Honda and Acura were late to the electric vehicle (EV) game but have partnered with General Motors (GM) to kickstart the development of new models. The Honda Prologue came first, riding on GM’s Ultium platform. Acura recently pulled back the curtain on the upcoming ZDX—its take on the setup. Coming for the 2024 model year, the new ZDX is a sporty luxury electric crossover SUV with impressive specs and several new-to-Acura technologies, including novel driver aids and audio features.
The new ZDX comes in two configurations: A-Spec and Type S. A single electric-motor powertrain is standard, but Acura offers a dual-motor format. Output is up to 500 horsepower in the Type S, making the ZDX one of Acura’s most powerful road-going vehicles ever. The automaker will build its new EV in the United States and release the SUV in early 2024.
Acura designed the ZDX at its studio in Los Angeles. While it’s got a fresh, futuristic look, the SUV is immediately recognizable as coming from the brand. At 197.7 inches long, 77 inches wide, and 64.4 inches tall, the ZDX is the same length as the gas-powered Acura MDX SUV but is slightly narrower and not quite as tall. The A-Spec comes standard with 20-inch wheels, and the Type S gets 22-inch rollers. Acura’s “Jewel Eye” LED headlights make an appearance, along with the brand’s signature grille shape with a large logo and a unique 3D pattern grille.
Acura hasn’t detailed the ZDX’s interior configurations other than to say it’s an upscale space with loads of tech. Images the automaker shared show a clean front cabin with a handful of physical controls and ambient interior lighting. The 5-seat SUV is available with a choice of interior color schemes, and the rear seats fold flat to open up more cargo space in the back. The ZDX has a 121.8-inch wheelbase, which is 8 inches longer than the 3-row MDX. That should give the ZDX a generously sized cargo hold and excellent passenger space.
The Acura ZDX A-Spec comes standard with a single-motor electric powertrain producing 340 hp. A dual-motor variant is available, though Acura hasn’t yet outlined its specs. Stepping up to the Type S brings a dual-motor configuration with 500 hp, Brembo front brakes, and multi-link air suspension with adaptive dampers. Acura claims a 50/50 weight distribution for the ZDX and says its battery location gives it a low center of gravity for better handling and stability.
Acura estimates the ZDX’s range at 325 miles for the single-motor A-Spec model, 315 miles for the dual-motor, and 288 for the Type S. Charging at speeds of up to 190 kW, Acura says the SUV can recover around 81 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Acura offers a home charging solution through its Acura Home Electrification program, which works with local technicians to install and set up home chargers. The Acura app also helps owners locate charging stations, and the automaker will begin providing access to a network of DC fast chargers in the U.S. and Canada in 2024, with a target of offering 30,000 chargers by 2030.
The ZDX comes standard with AcuraWatch safety tech, which brings forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. It also gets blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic warning, and Acura gave the SUV a handful of technologies not seen in its vehicles before. Rear cross-traffic braking and blind-spot steering assist are novel features for Acura, and the Type S trim gets a more robust AcuraWatch 360+ system that brings a new hands-free cruise control function. It offers assisted driving on 400,000 miles of “compatible roads” (likely limited-access highways). Acura packages it with a new automatic parking-assistance system.
Acura equips an 11-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen in the new ZDX. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the system runs on Google Built-in software, which brings Google Maps, voice assistance, and more. Acura’s infotainment software hasn’t been the most intuitive in years past, but the new Google-powered interface and powerful hardware should be enough to make it competitive with the rest of the market. Acura also offers its first Bang & Olufsen stereo in the ZDX, bringing 18 speakers with four in the headliner.
With its premium positioning and $60,000 price tag, the ZDX will compete with other upscale electric SUVs, including the new Cadillac Lyriq, with which it shares a platform and some underlying technology. The Genesis Electrified GV70 is a fantastic alternative with striking style and impressive technology, and buyers may also eye the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. Though it will be slightly cheaper, the Honda Prologue will offer a similar experience and will come with many of the same underlying technologies.
Acura is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of August 18, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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