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Acura ZDX: A Dual-Era Automotive Journey

Exploring the evolution of Acura's distinctive crossover, from its bold gasoline origins to its technologically advanced electric future.

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Overview

Automotive Identity

The Acura ZDX represents a unique chapter in Acura's product portfolio, initially conceived as a mid-size luxury crossover SUV. It was developed by Honda's luxury division, Acura, aiming to blend the attributes of a coupe, sedan, and SUV into a singular, distinctive package.

Production Eras

The ZDX nameplate has spanned two distinct generations, each reflecting different technological and market priorities:

  • First Generation (2010-2013): A gasoline-powered luxury crossover.
  • Second Generation (2024-2025): Acura's inaugural all-electric vehicle, co-developed with General Motors.

Design Philosophy

The initial ZDX was notable for being the first Acura vehicle entirely designed at the brand's Southern California design studio. Its lead designer characterized it as a "4-door luxury sports coupe," emphasizing its dramatic, sloping rear roofline that challenged conventional automotive classifications.

Concept Genesis

Styling Precursor

Teaser imagery released prior to its official debut hinted at a radical design, featuring a coupe-like roofline reminiscent of competitors like the BMW X6. Initially considered for the name "MSX," the vehicle was ultimately designated ZDX, with Acura marketing it as a "Luxury Four-Door Sports Coupe" to underscore its unconventional profile.

Production Realization

The production version closely mirrored the designers' renderings, maintaining the distinctive sloping roofline that set it apart from more traditional SUVs. This design choice was central to its positioning as a unique offering within the luxury crossover segment.

First Generation: The Gasoline Era (2010-2013)

Powertrain and Drivetrain

The first-generation ZDX was powered by a 3.7-liter SOHC VTEC V6 engine, producing 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. It featured Acura's first six-speed automatic transmission and the brand's sophisticated Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, enhancing both performance and stability.

Luxury Appointments

Inside, the ZDX offered premium features such as advanced ventilated seats, hand-stitched leather upholstery, HandsFreeLink Bluetooth connectivity, and a high-powered audio system with USB/iPod integration. Optional packages included advanced navigation systems, multi-view rear cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

Market Performance and Discontinuation

Despite its innovative design and features, the ZDX faced challenges in the market, characterized by relatively low sales figures. Acura discontinued the model after the 2013 model year, citing a strategic focus on new models and core products within the brand's lineup. Total North American production and sales were modest, with 7,191 units produced.

Second Generation: The Electric Era (2024-2025)

Electrification and Collaboration

The ZDX nameplate was revived in 2024 as Acura's first fully electric vehicle. This generation was co-developed with General Motors, utilizing their Ultium platform. This architecture also underpins vehicles like the Cadillac Lyriq and Honda Prologue, signifying a significant collaborative effort in EV development.

Technological Integration

The electric ZDX introduced several new technologies for Acura. Standard features include an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and an infotainment system with Google Built-in, leveraging the Android Automotive OS. It also debuted Acura's advanced hands-free highway driving assistance system, AcuraWatch 360+.

Performance Variants and Short Lifespan

Available in A-Spec and Type S performance variants, the electric ZDX offered impressive power outputs, with the Type S variant achieving up to 500 horsepower. Despite these advancements, the second-generation ZDX experienced a brief production run, ending in September 2025 due to lower-than-anticipated sales, leading to its discontinuation.

Powertrain Specifications

First Generation (2010-2013)

Engine: 3.7 L SOHC VTEC V6
Horsepower: 300 bhp (220 kW) @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 270 lb-ft (366 Nโ‹…m) @ 4500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front-engine, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)

Second Generation (2024-2025)

Platform: GM Ultium
Battery: 102 kWh Lithium-ion
Motor Configurations:

  • Single-motor, Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): 358 hp (267 kW)
  • Dual-motor, All-Wheel Drive (AWD): 490 hp (365 kW)
  • Type S AWD: 500 hp (373 kW)
Charging: Up to 190 kW DC fast charging
Towing Capacity: 3,500 lb (1,600 kg)

Dimensional Data

First Generation (2010-2013)

Wheelbase: 108.3 in (2,751 mm)
Length: 192.4 in (4,887 mm)
Width: 78.5 in (1,994 mm)
Height: 62.8 in (1,595 mm)
Curb Weight: 4,452 lb (2,019 kg)

Second Generation (2024-2025)

Wheelbase: 121.8 in (3,094 mm)
Length: 197.7 in (5,022 mm)
Width: 77.0 in (1,956 mm)
Height: 64.4 in (1,636 mm)
Curb Weight: 5,421โ€“6,052 lb (2,459โ€“2,745 kg)

Safety Assessments

NHTSA Ratings (2012 Model)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provided the following safety ratings for the 2012 Acura ZDX:

Assessment Area Rating
Overall 5 out of 5 stars5/5 stars
Frontal Driver 5 out of 5 stars5/5 stars
Frontal Passenger 4 out of 5 stars4/5 stars
Side Driver 5 out of 5 stars5/5 stars
Side Passenger 5 out of 5 stars5/5 stars
Side Pole Driver 5 out of 5 stars5/5 stars
Rollover 4 out of 5 stars4/5 stars / 13.0%

Sales Performance

First Generation (2010-2013)

Sales figures for the initial ZDX generation indicate a niche market presence.

Calendar Year US Sales
2009 79
2010 3,259
2011 1,564
2012 775
2013 362
2014 78
2015 2

Second Generation (2024-2025)

The electric ZDX saw limited sales during its brief tenure.

Calendar Year US Sales
2024 7,391 (as of Nov 2024)
2025 (Jan-May) 9,017

References

Source Material

The information presented on this page is derived from the comprehensive Wikipedia article on the Acura ZDX. Detailed citations are managed programmatically.

Authority Control

Library of Congress

Information regarding the Acura ZDX within the Library of Congress catalog.

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National Library of Israel

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Acura ZDX Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence model and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on data extracted from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia, and may not reflect the most current information or nuances of the subject matter.

This is not professional automotive advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for consultation with qualified automotive engineers, historians, or industry professionals. Decisions regarding vehicle purchase, maintenance, or historical interpretation should always be informed by expert advice and official documentation.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented. Always verify critical details through primary sources and expert consultation.