Acura ZDX 2024 is the first electric car model of the Honda luxury brand, a mid-sized crossover SUV with 5 seats.
On the outside, it resembles every inch an Acura and is very close in size to the brand’s best-selling model, the MDX midsize crossover. But the EV has different proportions—three inches lower, eight inches longer on the wheelbase.
Named after a low-volume Acura SUV sold between 2010 and 2013, the new ZDX is actually built by General Motors and rides on that company’s Ultium EV platform—as well as related models. Honda’s opening statement from Acura’s parent brand. EPA range ratings vary from 313 miles for the base rear-wheel-drive ZDX A-Spec model to 278 miles for the top Type S version, which comes standard with all-wheel drive. The ZDX A-Spec with AWD falls in the middle of those ranges, at 304 miles.
In late April, we spent more than four hours driving the Acura ZDX in and around Santa Barbara, California. All of our test cars were top-of-the-line Type S trims, so we can’t comment on the differences between those and the A-Spec models.
Acura ZDX 2024
Acura ZDX 2024
Acura ZDX 2024
An Acura inside and out — and electric
Overall, the Acura ZDX will likely appeal to MDX owners ready to make the switch to battery-electric power, although it doesn’t have the SUV’s third row and it’s less sporty than other Acuras. For SUV buyers in particular, that may be an acceptable tradeoff.
The 2024 ZDX looks every inch an Acura, inside and out. The front shield-shaped “grille” is a bumper, but the designers tried to reduce the visual height of a midsize SUV. Tricks include a sculpted lower front fascia with horizontal wings, an optional black hood, a chrome strip trim above the windows—opinions about that exuberance are very real. opposite direction — and a silver “stripe” mark under the door.
Unfortunately, there is no front trunk under the long nose. Instead, Acura and GM engineers chose to package the electronics and charging there, giving up one of the benefits of an EV ‘skateboard’ platform.
Acura ZDX 2024
ZDX charges quickly, has a planned roadmap
The 102-kwh battery pack can charge at up to 190 kw, Acura says, and notes that the ZDX can add “nearly 81 miles” of range on a 10-minute quick charge. Of course, that’s under ideal conditions: low battery level, optimal battery and ambient temperatures, and a charging station that can provide that power. A more realistic trip scenario—20-80% fast charging—calculated as 42 minutes.
Acura says Google Assistant will route ZDX charging stations to the EV if a trip exceeds the car’s available range, and the electric SUV will also pre-regulate the battery along the way if needed for faster charging. During our short drive, we weren’t able to test the routing functions. We attempted to recharge our test ZDX, but the only CCS charging station during our term was full—so a longer-term test vehicle would have to wait.
Acura ZDX 2024
On our various drives, we recorded performance of 2.2 to 2.4 miles per kilowatt-hour, which is lower than some electric SUVs but perhaps not surprising for with a three-ton SUV, given the hills along our route and moving considerably at California highway speeds.
Acura takes an interesting approach in offering buyers three different options for charging equipment. One option is a Level 2 home charging station; $500 credit for installation; and $100 public charge credit. Buyers who don’t want to install a permanent charger can get a portable charging cord, for $250 for installation and a $300 charging credit. Finally, users who can’t charge at home can opt for a $750 public charging credit. Acura has wisely shied away from the “unlimited” public charging incentives that other manufacturers use to attract buyers, which often clog up drivers who can easily charge at home. public charging sites because they are free.
Acura ZDX 2024
Acura says 2024 ZDX models will come with a CCS charging port, but 2025 models will have a Tesla-style NACS connector. We recommend checking back closer early next year to confirm that.
The ZDX is the fastest Acura SUV ever
Acura says the new electric ZDX is the fastest SUV the company has ever sold, emphasizing the “performance” aspect of the brand. It’s also heavy: nearly 1,200 pounds heavier than the similarly sized MDX. The all-wheel-drive electric powertrain gives the car a near 50/50 weight distribution, and the air suspension with adaptive dampers offers a Sport Mode that allows the car to ride 15mm lower than before. Normal. Snow Mode increases ride height by 25mm and adjusts traction in slippery conditions, while Individual Mode allows owners to adjust steering, suspension and power settings according to their needs. to their liking — although we doubt it will see much use.
