MONTECITO, Calif. – The 2025 Acura ZDX not solely appears to be like like an Acura, however it’s arguably one of many best-looking Acuras ever. If we’re speaking SUVs, what’s going to topple it from the rostrum? The unique ZDX? Beneath that pores and skin, nonetheless, it’s no secret that the brand new ZDX rides on Common Motors’ Ultium electrical platform, has an inside constructed with Common Motors elements, and is even constructed by Common Motors in Tennessee. Finally, although, probably the most GM factor concerning the ZDX could also be this total evaluation of it: This electrical SUV supplies extra efficiency and options for the cash than rivals, however the inside is an actual letdown. Positive sounds like every efficiency Cadillac from the previous 20 years to me.
The difficulty for the ZDX is that the competitor it most intently aligns with by way of value, function content material and EV specs is actually a Cadillac … however issues have modified. Particularly, the Cadillac Lyriq doesn’t undergo from that complete “inside is an actual letdown” factor. Removed from it, it’s a cause to purchase a Lyriq. Moreover, the 2 EVs not solely share the identical Ultium platform, however their motor choices are mainly the identical with energy outputs and ranges that intently align. It’s due to this fact inconceivable to not maintain coming again to comparisons between the 2. Even when the ZDX is a good worth, full with its $7,500 federal tax credit score, why get one as a substitute of the extra luxurious Lyriq? Briefly, it comes with much more options for the cash, and boasts the type of chassis upgrades and dealing with acumen Cadillac has moved away from with the Lyriq.
In order that’s the place that comparability rests, and though I’ll get again into that complete “not likely an Acura” angle, let’s take a more in-depth have a look at the specs that extra objectively let the brand new ZDX stack up properly to automobiles that aren’t mechanically associated. There are three variations of the ZDX, with no choices other than shade and a summer-tire choice. Beginning at $65,850, together with vacation spot however not the federal tax credit score, the bottom ZDX A-Spec turns into the one different rear-wheel-drive Acura moreover the primary NSX. It produces 358 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque, and achieves an EPA-estimated vary of 313 miles from its 102-kilwatt-hour battery pack. These specs are roughly equal to the rear-motor Lyriq and Chevy Blazer EV, however they quantity to a stronger proposition than something supplied by Hyundai/Kia/Genesis, whereas comparable luxurious fashions are significantly dearer. The identical conclusion will be made with the dual-motor A-Spec, which positive factors a entrance motor, and a grand whole of 490 hp and 437 lb-ft of torque. Vary remains to be 304 miles. That efficiency falls simply shy of the dual-motor Lyriq, however right here comes Acura’s ace within the gap: the ZDX Kind S.
It boasts 499 horsepower (you would possibly see 500 horses written locations, however the official spec is 499) and a Lyriq-smoking 544 lb-ft. Its vary falls to 278 miles, however that’s nonetheless much better than the vast majority of electrical automobiles, not to mention high-performance ones. The 429-hp Genesis GV60 Efficiency can solely eke out 235.
Acura ZDX A-Spec vs ZDX Kind S
The utmost DC fast-charging charge is 190 kilowatts, which is fast however finally common, particularly within the luxurious realm. Acura additionally features a alternative of three charging packages: a house charging station, $500 set up credit score and $100 public charging credit score; a Stage 1 and a couple of transportable charger, a $250 set up credit score (for a 240-volt outlet) and $300 public charging credit score; or you would get $750 price of ready round at Electrify America. We wouldn’t advocate that final one until you have already got a house charger.
Whereas dialogue of its GM DNA is unavoidable, this isn’t a badge-swapped SLX for the electrical age. In response to John Hwang, growth chief for each ZDX and Honda Prologue, a group of Ohio-based Acura engineers have been dispatched to GM’s Milford proving grounds to work on tuning the ZDX to their very own specs. Additionally they labored individually from the Prologue group (Hwang wished the 2 automobiles to have their very own distinctive characters) and I’d argue Acura was way more profitable at working with GM’s componentry. Hwang mentioned the ZDX group introduced an MDX to Milford to offer a baseline reference on literal frequent floor, whereas GM had element suppliers available who may swap out {hardware} and alter software-based tuning on the spot after engineers accomplished check runs. Engineers additionally examined at Honda’s personal facility in Ohio, together with on a laser-scanned copy of Harper’s Method, a uniquely and notoriously unhealthy street outdoors Honda HQ in Torrance, Calif., that’s a must-do for any North American Honda or Acura.
Nice, however did they succeed? Nicely, an EV will all the time carry out inherently totally different than a gas-powered automobile from the identical model. Even a Porsche Taycan gained’t be mistaken for a Panamera, for higher or worse. There’s additionally the matter of the Acura model being inconsistent and ill-defined for the higher a part of 15 years, so it’s a lot tougher to nail down expectations for it than it was for the Honda Prologue (which missed the mark). So, no, it in all probability doesn’t “drive like an Acura,” however I’m unsure what which means today.
What I do know is acceleration is simply as vigorous as you’d anticipate from the 499 horses offered by the Kind S, which was sadly the one model available to check. It smacks you within the chest in a method that an MDX actually gained’t. Like different EVs, synthetic noises are piped by means of the sound system, however they’re higher than most. Extra noise emanates from the rear, consistent with extra energy actually coming from the rear. The Taycan and Mustang Mach-E GT do the identical factor, with a equally optimistic impact. The ZDX, nonetheless, goes one step additional by including noise underneath tougher braking. Although refined, it clearly comes from the ahead audio system, thereby emulating off-throttle engine braking noises. It’s a cool contact that appears pure and provides to the expertise.
