2024 Acura ZDX EV built by Cadillac is the best of both brands
Mark PhelanSAN DIEGO, California — One of the first journalists to drive the 2024 Acura ZDX A-Spec electric vehicle, I realized the sleek SUV is simultaneously all-Acura, and a fine separated-at-birth sibling to the Cadillac Lyriq that GM builds alongside the ZDX in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
The ZDX is the latest in a string of successful and low-profile collaborations by GM and Honda, which owns the Acura brand.
The vehicles share their platform, batteries, electric motors and many other crucial systems, but you’d never mistake one for the other. In fact, it’s unlikely that more than a handful of shoppers will even consider both. Their designs and brand characters are entirely different, despite the fact that the two midsize SUVs are within an inch in most physical dimensions.
The Lyriq’s been on sale for nearly two years. It started slow due to a variety of startup issues, but sales hit a healthy 13,094 in the first half of 2024. Acura just began selling the ZDX — GM’s building Honda's first SUV because Honda’s a bit behind the curve on EV production; it aims to catch up over the next couple of years. Acura has sold 338 ZDXs in its first two months on the market
2024 Acura ZDX trim levels and prices
- ZDX A-Spec single motor (rear-wheel drive): $64,500
- ZDX A-Spec dual motor (all-wheel drive): $68,500
- ZDX Type S (dual motors, AWD): $73,500
- ZDX Type S with performance tires and wheels (dual motors, AWD): $74,500
Source: Acura and Edmunds. Prices exclude $1,350 destination charge.
Acura ZDX selling points
- Qualifies for $7,500 federal tax credit
- Google built-in connected navigation, apps, etc.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bang & Olufsen audio
- Hands-free driving system for limited access highways and many major surface roads, including automatic lane changes
- Up to 313-mile range
How big? How’s charging?
The ZDX seats five. Front and rear passenger space are good. Cargo room is typical of five-seat SUVs.
The dash includes a traditional gauge cluster in front of the driver and a separate touch screen rising above the center stack’s climate controls and vents.
That’s one of the most obvious differences from the Lyriq, which has a 33-inch glass panel stretching from the driver’s door to the middle of the dash board. It incorporates everything from gauges to a touch screen and controls for nearly all functions.
The interior of my deep red ZDX was trimmed in black and white leather. The seats were comfortable and supportive.
The ZDX measures 197.7 inches long, 77.0 inches wide and 64.4 inches tall. It has 7 inches of ground clearance, enough to make it look like an SUV without needing running boards for easy access.
Like the Lyriq, the ZDX comes with a 102 kWh battery. It delivers an EPA-rated 313 miles in rear-drive models, 304 in the A-Spec and 278 in the more powerful Type S.
The first two are comparable Lyriq drivetrains. The Lyriq doesn’t yet offer a high-performance setup like the Type S. I’d be surprised if one’s not scheduled for the ’25 or ’26 model year, though.
The ZDX can charge at up to 190 kW, again matching the Lyriq. That allows the battery to add up to 81 miles range in 10 minutes or charge from 20% to 80% in 42 minutes in DC fast charging.The ZDX’s range and charging ratings are comparable to most competitive vehicles.
Selected competitors:
- Audi Q8 E-tron
- BMW iX
- Cadillac Lyriq
- Genesis GV60
- Kia EV6
- Mercedes
- Polestar 3
- Tesla X
Driving impressions
My impressions are based on a short drive on surface streets in suburbs and near the beaches just north of San Diego. I drove a well-equipped all-wheel drive ZDX A-Spec with dual motors — one on each axle — producing 490 hp and 427 pound-feet of torque.
Shortly before driving the ZDX, I had a well-equipped rear-wheel-drive Lyriq for a week in Michigan that included highways, city and country driving.
Despite similar dimensions, there’s no resemblance between the two. The Cadillac’s interior was also markedly different, thanks to different screens, controls, colors and materials.
Both accelerated confidently. The steering is direct and responsive. There’s very little road or wind noise. The rear-drive ZDX is about 130 pounds lighter than the Lyriq. The situation reverses, with the AWD Cadillac claiming to be about 120 pounds lighter.
Both have effective one-pedal driving settings that are easy to modulate in sporty driving.
They’re easy and enjoyable to drive. I look forward to longer drives when I can compare comfort, range and audio systems — Bang & Olufsen for ZDX; AKG in the Lyriq — at greater length.
Why get a ZDX?
Acura’s overdue to offer an electric SUV, but the ZDX remedies that. Its range, charging performance and driving manners are fully competitive, while its styling and materials suit Honda’s luxury brand to a T.
2024 Acura ZDX at a glance
Midsize electric luxury SUV
Rear- or all-wheel drive
Model tested: All-wheel drive A-Spec
Estimated price as tested: $68,500 (excluding $1,350 destination charge)
Powertrain: Dual front and rear electric motors
Output: 490 hp; 436 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: Direct-drive single speed
EPA estimated range: 304 miles
Charging time: 10 hours at 240v; DC fast charging: 81 miles in 10; 20%-80% in 42 minutes. Max 190 kW.
Wheelbase: 121.8 inches
Length: 197.7 inches
Width: 77 inches (without mirrors)
Height: 64.4 inches
Ground clearance: 7 inches
Cargo room: 29.7 cubic feet behind rear seat; 63 behind front seat.
Curb weight: 5,904 pounds
Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
Assembled in Spring Hill, Tennessee
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber