Overview & Reviews

The Acura ZDX was an automotive oddity. Depending on your perspective, it either answered a question no one asked or served as an extreme exercise in vehicular form over function. Essentially a rebodied second-generation Acura MDX, the ZDX had a fastback style that cut deeply into the rear passenger and cargo compartments. That sloping roof eliminated more than 3 inches of rear-seat headroom, making the rear seating suitable only for shorter adults or kids. Maximum cargo space suffered, too, measuring only about two-thirds of the MDX's.

With its swoopy styling and much shorter stance (it's 5 inches lower than its contemporary MDX), the ZDX would seem to have a handling advantage over the MDX. Sadly, that isn't the case. In our testing the MDX either equaled or beat the ZDX in every performance category, making the ZDX an impractical curiosity and a hard vehicle for us to recommend.

Most Recent Acura ZDX
The first and only generation of the Acura ZDX spanned 2010-'13. No significant changes occurred during its lifetime.

The midsize luxury crossover was powered by a 3.7-liter V6 with 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic with manual shift control was the only available transmission. The ZDX came with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that seamlessly transferred power to individual wheels to maximize handling and grip through turns in fair or foul weather conditions.

Standard equipment included 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power heated front seats, leather upholstery, Bluetooth and a power liftgate. The standard audio system featured an in-dash six-CD changer, satellite radio, a USB/iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack. Optional equipment highlights included keyless ignition and entry, ventilated front seats, a navigation system, a multiview parking camera, an upgraded audio system and an electronically adjustable suspension.

In reviews, we found that despite its sportier, rakish appearance, the Acura ZDX wasn't really a better performer than the already athletic MDX. The SH-AWD system provided impressive levels of grip and control, though the available adjustable suspension didn't offer enough of a performance upgrade to justify its added cost. The 3.7-liter V6 sounded inspiring and boasted a strong midrange, but lacked low-end grunt. The ZDX also came up short in useful cargo space. Behind the rear seats, up to 26 cubic feet could be stuffed to the glass. With the seats folded flat, maximum cargo space only increased to 56 cubes, well short of other midsize luxury SUVs.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 20.00

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  12 ZDX - 2012 Acura ZDX
  By keybd29 - November 18 - 9:12 am

  This car is lightening agile lane to lane but in a sustained curve it tends to roll and under steer. I believe this is because the zdx has a high center of gravity and perhaps made worse because of its heavy all-glass roof. The zdx has very poor throttle response, just lots of lag, and utterly no steering feedback! Keep your eyes glued to the road! Build quality is super and interior cabin is quiet. Rear seating in too cramped for most adults except for short trips, and, I find that even in the drivers seat my head often brushes the roof. IMO driver controls are dangerously complicated. All in all I find the zdx middling to poor in terms of fun to drive.

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  Sunroof Air Leaks and Rattles - 2010 Acura ZDX
  By gea001 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Love many aspects of this car - exterior styling, interior comfort and design, tech features, sound system etc...price/value equation vs. BMW X6 Have had sunroof quality/adjustment issue which I did not expect from Acura. Acceleration/Power/MPG trade-off not that compelling vs BMWs Ive owned.

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  Incredible look, High rev fun, Reliable - 2010 Acura ZDX
  By Ronny - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Wow, what a car!!! Just need more power!!!!

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  Great car if youre short - 2010 Acura ZDX
  By Reeblover - April 5 - 5:44 pm

  Everything about this car is typically Acura. Great build. Excellent ergonomics. The only thing lacking is head room. With the drivers seat all the way down my head was within 2" of the ceiling. (I am 6 foot tall). I couldnt get into the back seat. Not only was it difficult physically, but my head touched the ceiling. Loved the car but would never buy one.