. Unfortunately, going for the performance trim drops the ZDX's range estimate to 288 miles per charge.
What's New for 2024?
The ZDX nameplate returns for the 2024 model year attached to Acura's first all-electric SUV offering.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2024 Acura ZDX is expected to start around $60.000 and go up to $70.000 depending on the trim and options.
It's hard for us not to recommend the range-topping Type S model. Given our experience with the ZDX's platform-mate—the Cadillac Lyriq—the Type S's extra power should give it the zippy acceleration most EV drivers expect, but the cost is less range. If you're worried about not having enough driving range, then the single-motor A-Spec trim is the one for you. Once we know more about how the ZDX's two trims behave, we'll update this story with our official recommendation.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The entry-level ZDX model is the single-motor A-Spec, which has 340 horsepower motor and drives the rear wheels. A second motor is optional on that model, and while it doesn't increase overall horsepower, it does add all-wheel drive. The model we're most intrigued by is the sportier Type S, which gets two motors and all-wheel drive as standard. The Type S's electric motors are tuned up to deliver a combined 500 horsepower, and it also features an air suspension system with adaptive dampers plus Brembo brakes and 22-inch wheels. You can even order a ZDX Type S with summer tires, although all-seasons are standard. When we get a chance to test drive the ZDX for ourselves, we'll update this story with driving impressions and test results.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The ZDX will use GM's Ultium battery technology, and will be fitted with the same 102.0-kWh battery pack as the Lyriq. That battery is said to provide up to 325 miles of driving range in the A-Spec trim, but the Type S's range is lower at just 288 miles per charge. DC fast charging is standard and the ZDX can charge at rates as high as 190 kW, which Acura says can add 81 miles of range to the single-motor A-Spec model in just 10 minutes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EPA hasn't released the ZDX's MPGe estimates yet, but we expect them to be similar results to the Lyriq's; it's rated for up to 95 MPGe city and 82 MPGe highway. When we get a chance, we'll take the ZDX on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and update this story with test results. For more information about the ZDX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
As expected, the production ZDX has received a more conservative interior design than what was previewed by the Precision EV Concept. The concept's yoke-style steering wheel has been replaced with a normal circular one, and a traditional infotainment touchscreen stands in for the transparent glass unit imagined by the concept's interior sketches. All ZDX models come with two rows of seating and room for five riders. We can see from photos that there are some parts shared with the GM cars it's built alongside, such as window switches and climate controls, but there's enough Acura design language inside to set the ZDX apart from the Lyriq.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 11.3-inch infotainment display stands tall and proud on the center of the ZDX's dashboard while a second, 11.0-inch gauge-cluster display is nestled in the binnacle in front of the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard but the infotainment interface is built on Google's Android Automotive in-vehicle hardware and features Google Maps as the default navigation system. All ZDX models come with a Bang & Olufsen stereo system featuring 14 speakers, some of which are hidden behind handsome, brushed-aluminum grilles.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
A host of driver-assistance features come standard on the ZDX, including blind-spot monitoring and automated emergency braking, but upgrading to the AcuraWatch 360+ system will unlock a hands-free driving mode and adaptive cruise control. For more information about the ZDX's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with a hands-free driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The ZDX's warranty package matches those of rivals such as the Cadillac Lyriq and the Lexus RZ, and both of those brands only cover the first maintenance visit while Acura covers everything for the first two years or 24,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 24,000 miles
