The Acura ZDX Is Coming Back: Here's What We Know
No longer a polarizing fastback crossover, the 2024 ZDX marks Acura's first foray into the world of electric vehicles.
The Acura Precision EV Concept could preview the forthcoming ZDXundefineds styling | Acura
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After reviving the NSX and Integra nameplates in 2015 and 2022, respectively, Acura is bringing back yet another model name from its past—ZDX—for a new electric SUV set to debut in 2024.
2010 Acura ZDX | Acura
What Was the Original ZDX?
Produced from 2009 to 2013, the first-generation ZDX was, in Acura’s words, “A personal sports coupe that defies categorization,” but most saw it for what it was: a shortened version of the brand’s MDX crossover. Beneath the surface lurked MDX mechanicals, including a 3.7L V6, available magnetorheological dampers, and Acura’s signature SH-AWD, torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system.
Above the surface, though, the ZDX wrapped those familiar elements in dramatic styling. Along with a controversial beak-shaped grille, the ZDX’s hallmark was its fastback roof, which tapered to a chamfered, boat-like tail. The deep slope of the roof made for a rather cramped interior: The ZDX offered rear-seat passengers only 35.3 and 31.1 inches of head- and legroom, respectively, along with 26.3 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats up. For reference, the contemporary MDX boasted 42.9 cubes of storage space with the third row folded and gave second-row riders 38.6 inches of headroom and 38.7 inches of legroom.
2010 Acura ZDX | Acura
Was the Acura ZDX Ahead of its Time?
While slantback crossovers are de rigueur today, the original ZDX, along with BMW’s X6, were outliers in the market. Reviews of the model noted the inherent contradiction of an SUV that provided severely compromised utility.
Judging by sales numbers, it appears consumers agreed. Acura expected the ZDX to be something of a niche vehicle, but the company likely didn’t anticipate the model would move quite so slowly off dealers’ lots. The brand’s initial U.S. sales goal was 6,000 ZDXs annually. Instead, it sold just over 6,100 ZDXs total throughout the model’s full production run.
Acura Precision EV Concept | Acura
An Electric Redemption?
So why revive the ZDX nameplate? Acura says it’s less an homage to the original and more a means of signifying this is a zero-emission vehicle. If the Precision EV concept that Acura unveiled during the 2022 Monterey Car Week is any indication, the 2024 ZDX will bear no resemblance to its predecessor. Acura has ditched the fastback roof and angular styling of the past for a sculpted, muscular form, complete with an upright, floating roofline.
The 2024 ZDX is expected to compete against other premium, two-row, electric SUVs, including the BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE, Audi Q8 e-tron, and Cadillac Lyriq. We’re particularly interested to see how it stacks up against the Caddy, given both vehicles use General Motors’ Ultium EV technologies and may even share an assembly line.
Acura Precision EV Concept | Acura
Specifications are unknown, but given the 2024 ZDX’s Ultium roots, there’s a chance the base model could use a single-motor, rear-drive setup like the entry Lyriq, which provides 340 horsepower and an estimated 312 miles of range. Acura says a sporty Type S variant is also on the way. Considering the brand’s history with performance all-wheel-drive systems, along with the specifications of the forthcoming dual-motor Lyriq, we wouldn’t be surprised to see an all-wheel-drive ZDX Type S with roughly 500 ponies on tap.
Acura Precision EV Concept | Acura
