2024 Acura ZDX Base

Performance

7.5/10

How does the ZDX drive? We tested a ZDX Type S, which is the most powerful version you can get. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds at the Edmunds test track. That’s certainly quick, though a few other performance versions of luxury EVs are quicker still. A BMW iX we tested sprinted to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, for example.

Our test ZDX Type S had the optional summer tires, which helped it achieve short emergency braking distances in our testing. The firmer suspension and steering of Sport mode made the most of the tires on our handling course, and there’s just enough rear bias in its power delivery to almost make the ZDX fun to drive. However, the ZDX is pretty heavy and doesn’t offer much feel for the road through its steering. It’s a sporty-ish EV but not particularly satisfying to drive with enthusiasm.

For daily driving, the ZDX works well. It accelerates smoothly and gets up to highway speeds quickly. The regenerative braking effect when you lift off the accelerator pedal is strong but not so jarring that it’s hard to drive smoothly, and the ZDX’s easy steering and tight turn radius are useful in cramped parking lots.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the ZDX? The ZDX Type S is comfortable as an all-day cruiser. Putting the suspension in the Normal mode is the best bet, as it delivers a smooth ride even on the crummiest of freeways. The front seats offer plenty of adjustment. They’re also both heated and cooled for those cold or hot days. The climate control works quite well, keeping the cabin at the right temperature.

2024 Acura ZDX

The ZDX is also quiet, although we were surprised to find that the related Honda Prologue was actually a little quieter in our testing. It’s likely the summer tires on our test ZDX Type S were the main cause of the extra noise.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The ZDX’s expansive interior has plenty of room between the driver and front passenger. The wide doors make it easy to get in and out, and physical knobs and buttons for basic audio and climate control functions make the interior easy to use, even if there are quite a few functions left to the touchscreen. That touchscreen has big icons that are easy to tap, but some functions are still hard to find. The surround-view camera that’s standard on the Type S is welcome since the low roofline and tight rear quarters limit visibility.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? The Acura ZDX comes standard with smartphone integration and many driver assist systems, while the Type S supplements these features with Hands Free Cruise. This rebranded version of General Motors’ excellent Super Cruise system works on the same network of premapped highways, allowing you to take your hands off the wheel while the ZDX drives itself. It works surprisingly well, with the ZDX happily staying in its lane and giving you plenty of time to retake control when needed. The rest of the driver assist systems also work well, although the collision avoidance warning is too alarmist.

The ZDX’s infotainment system has the Google built-in feature. It’s helpful to see the Google Maps turn-by-turn directions on the digital instrument panel, and the Google-based voice controls that you can use for a variety of features are also useful. Unlike some of the GM vehicles with which the ZDX shares its underpinnings, Acura still includes smartphone integration so you can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto wirelessly if you want. It also has wireless charging in a convenient pocket behind the cupholders that’s actually cooled so it works without overheating your phone, even if it’s in a case.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The ZDX has up to 29.7 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats. That’s typical for an electric luxury SUV. The cargo floor is low to the ground for easy loading, and it holds a week’s worth of groceries with ease. It’s also simple enough to fold down the rear seatbacks to expand the space if you need to.

Small-item storage is decent, with a nicely sized center console bin, a two-tier center console tray with generous space underneath for a purse, and good-size cupholders. For family duty, big child safety seats should fit without the front passengers compromising on space.

Range and Efficiency

7.5/10

How are the range and efficiency? Acura estimates that the ZDX Type S with summer tires, which is what we tested, should be able to go 278 miles on a full charge. On our real-world Edmunds EV Range Test, we exceeded that, stretching the range to about 313 miles. That’s certainly enough for daily driving and the occasional road trip; you can expect other versions of the ZDX to be able to go even farther. Acura says the ZDX can charge at a maximum 190 kW when connected to a public fast-charging station under ideal conditions, which should be good to get the battery from 20% to 80% in a little more than 40 minutes.

Value

7/10

Is the ZDX a good value? It’s hard to consider this electric Acura as a value in any meaningful way. While it drives just fine, the ZDX is let down by the midlevel interior materials. The use of so many lowball plastics inside is obvious, especially compared to the much nicer interiors on the similarly priced Genesis GV70 Electrified and Cadillac Lyriq. Sit in a ZDX and you won’t really notice a difference compared to the related but far-less-expensive Honda Prologue. Considering competitors offer a more luxurious experience for the same price, we can’t give the ZDX a pass here.

Wildcard

7/10

The ZDX, though it carries some novelty as Acura’s first fully electric vehicle, lacks many of the qualities found in the brand’s other vehicles. Even the Type S version isn’t all that exciting to drive. This is a merely competent EV that’s less luxurious than its nameplate and price tag suggest. There’s very little here to make it memorable.