Driven: 2024 Acura ZDX Is Electrified Luxury

The 2024 Acura ZDX is the brand’s first step into the electric future. It’s a two-row SUV with seating for five that blends the luxury that is a hallmark of the brand with impressive EV performance. The ZDX is a bit larger than the two-row RDX but smaller than the three-row MDX, making its debut as an all-new vehicle for the 2024 model year.

Acura’s first-ever electric vehicle comes as automakers are shuffling their lineups and delaying or canceling planned electric models, but it’s still an important vehicle for the brand. Not having a single EV option forced customers who might otherwise go with an Acura to go elsewhere. This SUV aims to combine the features, drive, and style of Acura with an electric powertrain without any sacrifice. It might be electric, but first and foremost, it’s an Acura.

Exterior Looks: Sculpted Style

The ZDX’s exterior is attractive, channeling Acura’s new design language inspired by the Precision EV Concept. The grille lights up at night, making a strong impression and is paired with LED lights to complete the look. It’s all smooth lines, but with a sporty stance. An Acura with the Type S badge should be sporty and the ZDX looks the part. It’s a great electric interpretation of Acura style.

In terms of dimensions, this is how the ZDX looks in numbers:

• Wheelbase: 121.8 inches
• Length: 197.7 inches
• Width: 77 inches
• Height: 64.4 inches
• Groun Clerance: 7 inches

Interior & On-Board Technology: A Cozy Tech Haven

The interior of the ZDX is plush and practical. The perforated Milano leather, embossed with the Type S logo in our vehicle, are comfortable and slight sporty with mild bolstering. It’s a good balance of support that holds you in place without being tight or uncomfortable for longer drives. This is definitely a premium interior, but it’s not on the level of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.

Dual-zone climate control is standard, but again our Type S got an upgrade with tri-zone climate control ensuring everyone was comfortable. Standard acoustic glass makes the ride quiet even when there’s wind or rain. Combined with the quiet that comes from the absence of an engine, it’s a remarkably calm and relaxing ride.

Standard heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel further enhance comfort with plenty of room for tall passengers up front. There’s also good room in back for all but the tallest of adults, though the center console comes back a bit too far for the person in the middle to be comfortable. On the upside, that console has rear climate controls in the Type S. Cargo room is good with a nice wide liftgate opening to make stowing large items easy.

Infotainment: Crisp And Connected

The ZDX has an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are wireless charging and multiple USB-C ports both front and rear. An 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system is also standard, so no need to pay for an upgrade for a premium sound experience. The system has all the key features and is easy to use, even for passengers new to how it all works.

Performance: Electric Thrills Unleashed

The ZDX Type S is available only with dual-motor all-wheel drive and delivers 499 horsepower with 544 lb-ft of torque for aggressive acceleration. It’ll push you back in those plush sports seats. This is the most powerful, and most fun, version of the ZDX. It delivers more power than the Audi Q8 e-tron and the Genesis Electrified GV70. The A-Spec sees a drop in both torque and horsepower and is available with a dual-motor all-wheel drive or single-motor rear-wheel drive setup.

Performance Impressions

The ZDX is not a timid EV, and it makes good use of its horsepower and torque. As aggressive as it is, it’s not harsh. You can have some fun and mash the accelerator merging onto the highway or take it easy and be rewarded with smooth, refined power. The Type S is a performance SUV, and it feels like one. We thoroughly enjoyed our time behind the wheel, especially in Sport Mode. This mode lowers the adaptive air suspension by 15mm, improves throttle response, and adjusts the steering. It’s a small, but noticeable change in driving dynamics.

Ride and Handling

The Type S is a smooth and composed ride even over rough surfaces, in large part due to its adaptive air suspension. You’ll feel rough pavement, but not in an intrusive way. The worst of winter’s potholes do jar the vehicle a bit, but not dramatically. This is a brilliant highway cruiser with a composed, quiet ride that stays planted during quick lane changes. Find a back road with some twists and turns and it’s downright fun. This is not a light SUV, but it manages its weight well.

Range and Battery Info

The A-Spec crosses the 300-mile threshold, but the Type S falls short. These numbers aren’t exactly bad, but the Type S in particular is going to need a lot more charging stops on a road trip. The BMW iX and Tesla Model Y all have options with slightly more range.

Verdict & Pricing: A Stylish EV Contender

The ZDX blends luxury and performance with Acura’s signature style, making it a compelling pick for EV shoppers. It’s not the most long-range option, but it is a solid choice for those who want to go electric and stick with a known luxury brand. The rear-wheel drive A-Spec is $64,500 with the all-wheel drive version priced at $68,500. The Type S jumps to $73,500 with an available summer tire package that takes it to $74,500. Destination adds another $1,350. The Cadillac Lyriq and Tesla Model Y both have a lower starting price.

The 2024 Acura ZDX is a strong first electric effort. It’s fun to drive with great handling and lots of power in the Type S trim. It’s not especially striking from the outside, but it has a comfortable and attractive interior that lives up the brand’s reputation. Range is good though not outstanding, but pricing is high, even for an Acura. The competition in the segment is strong, but the ZDX is a solid entry.