The 2024 Acura ZDX is the Honda premium model’s first-ever electrical automobile, 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 in a different way proportioned—3 inches decrease, on a wheelbase that’s 8 inches longer.
Named after a low-volume Acura SUV offered from 2010 to 2013, the brand new ZDX is definitely constructed by Normal Motors and rides on that firm’s Ultium EV platform—as does the associated Honda Prologue from Acura’s dad or mum model. EPA vary rankings differ from 313 miles for the rear-wheel-drive base ZDX A-Spec mannequin to 278 miles for the highest Sort S trim, which has all-wheel drive normal. 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 have been the highest Sort S model, so we will’t touch upon the variations between these and the A-Spec fashions.
2024 Acura ZDX
2024 Acura ZDX
2024 Acura ZDX
An Acura in and out—and electrical
Total, the Acura ZDX will possible attraction to MDX homeowners prepared to make the leap to battery-electric energy, although it foregoes that SUV’s third-row seating and it’s much less sporty than different Acuras. For SUV patrons specifically, that’s more likely to be a suitable tradeoff.
The 2024 ZDX appears to be like each inch an Acura, in and out. The shield-shaped entrance “grille” is a blanking plate, however the designers have managed to scale back the visible peak of a midsize SUV. Tips embody a sculpted decrease entrance fascia with horizontal fins, an non-compulsory black roof, a chrome band outlining the highest of the home windows—opinions on that flourish have been very combined certainly—and a silver “swoosh” beneath the doorways.
Sadly, there isn’t any entrance trunk beneath the lengthy nostril. Acura and GM engineers selected to package deal energy electronics and charging tools there as an alternative, foregoing one of many advantages of an EV ‘skateboard’ platform.
2024 Acura ZDX
ZDX costs shortly, has route planning
The 102-kwh battery pack costs at charges as much as 190 kw, Acura says, noting that the ZDX can add “practically 81 miles” in 10 minutes of fast-charging. That, after all, is beneath splendid situations: low battery cost, optimum ambient and battery temperatures, and a charging station that may ship that energy. A extra life like road-trip situation—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 automotive’s out there vary, and the electrical SUV may even precondition its battery en route if wanted to offer a quicker cost. On our brief drive, we weren’t in a position to check the routing features. We did attempt to recharge our check ZDX, however the one CCS charging station inside our deadline was completely full—in order that’ll have to attend for a longer-term check automotive.
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 strategy in providing patrons a alternative of three completely different choices for charging gear. One choice is a Degree 2 house charging station; a $500 credit score towards set up; and $100 in public charging credit. Patrons who don’t wish to set up a everlasting charger can get a transportable charging twine, with $250 towards set up and $300 in charging credit. Lastly, customers who can’t cost at house can go for $750 in public-charging credit. Acura has properly stayed away from the “limitless” public-charging presents different makers use to lure patrons, which regularly leads drivers who might simply cost at house 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 verify that.
ZDX is quickest Acura SUV ever
Acura says the brand new electrical ZDX is the quickest SUV it’s ever offered, underscoring the “efficiency” side 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 experience 15 mm decrease than regular. Snow Mode raises the experience peak 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 Sort S ekes out a couple of extra horses to attain “practically 500 hp,” in keeping with product planning supervisor Jonathon Rivers. The Sort S additionally produces as much as 544 lb-ft of torque, which he famous exceeds even the second-generation NSX two-seat efficiency automotive, 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.
Large Brembo brakes on our Sort S use six-piston entrance calipers clamping down on 15.6-inch entrance rotors (13.6 inches on the rear). The calipers are painted brilliant yellow to underscore the sporty aspirations of the ZDX, they usually hauled the 6,050-pound Sort S right down to a cease simply effective beneath emergency braking. Our Sort S rode on 22-inch wheels; all-weather tires are normal, or patrons can go for efficiency tires as a $1,000 choice.
The default drive mode approximates the powertrain really feel of a standard automobile with an automated transmission—minus the shifts, after all. The suspension was snug on most surfaces, with good damping and a snug experience. 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” degree. (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 Degree” 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 Sort S check mannequin added embossed Sort S logos for additional flash. The flat flooring in entrance of the broad rear seat makes carrying three adults much less cramped than in comparable crossovers with driveline humps.
2024 Acura ZDX will characteristic common Google apps inbuilt
ZDX doesn’t omit CarPlay or Android Auto
All fashions include an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster; the Sort 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—not like some Ultium-based EVs offered by GM. We examined wi-fi navigation mirrored to the automotive on each kinds of cellphone, and it labored flawlessly—although the phrase “Google” in dialog appeared to interrupt the Apple Maps app because the automotive woke as much as await a command.
A large console between the seats accommodates each two massive cups and two smartphones mendacity facet by facet. 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 features. There’s additionally a big space beneath the ahead a part of the console for a small backpack or a handbag—which was virtually completely 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 ft behind the second row; with that row folded down, it rises to 62 cu ft. The rear seatbacks, nonetheless, don’t fold fairly flat. It’s not an enormous obstacle, but it surely’s additionally not a flat load flooring all the best way as much as the entrance seats.
The energetic security system within the ZDX consists of all normal automated driver-assistance techniques, together with automated emergency braking, energetic lane management, and too many others to record 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 Sort S for extra bling, and minimal choices. Keyless entry is normal, and each key-card and smartphone entry are supplied. One notable normal 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 worth to scale back the price of the automobile. Acura advised us it expects to ship 20,000 ZDXes this yr, and 30,000 yearly in subsequent mannequin years.
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Acura offered airfare, lodging, and meals to allow Inexperienced Automobile Stories to convey you this first-person drive report.
