2024 Acura ZDX Type S keeps first EV mostly on-brand

The 2024 Acura ZDX is the Honda premium brand’s first-ever electric vehicle, a midsize crossover SUV with five seats. 

Visually it’s every inch an Acura, and it’s very close in size to the brand’s bestselling model, the MDX midsize crossover. But the EV is differently proportioned—3 inches lower, on a wheelbase that’s 8 inches longer. 

Named after a low-volume Acura SUV sold from 2010 to 2013, the new ZDX is actually built by General Motors and rides on that company’s Ultium EV platform—as does the related Honda Prologue from Acura’s parent brand. EPA range ratings vary from 313 miles for the rear-wheel-drive base ZDX A-Spec model to 278 miles for the top Type S trim, which has all-wheel drive standard. The ZDX A-Spec with AWD comes in between those ranges, at 304 miles.

In late April, we spent more than four hours driving the Acura ZDX in and around Santa Barbara, California. All our test vehicles were the top Type S version, so we can’t comment on the differences between those and the A-Spec models.

An Acura inside and out—and electric

Overall, the Acura ZDX will likely appeal to MDX owners willing to make the jump to battery-electric power, though it foregoes that SUV’s third-row seating and it’s less sporty than other Acuras. For SUV buyers in particular, that is likely to be an acceptable tradeoff. 

The 2024 ZDX looks every inch an Acura, inside and out. The shield-shaped front “grille” is a blanking plate, but the designers have managed to reduce the visual height of a midsize SUV. Tricks include a sculpted lower front fascia with horizontal fins, an optional black roof, a chrome band outlining the top of the windows—opinions on that flourish were very mixed indeed—and a silver “swoosh” under the doors.

Sadly, there is no front trunk under the long nose. Acura and GM engineers chose to package power electronics and charging equipment there instead, foregoing one of the benefits of an EV ‘skateboard’ platform.

ZDX charges quickly, has route planning

The 102-kwh battery pack charges at rates up to 190 kw, Acura says, noting that the ZDX can add “nearly 81 miles” in 10 minutes of fast-charging. That, of course, is under ideal conditions: low battery charge, optimal ambient and battery temperatures, and a charging station that can deliver that power. A more realistic road-trip scenario—20-80% fast-charging—is quoted at 42 minutes.

Acura says Google Assistant will route the ZDX to EV charging stations if a trip exceeds the car’s available range, and the electric SUV will also precondition its battery en route if needed to provide a faster charge. On our short drive, we weren’t able to test the routing functions. We did try to recharge our test ZDX, but the one CCS charging station within our deadline was entirely full—so that’ll have to wait for a longer-term test car.

On our various drive legs, we recorded efficiencies of 2.2 to 2.4 miles per kwh, lower than some EV SUVs but perhaps not surprising for a three-ton SUV, given the hills along our route and substantial travel at California highway speeds. 

Acura takes an interesting approach in offering buyers a choice of three different options for charging gear. One option is a Level 2 home charging station; a $500 credit toward installation; and $100 in public charging credits. Buyers who don’t want to install a permanent charger can get a portable charging cord, with $250 toward installation and $300 in charging credits. Finally, users who can’t charge at home can opt for $750 in public-charging credits. Acura has wisely stayed away from the “unlimited” public-charging offers other makers use to lure buyers, which often leads drivers who could easily charge at home to clog public-charging sites because they’re free.

Acura says 2024 ZDX models will come with the CCS charging port, but 2025 model-year cars should have the Tesla-style NACS connector. We recommend checking back closer to the start of next year to confirm that.

ZDX is quickest Acura SUV ever

Acura says the new electric ZDX is the quickest SUV it’s ever sold, underscoring the “performance” aspect of the brand. It’s also heavy: almost 1,200 pounds more than an MDX with roughly the same footprint. The all-wheel-drive electric powertrain gives it close to a 50/50 weight distribution, and the air suspension with adaptive dampers provides a Sport Mode that allows it to ride 15 mm lower than normal. Snow Mode raises the ride height by 25 mm and adjusts traction for slippery conditions, and an Individual Mode that lets owners tune settings for the steering, suspension, and power to their liking—though we doubt it will be used much.