Acura ZDX 2024
According to product planning manager Jonathon Rivers, the all-wheel-drive A-Spec model has 360 kilowatts (490 horsepower), while the Type S has to work harder to achieve “closer to 500 horsepower.” He said the Type S also produces up to 544 lb-ft of torque, surpassing even the second-generation NSX two-seat performance car, with its mid-mounted V-6 and three electric motors. The base A-Spec model uses a 263 kw (358 horsepower) motor powering the rear wheels.
The massive Brembo brakes on our Type S use six-piston front calipers clamping down on 15.6-inch front rotors (13.6-inch rear). The brake calipers are painted bright yellow to emphasize the ZDX’s sporting aspirations, and they bring the 6,050-pound Type S to a complete stop under emergency braking. Our Type S rides on 22-inch wheels; All-weather tires are standard, or buyers can choose high-performance tires as a $1,000 option.
The default driving mode closely resembles the feel of the powertrain of a conventional vehicle with an automatic transmission—minus the gearshifts, of course. The suspension is comfortable on most surfaces, the damping is good and the ride is comfortable. Sport mode gave us less power than we expected: the suspension felt tighter but added some harshness, and the steering was both lighter and quicker.
Acura ZDX 2024
Acura ZDX 2024
Acura ZDX 2024
Tapping the fixed icon at the top of the touchscreen brings up a box for “One Pedal Driving” set to “Normal.” (Pressing it again will completely turn off the regenerative braking system.) But to get the most powerful recovery, additional action is required: the driver must press the text “Set level” and then select the “High” option from the drop-down list that appears. This looks like it could all be combined into a single popup to reduce distractions considerably.
Inside the ZDX cabin, the electric front seats are comfortable and convenient. The perforated Milano leather upholstery with contrast stitching is attractive, and our Type S tester added an embossed Type S logo for added flair. The flat floor in front of the wide rear seats makes carrying three adults less cramped than in comparable crossovers with drive moldings.
Acura ZDX 2024 will be integrated with popular Google applications
The ZDX doesn’t skip CarPlay or Android Auto
All models are equipped with an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster; Type S adds a head-up display. It also comes with Google Assistant built into the infotainment system. The large icons on the center 11.3-inch touchscreen are easy to see, and the ZDX offers both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay — unlike some Ultium-based electric vehicles sold by GM. We tested wireless navigation mirrored to the car on both phones, and it worked perfectly—although the word “Google” in the chat seemed to interrupt the Apple Maps app when the car wake up to wait for orders.
The wide console between the seats can accommodate two large mugs and two smartphones side by side. A pocket just forward of the center armrest provides wireless charging and hides the smartphone screen to prevent the driver from sneaking a peek—or worse. Large buttons and knobs on the control panel provide familiar controls for things like volume and sound adjustments as well as ventilation functions. There’s also a large area under the front part of the console to hold a small backpack or a purse – almost completely invisible between the console’s uniform dark gray plastic and the panel. controls as well as black carpet.
Acura ZDX 2024
Cargo volume is a substantial 28.7 cubic feet behind the second row; When that row of seats is folded down, it increases to 62 cu ft. However, the rear seat back does not fold completely flat. That’s not a huge drawback, but neither is the load floor flat all the way to the front seats.
The active safety system in the ZDX includes all the usual automatic driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and too many others to list here.
Acura ZDX 2024
The Acura ZDX lineup is simplified
The Acura ZDX 2024 The lineup is simple, with A-Spec models with rear- or all-wheel drive, Type S for more luxury, and minimal options. Keyless access is standard and both keycard and smartphone access are offered. A notable standard feature is the 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system on all ZDX trims; it will be equipped on other Acura vehicles for the 2025 model year.
The ZDX is built at the same Spring Hill, Tennessee assembly plant where production occurs Cadillac Lyriq. As such, Acura says it would qualify for $7,500 EV tax credit as of January 1, can be applied directly to the sticker price to reduce the cost of the vehicle. Acura said it expects to deliver 20,000 ZDXs this year and 30,000 each year in subsequent model years.
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Acura provided airfare, lodging and meals to allow Green Car Report to bring you this first-person driving report.