Whereas the ZDX A-Spec consists of adaptive dampers not obtainable on the Lyriq, the Kind S additionally uniquely will get a height-adjustable air suspension and Brembo brakes (22-inch wheels, too, although these are a Lyriq choice). The result’s an EV that doesn’t fairly provide the feels, however that impresses with road-holding you gained’t discover on the rest within the value realm besides possibly the Ioniq 5 N and EV6 GT. I’ve pushed neither, however given the suspension {hardware}, I’d guess good cash the smooth-riding ZDX is extra comfy when set in its Regular mode.
In Sport mode, the dampers agency up, and the suspension robotically lowers by 0.59 inches. It’s stunning how a lot the latter makes a distinction, which you’ll detect for the reason that automobile’s Particular person mode helps you to pair the Sport damping setting with the usual peak (Snow mode raises the automobile by an inch). Bumps are extra felt with the lowered suspension, versus simply the firmer dampers, which means you’ll actually solely use it when attacking some extra-winding street. When doing a little attacking myself, I ending up utilizing the Particular person mode to swap out of the Sport steering setting – it provides an excessive amount of effort, muddying street really feel. Finally, Regular mode’s varied attributes are well-tuned sufficient that I don’t see a lot cause to futz about with them.
Which is sweet as a result of altering the drive modes is a ache. No, not as a result of they’re buried in a touchscreen, however as a result of the “MODE” toggle button is buried down by your left knee (pictured above proper) subsequent to buttons for suspension peak adjustment, Auto Maintain, lane-keeping and the parking brake. They’re an afterthought, and albeit, that’s a good strategy to summarize your entire cabin.
However first, some form phrases. I just like the design, for aesthetic causes and since the low sprint scooped out from under the hood line and pod-like instrument cowl make the cabin really feel extra open. The twin 11-inch screens for the devices and infotainment system are clearly not as spectacular because the Lyriq’s 33-inch curved uni-display, however the touchscreen specifically appears to be like good, works properly, and isn’t so totally different than what you’ll discover within the 2025 MDX (the devices may use extra visible pizzazz, although, and appear to be the one factor that would simply mimic the look of an Acura however don’t). There’s additionally a kicking 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system commonplace together with leather-based upholstery, a heated steering wheel and a panoramic sunroof. Base Lyriqs have a seven-speaker no-name stereo and none of that different stuff.
The issue is supplies high quality. I’m unsure which GM elements bin Acura gained entry to, however it actually wasn’t discovered within the luxurious aisle. The grey plastic sprint trim appears to be like and seems like grey plastic. The leather-based could also be from a cow, however it’s rubbery, and I worry the white shade choice will shortly sop up blue jean dye and each little bit of crud it is available in contact with (a minimum of get pink or black). The local weather controls are operated with chintzy, shiny black buttons that smudge with fingerprints simply and knobs that seem like they’re made out of recycled aluminum pie plates … besides that will imply they’re product of actual metallic, when in actuality, they’re very clearly plastic. I can’t consider I’m scripting this, however touchscreen controls could be higher. My first thought was that the ZDX inside was extra akin to previous-gen Cadillacs just like the CT4 than the high-style, higher-quality Lyriq, however no. I double-checked and the distinction in switchgear with a CT4 is apparent and stark.
Maybe GM merely “withheld the great things,” or a minimum of the great things from 5 years in the past, however both method, the ZDX inside is a big-time letdown. The excellent news is that whereas its inside high quality is decrease than that of different Acuras and the equally priced Lyriq, extra favorable comparisons will be made to higher trim ranges of EVs from mainstream manufacturers. It’s additionally a palace in comparison with what you’ll discover within the admittedly less expensive Tesla Mannequin Y. Towards these, it additionally has equally huge again seat house (together with extra headroom underneath its panoramic sunroof than its Prologue and Blazer EV platform-mates) and a notably prolonged cargo house that I anticipate being a bit higher than most EV crossovers at hauling baggage. The official figures are 29.7 cubic toes for A-Spec and 28.7 for Kind-S.
I’ve additionally but to say a relatively noteworthy trinket Acura plucked from the elements bin: The Kind S comes commonplace with Tremendous Cruise. Acura isn’t calling it that, however even when dubbed “Arms Free Cruise,” it nonetheless behaves simply as intelligently on pre-mapped stretches of controlled-access freeway whereas ensuring you’re paying consideration. Though an choice on decrease Lyriq trim ranges, together with single-motor ones, you possibly can’t get Don’t Name It Tremendous Cruise on the A-Spec. That’s a disgrace. On the upside, the Kind S value of $74,850 is about $4,000 cheaper than the equally geared up Lyriq Sport 3 trim stage that, once more, doesn’t provide the Kind S chassis upgrades.
If it looks like I’m conflicted concerning the 2025 Acura ZDX, it’s as a result of I’m. The Lyriq comparability hurts it since I’m fairly positive extra folks will worth the Cadillac’s a lot nicer inside than the Acura’s chassis upgrades. While you issue within the federal tax credit score, nonetheless, each are screaming bargains in comparison with the solid of underwhelming, outgunned and/or smaller luxurious EVs with which they compete on value: Mercedes EQB, Lexus RZ, Volvo C40 and the GV60 and Electrified GV70 from Genesis. Additionally they look nice, in distinctive methods very a lot consistent with their respective manufacturers. Possibly all this makes the ZDX extra like the most effective type of Pontiac than an Acura, however both method, there’s a case to be made.