The all-wheel-drive A-Spec is quoted at 360 kw (490 hp), while the Type S ekes out a few more horses to achieve “nearly 500 hp,” according to product planning manager Jonathon Rivers. The Type S also produces up to 544 lb-ft of torque, which he noted exceeds even the second-generation NSX two-seat performance car, with its mid-mounted V-6 engine and three electric motors. The base A-Spec model uses a single 263-kw (358-hp) motor that powers the rear wheels.

Massive Brembo brakes on our Type S use six-piston front calipers clamping down on 15.6-inch front rotors (13.6 inches at the rear). The calipers are painted bright yellow to underscore the sporty aspirations of the ZDX, and they hauled the 6,050-pound Type S down to a stop just fine under emergency braking. Our Type S rode on 22-inch wheels; all-weather tires are standard, or buyers can opt for performance tires as a $1,000 option.

The default drive mode approximates the powertrain feel of a conventional vehicle with an automatic transmission—minus the shifts, of course. The suspension was comfortable on most surfaces, with good damping and a comfortable ride. Sport mode gave us less added punch than we had hoped for: the suspension felt tighter but added some harshness, and the steering was both lighter and quicker. 

Tapping a permanent icon at the top of the touchscreen brings up a box for “One Pedal Driving” set to the “Normal” level. (Tapping it again turns off regenerative braking altogether.) But to get the strongest regen requires further action: a driver must tap the words “Set Level” and then choose the “High” option from a dropdown that appears. This seems like it could all be combined into a single popup for considerably less distraction.

Inside the ZDX cabin, the front seats are power-adjustable and comfortable. The perforated Milano leather upholstery with contrast stitching is appealing, and our Type S test model added embossed Type S logos for extra flash. The flat floor in front of the wide rear seat makes carrying three adults less cramped than in comparable crossovers with driveline humps.

ZDX doesn’t omit CarPlay or Android Auto

All models come with an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster; the Type S adds a head-up display. It also comes with Google Assistant built into the infotainment system. The large icons on the central 11.3-inch touchscreen are easy to hit, and the ZDX offers both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay—unlike some Ultium-based EVs sold by GM. We tested wireless navigation mirrored to the car on both types of phone, and it worked flawlessly—though the word “Google” in conversation seemed to interrupt the Apple Maps app as the car woke up to await a command.

A wide console between the seats accommodates both two large cups and two smartphones lying side by side. A pocket just ahead of the central armrest offers wireless charging and keeps smartphone screens hidden to prevent drivers sneaking a glance—or worse. Large buttons and knobs on the dash provide familiar controls for things like audio volume and tuning, and ventilation functions. There’s also a large area under the forward part of the console for a small backpack or a purse—which was almost entirely invisible amidst the uniform dark gray plastic of the dash and console and the black carpeting.

Cargo volume is a substantial 28.7 cubic feet behind the second row; with that row folded down, it rises to 62 cu ft. The rear seatbacks, however, don’t fold quite flat. It’s not a huge impediment, but it’s also not a flat load floor all the way up to the front seats.

The active safety system in the ZDX includes all usual automated driver-assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and too many others to list here. 

Acura ZDX lineup is simplified

The 2024 Acura ZDX lineup is simple, with rear- or all-wheel-drive A-Spec models, the Type S for additional bling, and minimal options. Keyless access is standard, and both key-card and smartphone access are offered. One notable standard feature is an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system in all ZDX versions; it will be fitted to other Acura vehicles for the 2025 model year.

The ZDX is built at the same Spring Hill, Tennessee, assembly plant that produces the Cadillac Lyriq. As such, Acura says it should qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit that, as of January 1, can be applied directly to the sticker price to reduce the cost of the vehicle. Acura told us it expects to deliver 20,000 ZDXes this year, and 30,000 annually in subsequent model years.

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Acura provided airfare, lodging, and meals to enable EV kind of cars to bring you this first-person drive report.