Five Best Things About the New 2024 Acura ZDX
And why you might decide to cross the 2024 ZDX off your list
Hi there, and welcome to Driving American, the automotive publication focused on the cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans that are made in America by Americans.
In this issue, I’m detailing the five best things about the new 2024 Acura ZDX, which the automaker will reportedly build in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Paid subscribers will also learn what I think you might not like about the 2024 ZDX.
Oh, and if you’re wondering why Driving American is publishing content about an Acura, you’ll find the explanation here.
What is the 2024 Acura ZDX?
Acura briefly glued the ZDX nameplate onto a decidedly odd-looking SUV coupe between 2010 and 2013. The company based the original ZDX on the second-generation MDX and sold it for only four model years before mercifully pulling the plug.
Now, the Acura ZDX rises from the grave, this time as an attractive electric SUV with two rows of seats and a 5-passenger capacity. Like the original recipe ZDX, Acura bases this new model on an existing vehicle. However, this time around, it isn’t an Acura or Honda product. Instead, the 2024 ZDX is the result of a collaboration with General Motors, and it shares its Ultium platform, battery, motors, and other goodies with the Cadillac Lyriq. (Honda will also sell a version of the vehicle called the Prologue.)
The Ultium skateboard platform and component set are state-of-the-art, so Honda and Acura benefit from the significant engineering work GM invested in it. In addition, by partnering with GM, the ZDX and Prologue got a fast track to production. Otherwise, it would have been a few more years before the automakers could introduce electric models.
Acura says the ZDX release date is early 2024, and the SUV will carry a base price in the mid-$60,000 range. That’s what you’ll pay for the ZDX A-Spec. The performance-tuned ZDX Type S will cost more, with a starting price in the mid-$70,000s. Acura says it will sell the ZDX through a new digital process available online or through your local dealership.
So, what do I think are the five best things about the new 2024 Acura ZDX? Find out below.
1. The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S supplies 500 horsepower
Acura views itself as a performance-oriented premium brand, and the company’s “precision crafted performance” mantra guided the new ZDX’s development. However, the most expensive version of the electric SUV, the ZDX Type S, promises the most fun thanks to improved acceleration, braking, and handling. The highlights of each version of the ZDX are below.
2024 Acura ZDX A-Spec Specs:
The standard drivetrain has a single electric motor, rear-wheel drive, and an estimated 340 horsepower
A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version is available, but Acura provides no details about the power output
20-inch wheels wrapped in 265/50 all-season tires
Multi-link front and rear suspension with fixed coil springs and Acura’s Amplitude Reactive Damper shock absorbers
Acura says the ZDX offers a nearly perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution
The Acura ZDX towing capacity is 3,500 pounds
2024 Acura ZDX Type S Specs:
Performance-tuned, dual-motor AWD drivetrain with an estimated 500 hp
22-inch machined-finish wheels with 275/40R22 self-sealing all-season tires (an optional gloss-black wheel has summer performance tires)
Height-adjustable air suspension with performance-tuned adaptive dampers
Larger 15.6-inch Brembo front brakes with yellow 6-piston front calipers
Tows up to 3,500 pounds
2. The 2024 Acura ZDX has a maximum driving range is 325 miles
All three versions of the new ZDX use a 102-kWh lithium-ion battery. To enjoy a maximum estimated driving range of 325 miles, you’ll want the ZDX A-Spec with the single-motor drivetrain. Choose the dual-motor AWD version of the A-Spec, and the EV will travel an estimated 315 miles on a full battery.
Naturally, the performance-tuned ZDX Type S is the sprinter, not the marathoner. Acura estimates it will travel 288 miles on a full charge, mainly due to its bigger 22-inch wheels and tires.
When it’s time to recharge, you can use your Acura Smartphone App to find and get directions to more than 90% of the DC fast chargers in the United States. While you’re on your way, you can precondition the battery to prepare it for fast charging. In addition, you can pay for your charging session through the app.
Acura says the ZDX can accept fast charging at a rate of up to 190 kW. Under ideal conditions, the A-Spec single-motor can gain 81 miles in 10 minutes.
If you also wish to install a Level 2 home charging station at your residence, you can consult with Acura Home Electrification to help you find a suitable charger for your needs and a pre-vetted charging station installer who can help get you set up.
3. The 2024 Acura ZDX has Google Built-in
Unsurprisingly, Acura pulls from the GM parts bin for the ZDX’s standard 11-inch digital instrumentation display and 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in. Expect graphics and animations exclusive to the Acura, but otherwise, this is the same technology currently proliferating through the GM lineup.
There’s nothing wrong with that because the tech is excellent. In my experience with the latest digital display and infotainment systems in GM products, both offer intuitive operation, and owners can quickly acclimate to any quirks, such as how the Google Assistant natural voice recognition system works.
Plus, well, it’s not Acura’s True Touchpad Interface system, so for that fact alone, the new Google Built-in tech represents a substantial improvement.
In addition to Google Assistant, the infotainment system provides access to Google Maps and Google Play and comes with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Expect an AcuraLink package of connected services, too, powered by OnStar.
4. The 2024 Acura ZDX has a standard Bang & Olufsen sound system
In addition to switching to a Google Built-in touchscreen infotainment system, the ZDX will be the first Acura to have a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. It will feature 18 speakers (four embedded into the headliner), brushed aluminum door speaker grilles, Beosonic sound control, and Acoustic Lens technology.
According to Acura, Beosonic sound control allows ZDX owners to choose between four audio-mood profiles. They include Bright, Energetic, Warm, and Relaxed.
In explaining the Acoustic Lens technology, Acura says it “uniformly disperses high frequencies horizontally 180 degrees while limiting vertical reflections, improving the overall sense of space and realism for all passengers as they hear every note and every nuanced sound.”
I’m guessing that’s audiophile-speak suggesting this Bang & Olufsen sound system will be awesome.
And based on my experience evaluating the products of the Danish maker of audio components, it likely will be.
5. The 2024 Acura ZDX debuts new hands-free driving system
Acura has also announced the new 2024 ZDX will offer an AcuraWatch 360+ system with Hands Free Cruise. Considering the ZDX shares plenty with the Cadillac Lyriq, I expect this to be a rebranded version of GM’s Super Cruise technology. If that comes to pass, know that Super Cruise is my current favorite among hands-free driving assistance systems.
Learn more in Driving American’s guide to lane-assist technologies.
As expected, every ZDX will also have a standard AcuraWatch collection of driving assistance systems. New features include Acura’s first use of automatic braking with rear cross-traffic alert and an active blind-spot monitoring system that can warn and steer to help discourage an unsafe lane change. In addition, the SUV will offer a semi-autonomous parking assist feature for parallel spaces.
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What’s the worst thing about the new 2024 Acura ZDX?
Despite the best efforts by car company designers, engineers, product planners, and marketers, no new vehicle is perfect. Ultimately, they represent a collection of compromises defined by regulations, consumer research, and profit margins. They represent reality instead of fantasy, crafted to appeal to an identified customer.
Since no vehicle is perfect, the new Acura ZDX is flawed. Based on what I know now, and without having driven the SUV, this is the reason you might skip it in favor of something else:
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