The ZDX came out in 2009 for the 2010 model year in the form of a mid-size luxury crossover. Acura didn't sell too many, which is why it was discontinued in 2013. A decade later, Honda's premium brand revived this nameplate for a mid-size electric sport utility vehicle.
Honda loyalists, however, aren't going to be happy to hear that GM bits and pieces hide under the skin. Based on the BEV3 electric vehicle platform of the Chevrolet Blazer EV, the second-generation ZDX will be manufactured alongside the Chevrolet-branded twin at the American automaker's Ramos Arizpe Assembly Plant.
The Mexican plant will further welcome the Honda Prologue, which is nothing more than Honda's take on the Acura ZDX. Before going any further, why did the Japanese automaker borrow GM technology for these sport utility vehicles? The most straightforward answer is the sheer lack of electric vehicle expertise. Both the ZDX and Prologue are meant to give Honda time to catch up to the competition, although it remains to be seen if Honda can do better than the poor-selling e hatchback and the new e:Ny1 crossover.
Somewhat curious, the Japanese automaker doesn't mention General Motors once in the press release for the 2024 Acura ZDX. Attached below, said release includes an estimated 500 horsepower for the ZDX Type S. Other highlights include 325 miles (523 kilometers) on a single charge for the ZDX A-Spec rear-wheel drive and a staring price in the $60,000 range. As you're well aware, none of these numbers are impressive for the segment.
On the other hand, it's good enough for Acura's first all-electric production model. Styled at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, the ZDX further signals the brand's transition to a zero-emission lineup. Honda says that 40 percent of its worldwide sales will comprise battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles by the year 2030.
It's not known, though, when Honda and Acura will get rid of internal combustion-engined vehicles. By comparison, Ford Europe will do exactly that by 2030.
Photo: Acura
Said to feature a near-perfect weight distribution, the ZDX hides a 102-kWh battery pack in the floor. Capable of fast charging on direct current at up to 190 kW, the ZDX A-Spec rear-wheel drive can gain up to 81 miles (130 kilometers) of driving range in around 10 minutes.
The rear-mounted electric motor of the A-Spec makes 340 horsepower, which is exactly the same rating as the rear motor of the BEV3-based Cadillac Lyriq. The A-Spec will be available with two motors too, but there's no power estimate available for it at the present moment.
Expected to cost in the ballpark of $70,000 before taxes and optional extras, the ZDX Type S builds up on the A-Spec with goodies that include 15.6-inch front brakes with six-piston calipers. The Brembo-supplied brakes are joined by 22-inch wheels, 275/40 ZR22 rubber boots, adaptive dampers, and height-adjustable air suspension.
Its estimated range is a meager 288 miles (463 kilometers), whereas the A-Spec all-wheel drive promises 315 miles (507 kilometers). Both the A-Spec and Type S can tow 3,500 pounds (1,588 kilos). Scheduled to arrive in showrooms in early 2024, the second-gen ZDX will be exclusively available through – get this – "a new, omni-channel digital sales process."
Pre-sale activities will start in the closing months of 2023. In the meantime, interested clients have to sign up on Acura's website for more information on the pre-order process. Quite pretentious, but then again, everyone and their dog thinks that an e-SUV is special nowadays.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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