The initial ZDX was something of a moonshot for the cautious Acura brand, launching head-first into the still-new SUV coupe market with the foundations of the performance sedan (but it wasn’t the engine unfortunately). It was a good idea in light of the surprising popularity that was the BMW X6, but it did not take off similarly. The brand is trying to make a statement again, and putting the Acura brand name to its first electric vehicle but its 2024 Acura ZDX is a more typical-looking SUV.
2024 Acura ZDX Review
It is described to be “the most powerful and quickest accelerating SUV” in Acura history, the ZDX will debut in its Type S performance trim promising 500 total horsepower generated by an electric motor that is mounted on each axle. Based on that power the range of the battery’s 102-kWh capacity is expected to be 288 miles. The A-Spec’s base model will come with a single or dual-motor powertrain, with the single motor producing 350 horsepower while the dual motor output is not yet known, but it is likely to be higher.
Its range is increased up to 325 miles for the single motor, and 315 miles with the dual motor. Single-motor models come with rear-drive technology that should give them an athletic look too. Additionally, it helps is the rear and front multilink suspensions The suspension, front and rear, Acura claims is tuned to ensure a balance between refinement and handling performance. A-Spec models are based on coil springs as well as passive adaptive dampers, while the ZDX Type S will feature an adjustable air suspension that can be adjusted in height and electronically controlled active dampers. The suspension will also be tuned for high-performance driving and will have several driving modes.
Type S also gets Brembo six-piston front brakes that clamp much larger 15.6-inch rotors than the 12.6-inch for the A-Spec. Both have the identical rear brakes. They will be encased by 20-inch wheels with All-season tires for A-Spec, and 22-inch wheels fitted with summer or all-season tires for the Type S. Getting the summer tires will also change the machined-finish wheels to gloss black models.
The style is similar to the direction of the Precision EV Concept a year back. In typical Acura and Honda design the concept cars are extremely close to becoming production. The exaggerated design elements have been pushed back and the lighting on the exterior has been lowered but the fundamentals are the same. Contrary to the initial ZDX the latest model doesn’t sway too much on its “coupe” roofline thereby preserving rear headroom and storage space. It’s an RDX that is sleeker with a solid grille that shines all around the upper edge.
Engine & Specs
This “state-of-the-art electric vehicle platform” that is the basis of the ZDX is the GM’s Ultium motor and battery technology which the General makes use of for all its upcoming EVs and will be integrated into the coming Honda Prologue. Acura states that the Prologue will be able to charge at the 190 kW mark and the most efficient rear-drive model A-Spec can get an 81-mile range within 10 minutes. The 190 kW model is considerably slower than similar Ultium models and we expect to see software upgrades shortly to speed up the process.
Acura hasn’t yet revealed which charger the ZDX will come with, such as the CCS Combo standard or Tesla’s NACS plug. Numerous automakers are shifting over to NACS which includes General Motors, but when we contacted Honda and Acura to inquire about their plans their press department snubbed the query without providing an answer.
The brand-new Acura phone application will assist ZDX owners in locating charging stations. Once you’ve set up your profile and billing, permit the charging of your phone for networks that are supported, meaning you don’t have to download multiple apps or swipe credit cards. Acura states that over 90 percent of the current DC quick charging services will be available on the application. Homeowners, the brand Acura Home Electrification digital store will connect you to local electricians who can set up the level 2 charging.
Finding those public chargers is a breeze thanks to the complete Google functions built-in. Along with other functions that Google Maps provides, it creates Google Maps the navigation system and it can be displayed directly on either the 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster or the infotainment display. Maps are even tailored to the ZDX to not only show you the best way to reach the charger but also what time to charge it so that your charging time and overall trip as brief as is possible.
It also helps to prepare the battery to allow faster charging for public Fast chargers if it is a waypoint or a destination. In contrast to GM and GM, which are moving to full Google integration Acura is still compatible with Apple. It is both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are compatible with the 11.3-inch information display and will play through an 18-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo.
Each ZDX is equipped with AcuraWatch 360+, the “AcuraWatch” package of active and passive driver aids that is now a system that doesn’t allow you to shift lanes when you’ve got someone in your zone of blindness. If you purchase the Type S, you can buy AcuraWatch 360+ which includes Acura’s first hands-off cruise system named, appropriately “Hands Free Cruise.”
It can operate on the roads that are mapped for 400,000 miles which makes us believe it could be a modified version of the GM Super Cruise. 360+ comes with Automatic Parking Assist, which will help you park parallel to the road. If you’re required to bring several things with you The ZDX can tow up to 3,500 pounds, in either trim. There is no word on whether Hands-Free Cruise works while towing as Super Cruise can on GM automobiles.
2024 Acura ZDX Release Date & Price
The ZDX A-Spec’s base rear drive “is expected to start in the $60,000 range,” Acura declares. Pricing for the dual motor powertrain hasn’t yet been announced. It’s the ZDX Type S, meanwhile, “is expected to start in the $70,000 range.” While AcuraWatch is the standard model, AcuraWatch 360+ may cost more; the company hasn’t made any announcements yet. If you’re still planning to pick up the possession of the ZDX from an authorized dealer and then sign the paperwork there, the ordering process can be done at home or there on a website dedicated to the purchase. The reservations will be open later in the year with the first cars to be released in early 2024.