2024 Acura ZDX

The ZDX name might ring a bell. It was first used for an SUV with a sloped roof before SUVs with sloped roofs became a thing. Now it’s being repurposed, with the Z signifying zero emissions this time around. And Acura uses the DX letters for its other SUVs.

Speaking of which, the midsize MDX is similar in length to the ZDX, but around 3 inches taller. The more surprising thing is that the ZDX shares a platform and technology with the Cadillac Lyriq. Yes, this is a joint project between Acura and General Motors, with the ZDX built in the same Tennessee factory as the Lyriq. This is a good thing, since we like the Lyriq a lot and consider it an effective luxury electric vehicle (EV). It’s competitive in terms of range and has plenty of space.

As well as representing a whole new method of propulsion for Acura, the 2024 ZDX ushers in a new way of doing business. Sales will be online exclusively.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of luxury electric SUVs, including the Acura ZDX.

The ZDX all-electric luxury SUV is a completely new Acura model, available initially in two trim levels. It shares a platform with the Cadillac Lyriq, which also forms the basis for the Honda Prologue all-electric SUV. Acura intends to conduct all ZDX sales online.

Despite being a close relative under the skin, the Cadillac Lyriq starts out a little below the ZDX, while the Genesis Electrified GV70 is priced a little above. For those willing to splash out a bit more, the Audi Q8 e-tron begins in the region of $75K.

Before buying a new ZDX luxury electric SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should paying. The ZDX is eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 — see if you may qualify.

The most popular A-Spec with all-wheel drive uses two motors to create a remarkable 490 horsepower and 437 lb-ft of torque. This should be enough energy to sprint from standstill to 60 mph in about five seconds, possibly quicker. After all, the Genesis Electrified GV70 has 483 horsepower and does that dash in roughly four seconds.

We’ve driven the top Type S version of the 2024 ZDX, which brings 499 horsepower and 544 lb-ft of torque to the party. That’s more thrust than the NSX Type S hybrid supercar (with 492 lb-ft of torque). Acura claims the NSX Type S could reach 60 mph in under three seconds. We don’t think the ZDX Type S is quite in that league. It is fast, though — in a straight line and through corners.

The Type S comes standard with an adaptive suspension. In Sport mode, the ride height drops by just over half an inch for better aerodynamics and stability. In Snow mode, the ZDX is raised by an inch to improve ground clearance. We’ve found that ride comfort is luxury-vehicle-appropriate throughout — Sport mode just has a bit of an edge. The Type S has ideal weight distribution, so it feels beautifully balanced. It’s also fitted with strong and confident Brembo brakes. We like the steering as well, giving us an idea of what’s happening with the front wheels, but not shouting it.

It might have to shout in Sport mode because that’s when the noises come. Not road or wind noise, but sporty whooshing sounds coming through the audio system of the Type S, rising or lowering in pitch according to acceleration. They can be turned off.

Acura knows how to craft a cabin with a high-quality feel, the ZDX being a fine example. In the Type S, there’s plenty of leather (even on the dashboard) enhanced with real stitching. It is getting to the point, though, where electric vehicle interiors are becoming generic, with the obligatory large screen in an otherwise minimalist dashboard. That’s only a minor criticism, because this layout does work well — both practically and aesthetically. We like the 11-inch driver information display accompanied by an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The one downside being the switchgear, which doesn’t feel quite up to the usual Acura level.

The 2-row ZDX is virtually the same length as the 3-row Acura MDX, so there’s a lot of passenger space in here, with comfortable seating for five. We particularly like the well-bolstered front sport seats in the Type S. Interior colors throughout the lineup are either red, black or white. Behind the rear seats is a luggage area of 29.7 cubic feet. Fold those seats down to create a maximum cargo volume of 63 cubic feet. That beats the Genesis Electrified GV70.

Yes, this works for us. We like how the ZDX interprets the Acura corporate grille, sports a company logo on the nose that isn’t the size of a volleyball, and comes with cool LED lights. The Type S runs on 22-inch alloy wheels, an extroverted look that moves away from Acura’s traditional understated approach. It also has a contrasting black roof, while offering a couple of model-exclusive colors: Double Apex Blue Pearl and Tiger Eye Pearl (a kind of bronze).

Google built-in
Fast becoming the benchmark among contemporary infotainment systems, Google built-in allows use of apps like Google Maps, synchronization with other Google devices and profiles, enables over-the-air updates, and responds to voice commands given in natural speech. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is also standard, along with Wi-Fi and wireless charging.

Powered tailgate
Every new ZDX has this as standard. We’re all for convenience features.

Hands-Free Cruise
This is another upside of working with General Motors — accessing its Super Cruise partial self-driving technology. We’ve liked this feature from day one. It will work on about 400,000 miles of compatible roads and comes as standard in the top Type S variant.

Bang & Olufsen audio
We rejoice whenever we get into a vehicle with a Bang & Olufsen system. They always sound great. An 18-speaker setup is standard across the new ZDX lineup.

Panoramic moonroof
Yet another standard feature, this makes the roomy ZDX cabin feel even airier.

Automatic Parking Assist
Part of the Type S package, this feature can tell if a parallel parking space is big enough, and help the driver get into it.

The popular A-Spec model with all-wheel drive and dual electric motors has a range of 304 miles. That compares well against the similarly equipped Cadillac Lyriq’s 307 miles, while beating virtually most other rivals. Maximum range of the 2024 ZDX electric SUV is 313 miles, achieved by the single-motor/rear-drive A-Spec model. The high-performance Type S manages a still-respectable 278 miles.

Charging times aren’t particularly quick. Acura says a DC fast charger will take the battery from 20% to 80% capacity in 42 minutes, which is about twice as long as a Genesis Electrified GV70 needs to go from 10% to 80%. Another way of looking at it is that the ZDX will take on around 80 miles in 10 minutes (when using a DC fast charger). One piece of better news is that the ZDX is compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network. A 240-volt Level 2 home charger adds an average of about 29 miles for each hour it’s connected.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Acura’s new-vehicle warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first — a typical arrangement among luxury vehicles. Its powertrain coverage is somewhat better at six years or 70,000 miles. The high-voltage battery in the ZDX has a warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles

Safety

The new ZDX has yet to be crash-tested by any agencies in the United States. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a Lane Change Assist function that sees almost 100 feet behind the vehicle.