The 2024 Acura ZDX is the Honda premium model’s first-ever electrical car, a midsize crossover SUV with 5 seats.
Visually it’s each inch an Acura, and it’s very shut in dimension to the model’s bestselling mannequin, the MDX midsize crossover. However the EV is otherwise proportioned—3 inches decrease, on a wheelbase that’s 8 inches longer.
Named after a low-volume Acura SUV bought from 2010 to 2013, the brand new ZDX is definitely constructed by Basic Motors and rides on that firm’s Ultium EV platform—as does the associated Honda Prologue from Acura’s mum or dad model. EPA vary rankings range from 313 miles for the rear-wheel-drive base ZDX A-Spec mannequin to 278 miles for the highest Kind S trim, which has all-wheel drive customary. The ZDX A-Spec with AWD is available in between these ranges, at 304 miles.
In late April, we spent greater than 4 hours driving the Acura ZDX in and round Santa Barbara, California. All our check autos had been the highest Kind S model, so we are able to’t touch upon the variations between these and the A-Spec fashions.
2024 Acura ZDX
2024 Acura ZDX
2024 Acura ZDX
An Acura inside and outside—and electrical
General, the Acura ZDX will doubtless attraction to MDX homeowners keen to make the soar to battery-electric energy, although it foregoes that SUV’s third-row seating and it’s much less sporty than different Acuras. For SUV consumers particularly, that’s more likely to be a suitable tradeoff.
The 2024 ZDX seems each inch an Acura, inside and outside. The shield-shaped entrance “grille” is a blanking plate, however the designers have managed to scale back the visible top of a midsize SUV. Methods embody a sculpted decrease entrance fascia with horizontal fins, an elective black roof, a chrome band outlining the highest of the home windows—opinions on that flourish had been very combined certainly—and a silver “swoosh” underneath the doorways.
Sadly, there isn’t any entrance trunk underneath the lengthy nostril. Acura and GM engineers selected to bundle energy electronics and charging gear there as a substitute, foregoing one of many advantages of an EV ‘skateboard’ platform.
2024 Acura ZDX
ZDX prices rapidly, has route planning
The 102-kwh battery pack prices at charges as much as 190 kw, Acura says, noting that the ZDX can add “almost 81 miles” in 10 minutes of fast-charging. That, in fact, is underneath very best situations: low battery cost, optimum ambient and battery temperatures, and a charging station that may ship that energy. A extra practical road-trip state of affairs—20-80% fast-charging—is quoted at 42 minutes.
Acura says Google Assistant will route the ZDX to EV charging stations if a visit exceeds the automobile’s accessible vary, and the electrical SUV may also precondition its battery en route if wanted to offer a sooner cost. On our quick drive, we weren’t capable of check the routing capabilities. We did attempt to recharge our check ZDX, however the one CCS charging station inside our deadline was solely full—in order that’ll have to attend for a longer-term check automobile.
2024 Acura ZDX
On our varied drive legs, we recorded efficiencies of two.2 to 2.4 miles per kwh, decrease than some EV SUVs however maybe not stunning for a three-ton SUV, given the hills alongside our route and substantial journey at California freeway speeds.
Acura takes an attention-grabbing method in providing consumers a selection of three totally different choices for charging gear. One choice is a Stage 2 residence charging station; a $500 credit score towards set up; and $100 in public charging credit. Consumers who don’t need to set up a everlasting charger can get a conveyable charging twine, with $250 towards set up and $300 in charging credit. Lastly, customers who can’t cost at residence can go for $750 in public-charging credit. Acura has properly stayed away from the “limitless” public-charging presents different makers use to lure consumers, which frequently leads drivers who might simply cost at residence to clog public-charging websites as a result of they’re free.
2024 Acura ZDX
Acura says 2024 ZDX fashions will include the CCS charging port, however 2025 model-year automobiles ought to have the Tesla-style NACS connector. We advocate checking again nearer to the beginning of subsequent yr to substantiate that.
ZDX is quickest Acura SUV ever
Acura says the brand new electrical ZDX is the quickest SUV it’s ever bought, underscoring the “efficiency” facet of the model. It’s additionally heavy: virtually 1,200 kilos greater than an MDX with roughly the identical footprint. The all-wheel-drive electrical powertrain provides it near a 50/50 weight distribution, and the air suspension with adaptive dampers offers a Sport Mode that enables it to journey 15 mm decrease than regular. Snow Mode raises the journey top by 25 mm and adjusts traction for slippery situations, and an Particular person Mode that lets homeowners tune settings for the steering, suspension, and energy to their liking—although we doubt it is going to be used a lot.
