Acura ZDX

Acura ZDX at a glance

The first ZDX was Acura's answer to the BMW X6, launched a year earlier: a mid-size SUV with a sloping, coupé-like roofline and a strong focus on design. Its lead designer was Michelle Christensen, who styled it at Acura's studio in Torrance, California; she later led the exterior design of the second-generation Acura NSX. Teasers in March 2009 used the working name "MSX".

The car was built in North America and shared much of its engineering with the Acura MDX of the time, including the V6 engine and the SH-AWD system. The glass roof panel over the front seats and the hidden rear door handles gave it a look closer to a coupé than to a family SUV.

V6 engine, SH-AWD and performance

The 3.7-litre V6 uses Honda's VTEC variable valve timing and produces 220 kW (300 hp) and 366 Nm. It is paired with a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The SH-AWD system can send up to 70% of the torque to the rear axle and divide it between the rear wheels, pushing the outer wheel faster in corners to help the car turn in. This gives the ZDX an agile feel for an SUV of its size.

Period figures put 0–100 km/h at about 6.4 seconds and the top speed at about 203 km/h. That is quick for a heavy SUV of 2010 and enough to make the ZDX the seventh quickest SUV in the 1cars quickest SUVs ranking. The suspension was tuned for comfort on long journeys, with optional adaptive dampers in the Advance package.

Cabin, space and equipment

The front of the cabin is comfortable and well equipped, with a high centre console, aluminium-effect trim and sports seats. The rear is the weak point: the falling roofline and the rear hatch cut headroom, and getting into the back requires care. The ZDX is better seen as a four-seat grand tourer than as a family SUV.

The 1cars catalogue lists 744 litres of luggage space and up to 1,580 litres with the rear seats folded, the second-largest figure in our biggest-boot cars ranking. In practice the low tailgate opening limits tall items. Standard equipment included 19-inch alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control and a 266-watt audio system. The Technology package added leather, an 8-inch hard-disk navigation system and a premium sound system, and the Advance package added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and active dampers.

V6 thirst: EPA figures and costs

The US EPA rated the ZDX at 16 mpg (US) in the city, 22 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined, which equals about 14.7 l/100 km in town, 10.7 l/100 km on the highway and 12.4 l/100 km overall. Those are typical figures for a 2010 V6 SUV with permanent all-wheel drive, but high by today's standards. The V6 needs premium-grade petrol. In the 1cars most economical SUVs ranking, the ZDX's 14.6 l/100 km urban figure places it 16th of the 18 SUVs ranked.

NHTSA crash rating and safety kit

The US NHTSA gave the 2012 ZDX five stars overall and five stars in every frontal and side crash category, with a calculated rollover risk of 13.0%. Six airbags, including side curtains, stability control (VSA) and tyre-pressure monitoring were standard. The ZDX was not tested by Euro NCAP, as it was not sold in the European Union.

Sales and the end of the first ZDX

The ZDX did not find enough buyers. US sales were 3,259 in 2010, its first full year, then fell to 1,564 in 2011, 775 in 2012 and 362 in 2013, with a few cars registered until 2015. In total, 7,191 were produced and sold in North America. Honda ended the model after the 2013 model year, saying that Acura was sharpening its focus on new models and core products. The more practical Acura MDX and the smaller RDX remained the brand's SUVs.

The electric ZDX (2024–2025)

Acura revived the name for its first electric car, unveiled in August 2023. The new ZDX was co-developed with General Motors on the Ultium platform, which it shared with the Cadillac Lyriq, the Chevrolet Blazer EV and the Honda Prologue. Production started in early 2024 and sales began in May 2024.

All versions use a 102 kWh Ultium battery, can charge at up to 190 kW (20–80% in 42 minutes, according to Acura) and tow up to 1,600 kg. US sales were 7,391 in 2024 and 12,005 in 2025, yet Acura confirmed in 2025 that production had ended, citing market conditions. Production stopped in September 2025, and Acura's next electric SUV, the RSX, is due from Honda's Ohio EV Hub in the second half of 2026.

Rivals and alternatives