Acura is entering the electric vehicle (EV) market with the 2024 ZDX, marking a revival of a nameplate from its past, now fully electric. Set to begin deliveries next year, the ZDX blends Acura’s design language with General Motors’ Ultium platform, offering a compelling combination of style, performance, and technology.
The original Acura ZDX, launched in 2010, was a pioneer in the “SUV coupe” segment. Its distinctive sloping roofline prioritized style over practicality, and while the segment later gained popularity, the first-generation ZDX was discontinued in 2013 due to low sales. This time around, the all-electric 2024 ZDX adopts a more conventional SUV design, drawing inspiration from the Acura Precision EV concept revealed in 2022. Beyond the extended wheelbase necessary to house the battery pack, little outwardly reveals the ZDX’s electric nature.
Interior of the 2024 Acura ZDX.Acura ZDX Interior showcasing the modern design and technology.
The ZDX’s GM underpinnings are most evident in its wheelbase and battery configuration. Sharing the Cadillac Lyriq’s 121.8-inch wheelbase and 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, the ZDX aims to offer a competitive range. Acura projects a 325-mile range for the single-motor rear-wheel-drive version, exceeding the Lyriq’s 314 miles. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant is estimated to achieve 315 miles, surpassing the Cadillac’s 307 miles.
The base ZDX A-Spec will deliver 340 horsepower in rear-wheel-drive configuration, with all-wheel-drive horsepower figures yet to be released. For performance enthusiasts, the ZDX Type S boasts a performance-tuned dual-motor powertrain generating 500 hp, although its estimated range dips to 288 miles.
The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S in gold.2024 Acura ZDX Type S in a striking gold finish.
While the 190-kilowatt maximum DC fast charging rate might not be class-leading, Acura claims it will provide 81 miles of range in just 10 minutes for the single-motor A-Spec. To simplify the home charging process, Acura is launching an Acura Home Electrification online marketplace connecting owners with charging equipment and installers.
Inside, the ZDX showcases a familiar Acura aesthetic. An 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch freestanding touchscreen, equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dominate the dashboard. In a first for Acura, likely influenced by its GM partnership, the ZDX integrates Google built-in apps, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. A standard 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system further elevates the in-cabin experience.
Interior of the 2024 Acura ZDX.Interior view of the 2024 Acura ZDX highlighting the infotainment system.
The ZDX comes standard with the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assist technologies, including new features like rear cross-traffic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and rear pedestrian alert. The optional AcuraWatch 360+ system adds Hands Free Cruise, seemingly a rebranded version of GM’s Super Cruise system, and automated parking assist.
Wheel detail of the 2024 Acura ZDX.Close-up of the 2024 Acura ZDX wheel design.
Acura anticipates pricing to begin around $60,000 for the base ZDX A-Spec and $70,000 for the ZDX Type S. This positioning places the ZDX squarely within the competitive electric luxury SUV segment, alongside rivals such as the Cadillac Lyriq, Audi Q8 e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, and the more rugged Rivian R1S. The 2024 Acura ZDX represents a significant step for the brand, leveraging its past and embracing electric technology to carve out a space in the increasingly crowded EV landscape.
The ZDX promises a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and technology. Whether it can capture the attention of buyers in this competitive segment remains to be seen, but Acura is clearly aiming to make a statement with its first foray into the electric SUV market.
