The Acura ZDX is all-new for the 2024 model year. It’s the brand’s first full-electric vehicle. With seating for five and a maximum range of 325 miles, the ZDX competes against a wide range of electric luxury SUVs, notably the Genesis GV60, Tesla Model Y, Mercedes-Benz EQB, and Lexus RZ.
None of these rivals more closely matches the ZDX than the Cadillac Lyriq. In fact, Cadillac’s first production EV shares its Ultium battery and chassis with the ZDX. This GM-engineered platform is used and shared in a growing number of SUVs, including the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Honda Prologue.
Now entering its second year, the Lyriq has added two new trims and a new all-wheel-drive model with more power. Even in single-motor, rear-wheel-drive form, the Lyriq is remarkably quick and efficient. But does the newcomer Acura ZDX have what it takes to steal the spotlight from the Cadillac?
Let’s find out:
2024 Acura ZDX
The Acura ZDX is expected to be priced at about $60,000 when it goes on sale in late 2023. That will get you a ZDX A-Spec, which has a single electric motor with 340 horsepower driving the rear wheels. Upgrading to the 500-horsepower dual-motor ZDX Type S with all-wheel drive will likely cost about $70,000, but that price has not been confirmed by Acura.
Acura ZDX Highlights
Understated exterior: Styling is always subjective, but we think Acura got it right with the ZDX. While it’s nearly the same size as Acura’s 3-row midsize MDX, the ZDX sits lower to the ground and rides on a longer wheelbase. Seen in profile, the 2024 Acura ZDX looks beautifully proportioned and nicely balanced.
Attractive interior: Similar to its exterior, the interior of the ZDX looks carefully crafted to be equal parts functional and attractive. Like the Lyriq, the climate control functions are operated via a set of dials and buttons below the infotainment screen. The long wheelbase also pays dividends in the form of excellent rear legroom.
Performance with Type S: The base ZDX A-Spec, with a single motor and rear-wheel drive, has a maximum range of about 325 miles. EV shoppers who don’t mind sacrificing a few miles for dazzling performance should turn to the 500-horsepower Acura ZDX Type S. Equipped with adaptive air suspension and large Brembo brakes, the Type S delivers phenomenal acceleration while still providing an expected max range of about 290 miles.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Acura ZDX models for sale near you.
2024 Cadillac Lyriq
The Cadillac Lyriq makes a big entrance. When it was introduced for the 2023 model year, the strikingly attractive Lyriq oozed substance and style. It still does, in fact. Starting at $57,195, excluding destination charges, the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq remains one of our favorite electric luxury SUVs, thanks to a laudable mix of range, performance, design, and technology.
Cadillac Lyriq Highlights
Driving range: Both the single- and dual-motor versions of the Cadillac Lyriq provide more than 300 miles of range. That’s refreshing. Many other EVs have drastically reduced range when the horsepower goes up. Also notable: All Cadillac Lyriqs come with DC fast charging that can add 77 miles of range in only 10 minutes.
Super Cruise: We highly recommend Cadillac’s Super Cruise self-driving feature. This option allows for hands-free driving on more than 400,000 miles of pre-mapped roads throughout North America. It’s refined in how it operates, and it takes the stress out of particularly long highway journeys. Once you’ve experienced it, there’s a good chance you won’t want to live without it.
Head-turning style: With its tapered roofline and attention-grabbing front-end design, the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq is one of the more visually striking EVs available today. The Sport trim adds an illuminated grille, dark exterior accents, and available 22-inch alloy wheels.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Cadillac Lyriq models for sale near you.
Similarities
Since they share the same platform and have nearly identical horsepower and range, the Acura ZDX and the Cadillac Lyriq are remarkably similar electric SUVs. The ZDX even is available with the Super Cruise self-driving system, but it’s called Hands Free Cruise at Acura
Conclusion
With these two premium electric SUVs, it might boil down to something simple like price or looks. Do you prefer the more subtle styling of the ZDX or the more “look-at-me” Lyriq? While the ZDX has a slight edge in maximum range (325 miles versus 314 for the Lyriq), remember that the figure for the Acura remains an estimate.
Given their shared EV underpinnings, the passenger space and cargo volume are remarkably similar, too. As such, we think you won’t go wrong with either of these EVs, and a trip to your local dealer may help you determine which one is a better fit for your budget and driving needs.
| 2024 Acura ZDX | 2024 Cadillac Lyriq | |
| Starting Price | $60,000 (est.) | $57,195 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Single electric motor | Single electric motor |
| Horsepower | 340 hp | 340 hp |
| Torque | TBD | 325 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed | 1-speed |
| Fuel economy MPGe | TBD | 95 city/82 highway/88 combined |
| Also Available | Dual electric motors, AWD | Dual electric motors, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | TBD | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 121.8 inches | 121.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 197.7 inches | 196.7 inches |
| Width | 77.0 inches | 77.8 inches |
| Height | 64.4 inches | 63.9inches |
| Turning Diameter | TBD | 39.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | TBD | 38.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | TBD | 37.7 inches |
| Legroom, Front | TBD | 44.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | TBD | 39.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | TBD | 58.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | TBD | 58.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | TBD | 20.8 cubic feet/60.8 cubic feet |
