Overview
This is what Acura wants you to drive once your kids leave home; a high-style, luxury-laden, all-wheel drive, coupe-like crossover, with just enough room for your significant other and a couple of overnight bags. Acura calls it the ZDX and it's the answer to question nobody but BMW asked – what shall we build for people who don't want to drive a small wagon?
Think of the ZDX as a chop-top, back-swept MDX, as the two share the same 300 horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6, 6-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The key difference is that while MDX is a three row, seven passenger people hauler, the ZDX is chiefly designed as coupe, meaning room for two and gear.
Sure, it has four doors and five seatbelts, but the second row is suitable only for medium sized children or adults on short trips. Cargo capacity is comically small, but Acura imagines those rear seats folded down to accommodate golf bags, suitcases or a tidy haul from the antique shop.
The Range
Body Style: Crossover
Engines: 3.7L V-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Model: ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package, ZDX with Advance Package
What's New
The ZDX is Acura's all-new crossover luxury vehicle and blends coupe-like styling and driving dynamics with the versatility of an SUV. Conceived by Acura's first female designer, the sharp ZDX flaunts sweeping curves and dramatic angularity, in addition to an all-glass panoramic roof from that is said to be the longest continuous glass surface in the automotive industry.
Exterior
Deeply drawn body panels, bold wheel arches, and concealed door handles make it almost possible to forget about the nose – although the chiseled grille works well here. The ZDX is one of Acura's boldest statements to date.
Interior
Satin alloy trim, loop pile carpeting and a broad expanse of leather across the dash are dramatic flourishes to this otherwise typical Acura interior. Cargo capacity is heavily compromised, rivaling that of a Honda Fit.
Performance & Handling
The ZDX's powertrain is one of Acura's best. All 300 horsepower and 270 pound feet of torque are sent to the ground via an all-new 6-speed automatic. SH-AWD helps this deceptively long coupe carve canyons with surprising aplomb. A tight chassis and finely resolved electric power steering conspire to make this the best handling SUVesque vehicle Acura has ever made.
Safety
ZDX comes standard with the following: Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, dual-stage mutiple-threshold front air bags, 4-wheel anti-lock braking system with Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control.
EPA Fuel Economy
ZDX: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
ZDX with Technology Package: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
ZDX with Advance Package: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
You'll Like
1. Distinctive exterior
2. Point 'n' shoot driving dynamics
3. High rent interior
You Won't Like
1. Exterior possibly too distinct
2. Tight back seats
3. Limited cargo capacity
