The Acura ZDX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV with a sloping rear roofline developed by Honda for its upmarket brand Acura. The car was originally planned to be called the "MSX".[1] The ZDX debuted at the 2009 New York International Auto Show on April 8, 2009, as a 2010 model. The vehicle was also the first to be completely designed at Acura's southern California design studio in Torrance.
| Acura ZDX | |
|---|---|
 2011 Acura ZDX Advance | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Acura (Honda, first generation) General Motors (second generation) |
| Production | 2009–2013 2024–present |
| Model years | 2010–2013 2024–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size luxury crossover SUV |
| Body style | |
The original ZDX concept was penned by Michelle Christensen who labeled it a "4-door luxury sports coupe" and which Acura says "blurs the distinction between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle."[2]
The ZDX features Acura's first six speed automatic transmission, advanced ventilated seats, as well as other luxury appointments. Although the ZDX shares a similar profile with the Honda Crosstour,[3] the two vehicles are not mechanically related: the latter is based on the Honda Accord, while the ZDX is based on the Honda Pilot/Acura MDX.[4]
On August 19, 2022, it was announced that the ZDX nameplate would return to Acura's lineup in 2024 for the brand's first electric vehicle. The new ZDX was co-developed with General Motors.[5]
Concept version
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Five teaser shots, released by Acura between March 16 and 20, 2009, indicated a coupe-like sloping roofline akin to that of the BMW X6, which led many observers to believe that is its direct competitor. After the announcement about naming the vehicle ZDX, Acura added the words "Luxury Four-Door Sports Coupe" to the caption for each picture. Moreover, it did not state the vehicle as a crossover or an SUV.[6] The automaker translated the designers renderings almost literally into production sheetmetal. It's all but unheard-of for a rookie designer to have sketches embraced by a car company and put into production with so few changes.[citation needed]
First generation (YB1; 2009)
edit| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | YB1 |
| Production | 2009–2013 |
| Model years | 2010–2013 |
| Assembly | Alliston, Ontario, Canada (HCM) |
| Designer | Michelle Christensen[7] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive |
| Related | Acura MDX Honda Pilot |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.7 L J37A5 V6 (gasoline) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| 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) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Acura RDX Acura MDX |
The announced version includes the 3,664 cc (3.664 L; 223.6 cu in) SOHC VTEC V6 all-aluminum engine rated 300 bhp (220 kW) at 6300 rpm and 270 lb⋅ft (366 N⋅m) at 4500 rpm, 6-speed automatic transmission, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), 19-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof with movable sunshades, hand-stitched leather interior, HandsFreeLink Bluetooth connectivity, power tailgate, and a high-powered audio system with CD player, AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio and USB audio interface with iPod integration. Sales began in winter 2009.[8][9][10]
The Technology Package adds the Navigation System with voice recognition, an Acura/ELS Surround premium audio system and a new multi-view rear camera. Advance Package adds blind spot monitoring system, Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), which brought multiple modes of suspension firmness and response using electronically controlled Magneto-Rheological shock absorbers.
For 2013, in a last ditch attempt, Acura sold the ZDX in only one trim level. Acura cut costs by eliminating CMBS, ACC and IDS and replaced them with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), redesigned front grille, integrated parking sensors, power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors, and new dark accents for the wheels. This resulted in a MSRP ($51,815) over $5K less than the previous year advance model.
The 2013 ZDX has one well-equipped trim level. Standard features include a navigation system with an 8-inch screen, satellite radio, USB input, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, ventilated and heated seats (front), cruise control, keyless entry, power-folding side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power tailgate, moonroof, and auto on/off headlights. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, parking sensors, and a rearview camera. The ZDX has 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind its 60/40 split-folding rear seats and just 57.3 cubic feet with them folded flat, which is very small by class standards.[11]
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel consumption estimates for all models are 16 mpg‑US (15 L/100 km; 19 mpg‑imp) in the city, 22 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg‑imp) on the highway and 19 mpg‑US (12 L/100 km; 23 mpg‑imp) combined.
Discontinuation
The ZDX was discontinued after the 2013 model year due to poor sales, and in a statement from Honda, "as the Acura brand sharpens its focus on new models and core products."[12] The ZDX was the rarest of U.S. manufactured Acura offerings, with a total of 7,191 vehicles produced and sold in North America.
