2024 Acura ZDX: Acura’s First EV

Acura has officially entered the electric vehicle market by reviving a nameplate from its past. The 2024 Acura ZDX is not just a concept; it is a production-ready midsize SUV that marks a significant pivot for the Japanese luxury brand. By utilizing General Motors’ Ultium battery platform, Acura has accelerated its transition to electrification, delivering a vehicle that blends American battery technology with distinct Japanese design and performance tuning.

The GM Ultium Partnership

The most important technical detail regarding the new ZDX is its foundation. It sits on the GM Ultium platform, the same architecture found under the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer EV, and the Honda Prologue. This strategic partnership allowed Acura to bring an EV to market much faster than if they had developed a proprietary platform from scratch.

While the “bones” of the car are shared with GM, Acura engineers have tuned the suspension, steering, and overall driving dynamics to differentiate it from its cousins. The vehicle is assembled alongside the Cadillac Lyriq at GM’s plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Performance: A-Spec vs. Type S

Acura offers the ZDX in two distinct flavors, prioritizing either range or raw power.

ZDX A-Spec

The entry-level model is the A-Spec. It features a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration as standard, which is a rare setup for Honda and Acura products that historically favor front-wheel drive.

  • Horsepower: Approximately 358 hp (RWD model).
  • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive is standard; dual-motor all-wheel drive is optional.
  • Focus: This trim focuses on maximizing range and comfort for daily commuting.

ZDX Type S

The snippet provided highlights the “Type S performance,” and the specs support that claim. The Type S is the most powerful SUV Acura has ever produced.

  • Horsepower: An estimated 500 hp.
  • Torque: 544 lb-ft.
  • Drivetrain: Dual-motor all-wheel drive is standard.
  • Performance Hardware: To handle the extra weight and speed, the Type S comes equipped with massive 15.6-inch Brembo front brakes with six-piston calipers. It also features a height-adjustable air suspension system with performance-tuned adaptive dampers, allowing the car to switch between a comfortable cruise and a stiff, sporty handling profile.

Battery Range and Charging Speeds

Range anxiety is a primary concern for new EV buyers, and the ZDX offers competitive numbers, though it does not lead the segment. Both trims utilize a 102.0-kWh battery pack.

  • A-Spec (RWD): EPA-estimated range of 313 miles.
  • A-Spec (AWD): EPA-estimated range of 304 miles.
  • Type S: EPA-estimated range of 278 miles.

When it comes time to plug in, the ZDX supports DC Fast Charging at rates up to 190 kW. In real-world terms, this means you can add approximately 81 miles of range in just 10 minutes under optimal conditions. For home charging, Acura provides access to the new Acura Home Electrification marketplace to help owners find installers for Level 2 home chargers.

Interior Technology and Audio

The interior of the ZDX represents a departure from recent Acura layouts. The confusing “True Touchpad Interface” found in the RDX and MDX is gone. In its place is a standard touchscreen interface that is much more user-friendly.

  • Google Built-In: The infotainment system runs on Google Built-In. This means Google Maps is the native navigation system, and Google Assistant handles voice commands. It integrates seamlessly with your Google account without needing a phone connected, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still standard.
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio: For years, Acura was known for its ELS Studio 3D audio systems. The ZDX breaks this tradition by introducing a bespoke Bang & Olufsen sound system. It features 18 speakers, including four in the headliner, 14 channels of amplification, and a subwoofer.
  • Hands-Free Driving: The ZDX features “AcuraWatch 360+,” which includes the brand’s first implementation of hands-free driving assistance. This system allows for hands-free operation on up to 400,000 miles of compatible highways in North America. This is effectively a re-branded version of GM’s highly praised Super Cruise technology.

Pricing and Availability

The 2024 Acura ZDX is positioned as a premium luxury offering. The pricing reflects its status as a high-performance electric SUV.

  • ZDX A-Spec (RWD): Starts at approximately $64,500.
  • ZDX A-Spec (AWD): Starts at approximately $68,500.
  • ZDX Type S: Starts at approximately $73,500.
  • Type S with Performance Wheels/Tires: Starts at approximately $74,500.

Because the vehicle is built in North America, it is currently eligible for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit, provided the buyer meets the income requirements. This significantly undercuts some foreign competitors that do not qualify for the incentive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Acura ZDX the same as the Cadillac Lyriq? They share the same GM Ultium platform, battery pack, and electric motors. However, they have different exterior sheet metal, different interior designs, and Acura has tuned the suspension and steering to feel sportier than the Cadillac.

Does the ZDX have a front trunk (frunk)? No. Despite being an electric vehicle, the ZDX does not have a frunk. The space under the hood is occupied by the front motor (in AWD models) and other electronic components.

How fast is the ZDX Type S? While official 0-60 mph times vary by testing conditions, the 500-horsepower Type S is capable of hitting 60 mph in under 5 seconds, making it comparable to many gas-powered sports cars.

can I use Tesla Superchargers with the ZDX? Acura (along with Honda) has agreed to adopt the NACS (Tesla) charging standard starting in 2025. For the 2024 ZDX, the vehicle comes with a CCS port, but owners will likely have access to the Supercharger network via an adapter in the near future.