2024 Acura ZDX
The all-wheel-drive A-Spec is quoted at 360 kw (490 hp), whereas the Kind S ekes out a couple of extra horses to attain “almost 500 hp,” in keeping with product planning supervisor Jonathon Rivers. The Kind S additionally produces as much as 544 lb-ft of torque, which he famous exceeds even the second-generation NSX two-seat efficiency automobile, with its mid-mounted V-6 engine and three electrical motors. The bottom A-Spec mannequin makes use of a single 263-kw (358-hp) motor that powers the rear wheels.
Huge Brembo brakes on our Kind S use six-piston entrance calipers clamping down on 15.6-inch entrance rotors (13.6 inches on the rear). The calipers are painted vibrant yellow to underscore the sporty aspirations of the ZDX, they usually hauled the 6,050-pound Kind S all the way down to a cease simply high-quality underneath emergency braking. Our Kind S rode on 22-inch wheels; all-weather tires are customary, or consumers can go for efficiency tires as a $1,000 choice.
The default drive mode approximates the powertrain really feel of a standard car with an computerized transmission—minus the shifts, in fact. The suspension was snug on most surfaces, with good damping and a snug journey. Sport mode gave us much less added punch than we had hoped for: the suspension felt tighter however added some harshness, and the steering was each lighter and faster.
2024 Acura ZDX
2024 Acura ZDX
2024 Acura ZDX
Tapping a everlasting icon on the prime of the touchscreen brings up a field for “One Pedal Driving” set to the “Regular” stage. (Tapping it once more turns off regenerative braking altogether.) However to get the strongest regen requires additional motion: a driver should faucet the phrases “Set Stage” after which select the “Excessive” choice from a dropdown that seems. This looks as if it might all be mixed right into a single popup for significantly much less distraction.
Contained in the ZDX cabin, the entrance seats are power-adjustable and comfy. The perforated Milano leather-based upholstery with distinction stitching is interesting, and our Kind S check mannequin added embossed Kind S logos for further flash. The flat ground in entrance of the large rear seat makes carrying three adults much less cramped than in comparable crossovers with driveline humps.
2024 Acura ZDX will characteristic fashionable Google apps inbuilt
ZDX doesn’t omit CarPlay or Android Auto
All fashions include an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster; the Kind S provides a head-up show. It additionally comes with Google Assistant constructed into the infotainment system. The massive icons on the central 11.3-inch touchscreen are straightforward to hit, and the ZDX presents each Android Auto and Apple CarPlay—in contrast to some Ultium-based EVs bought by GM. We examined wi-fi navigation mirrored to the automobile on each kinds of telephone, and it labored flawlessly—although the phrase “Google” in dialog appeared to interrupt the Apple Maps app because the automobile woke as much as await a command.
A large console between the seats accommodates each two giant cups and two smartphones mendacity aspect by aspect. A pocket simply forward of the central armrest presents wi-fi charging and retains smartphone screens hidden to forestall drivers sneaking a look—or worse. Massive buttons and knobs on the sprint present acquainted controls for issues like audio quantity and tuning, and air flow capabilities. There’s additionally a big space underneath the ahead a part of the console for a small backpack or a handbag—which was virtually solely invisible amidst the uniform darkish grey plastic of the sprint and console and the black carpeting.
2024 Acura ZDX
Cargo quantity is a considerable 28.7 cubic toes behind the second row; with that row folded down, it rises to 62 cu ft. The rear seatbacks, nevertheless, don’t fold fairly flat. It’s not an enormous obstacle, however it’s additionally not a flat load ground all the best way as much as the entrance seats.
The energetic security system within the ZDX contains all ordinary automated driver-assistance methods, together with computerized emergency braking, energetic lane management, and too many others to checklist right here.
2024 Acura ZDX
Acura ZDX lineup is simplified
The 2024 Acura ZDX lineup is straightforward, with rear- or all-wheel-drive A-Spec fashions, the Kind S for added bling, and minimal choices. Keyless entry is customary, and each key-card and smartphone entry are supplied. One notable customary characteristic is an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system in all ZDX variations; it is going to be fitted to different Acura autos for the 2025 mannequin yr.
The ZDX is constructed on the identical Spring Hill, Tennessee, meeting plant that produces the Cadillac Lyriq. As such, Acura says it ought to qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit score that, as of January 1, will be utilized on to the sticker value to scale back the price of the car. Acura informed us it expects to ship 20,000 ZDXes this yr, and 30,000 yearly in subsequent mannequin years.
–Acura offered airfare, lodging, and meals to allow Inexperienced Automobile Reviews to convey you this first-person drive report.