Safety
edit| Overall: | 
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| Frontal Driver: |
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| Frontal Passenger: | 
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| Side Driver: |
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| Side Passenger: |
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| Side Pole Driver: |
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| Rollover: | / 13.0%
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Sales
edit| Calendar year | US Sales |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 79[14] |
| 2010 | 3,259 |
| 2011 | 1,564 |
| 2012 | 775[15] |
| 2013 | 362 |
| 2014 | 78 |
| 2015 | 2 |
Second generation (2024)
edit| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 2024 Acura ZDX Type S | |
| Overview | |
| Production | March 2024 – present |
| Assembly | United States: Spring Hill, Tennessee (Spring Hill Manufacturing) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | |
| Platform | GM BEV3 |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Electric motor | Permanent magnet motor |
| Power output |
|
| Battery | 102 kWh Ultium lithium-ion |
| Electric range | Up to 278–313 mi (447–504 km) EPA |
| Plug-in charging |
|
| Dimensions | |
| 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 | 5,421–6,052 lb (2,459–2,745 kg) |
Acura unveiled the all-electric ZDX in August 2023. The first EV in Acura's lineup, the new ZDX is co-developed using General Motors' Ultium vehicle architecture that currently underpins the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer EV and the Honda Prologue, itself slated for a 2024 release. Similar to the Prologue, it shares many components with the Blazer EV, including the steering wheel, climate setting controls, and door handles. Additionally, it shares its powertrain with the Cadillac Lyriq.
Compared to the original ZDX, the 2nd generation ZDX has a more traditional roofline. The ZDX gains an A-Spec single-motor configuration, and a Type S performance variant, the latter of which is estimated to give 500hp, making it the most powerful SUV ever produced by Acura.
It is the first Acura to implement several technologies and features. The standard 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system marks the debut of Acura's partnership with the company. The infotainment system has Google Built-in, which is the first implementation of Android Automotive in an Acura, though it is a reskin of GM's version rather than the Honda developed version seen in the Accord. Additionally, the ZDX will debut a new hands-free highway driving assistance system called AcuraWatch 360+ with Hands Free Cruise.
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Rear view
Powertrain
editThe ZDX has three different powertrain options. First is the base single-motor, rear-wheel drive A-Spec which outputs 358 hp (267 kW; 363 PS) and 324 lb⋅ft (439 N⋅m) of torque. The all-wheel drive A-Spec has an additional motor powering the front wheels and makes 490 hp (370 kW; 500 PS) and 437 lb⋅ft (592 N⋅m) of torque. A higher output version of this setup is used in the Type S, where it produces a slightly increased 500 hp (370 kW; 510 PS) and a significantly higher 544 lb⋅ft (738 N⋅m) of torque.
All versions use GM's 102 kWh lithium-ion modular Ultium battery, which is also used in the Cadillac Lyriq. It allows the single-motor A-Spec model an EPA range of 313 miles (504 km), while the dual-motor version achieves 304 miles (489 km). The Type S, which has larger 22-inch wheels, achieves a lower 278 miles (447 km) of range. The ZDX can DC fast charge at up to 190kW, which Acura claims allows single motor models to add 81 miles (130 km) of range in 10 minutes, and can charge the battery from 20-80% in 42 minutes. An onboard AC charger allows for a claimed charging rate of 29.4 miles (47.3 km) per hour.
All versions have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lb (1,600 kg).
References
edit- ^ Hellwig, Ed (March 30, 2009). "2009 New York Auto Show: 2010 Acura ZDX Now Official". Blogs.edmunds.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2009. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
- ^
"Acura ZDX prototype". Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved April 8, 2009.
Acura ZDX prototype: The dynamic ZDX is the first car styled start-to-finish at Acura's new design studio in Torrance. Not a bad first effort.
- ^ Edmunds, Dan (May 2010). "2010 Acura ZDX: Suspension Walkaround". Archived from the original on May 29, 2010. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
- ^ Eddie Alterman (August 2009). "2010 Acura ZDX". Car and Driver. Retrieved September 2, 2016.
... seats two to three fewer occupants than the MDX and Honda Pilot SUVs on which it's based.
- ^ Matt Posky (August 19, 2022). "Acura ZDX Returning As Brand's First EV". The Truth About Cars. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
- ^ "Acura ZDX | Future Vehicles". Acura.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2009. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
- ^ "Acura ZDX prototype". Roadandtrack.com. April 8, 2009. Retrieved April 8, 2009.
- ^ Abuelsamid, Sam (July 20, 2009). "Officially Official: Acura unveils 2010 ZDX crossover". Autoblog.com. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
- ^ Abuelsamid, Sam (August 17, 2009). "Acura drops more details and pics aplenty of the new ZDX". Autoblog.com. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
- ^ "First Look: 2010 Acura ZDX, On Sale This Winter". Blogs.cars.com. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
- ^ Acura ZDX US News
- ^ "2013 Acura ZDX Luxury Crossover To Get Numerous Enhancements in its Final Model Year". Retrieved October 10, 2012.
The innovative and stylish Acura ZDX crossover vehicle, introduced in 2009, will receive numerous styling and technology enhancements for the 2013 model year, which will be the final year on the market for ZDX as the Acura brand sharpens its focus on new models and core products, the company announced today.
- ^ "Ratings". NHTSA. June 10, 2016. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
- ^ "Honda Media Newsroom - Headlines - American Honda December Sales Up 25.5 Percent". Hondanews.com. Archived from the original on November 11, 2011. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- ^ "Honda Media Newsroom - Headlines - American Honda Posts Best Annual Sales Result Since 2008". Hondanews.com. January 3, 2013. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved February 2, 2013.
External links
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