2024 Acura ZDX Type S: What I learned exploring the performance SUV

Update (April 10, 2024): Pricing updated, and further first-hand impressions added.

The 2024 Acura ZDX marks the start of a new journey for Honda’s luxury sibling. Launched in A-Spec and Type S variants, it will start reaching U.S. dealerships in early Spring 2024. Recently, I got a chance to explore the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S in person. Here’s what I think about the design, interior, comfort, and features of the new Cadillac Lyriq rival:

Design

The 2024 Acura ZDX is inspired by the Acura Precision EV Concept. It has a similarly low and curvy hood, shark nose, and bow-shaped but angular greenhouse. The headlamps and tail lamps are also reminiscent of the concept model. Flush door handles have become the new norm for EVs, but the ZDX has conventional door handles. I don’t find this exterior appealing, and that’s mainly because of the shape of the faux pentagon grille and the tail lights. These elements seem to unbalance the otherwise sleek look.

To distinguish the Type S grade from A-spec, Acura offers it in two exclusive colors: Tiger Eye Pearl and Double Apex Blue Pearl. This particular 2024 Acura ZDX Type S is in the former, which is the signature Type S paint. I noticed that it sports exclusive yellow brake calipers, with the front ones sourced from Brembo and inscribed with the supplier’s branding. 22-inch wheels and gloss black bumpers and fender flares further set it apart from the 2024 Acura ZDX A-Spec.

Interior

Inside, the 2024 Acura ZDX features a slim dashboard with similar AC vents and two freestanding displays: an 11-inch unit serving as the digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch touch-operated panel for the infotainment system. I observed a storage space in the center console, but its shallow depth and narrow opening limit its utility for larger articles like grocery bags.

I like the fact that the the infotainment system comes with a volume knob and that the climate control system has regular buttons. The former includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility. Moreover, Google Maps and Google Assistant are built in and more apps can be downloaded from Google Play.

The Google Maps app is in a different version, one that offers drivers optimized route planning for recharging, and finding charging stations along the way. Moreover, it can estimate the charging time needed to reach the destination, and if that point happens to be a DC fast-charging station, even initiate battery preconditioning. I think I’d find using navigation, music, and other functions directly from the infotainment system more convenient than using it through my smartphone.

The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S is sportier and more comfortable than the A-Spec. Its seat covers feature embossed Type S logo. Its exclusive 16-way power seats include power lumbar support, thigh extension, and even side bolsters. These functions are in addition to heating, ventilation, and two-position memory. A tri-zone automatic climate control system, rear HVAC control panel, and rear seat heating (outboard positions) are also among its exclusive comfort features.

The 2024 ZDX Type S is a great choice for audiophiles, as it features the Bang & Olufsen sound system. All future Acuras will come with a B&O sound system, but customers buying the ZDX will experience it first. Originally a Danish brand, Bang & Olufsen has been a division of Harman International, the same company that owns other globally popular car audio brands, including Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson, AKG, Infinity, Lexicon, JBL, Revel, and Lexicon, since 2015. Samsung Electronics acquired it in 2017.

Specifications

The 2024 Acura ZDX will be a model co-developed with General Motors on the latter’s BEV3 platform that underpins the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV and 2024 Cadillac Lyriq. There’s a similarly-sized 2024 Honda Prologue also based on this platform. The launch of the ZDX and Prologue mark the beginning of the Japanese automakers’ EV blitz in the USA and Canada.

The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S sports two motors that give it an all-wheel drive drivetrain layout. The two motors produce 500 hp and 544 lb.-ft. of torque, 41 hp and 107 lb.-ft. more than in the ZDX A-Spec AWD, respectively. A 102 kWh battery pack is standard, and it delivers 278 miles of range. It supports charging at up to 190 kW. Charging it from 20 to 80% level using a DC charger takes 42 minutes.

Price

The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S retails at USD 73,500 (excl. USD 1,245 destination & handling charge). For an additional USD 1,000, the 22-inch wheels can be had in a full black finish and with 275/40 R22 summer tires for more grip.

Acura banking on EVs for growth

Acura is dependent on Honda for formulating its electrification strategy, but it can hardly wait for the time when it launches its EV assault. Automotive News has reported that the company won’t transition from ICE vehicles to hybrids and then EVs. It will focus on EVs instead.

An Acura model would typically record approximately 10% of its Honda equivalent, but that sales ratio will change in the EV era. Honda expects to sell 70,000 units of the Prologue annually when it puts it on sale in 2024. Emile Korkor, Assistant Vice President of Acura National Sales at American Honda Motor Company, told Automotive News that Acura expects to sell about 30,000 units of its first EV annually.

Acura’s marketing strategy is to be performance-focused. Perhaps the only way of living up to that name in the increasingly competitive premium market is through a range of futuristic electric cars. Korkor revealed that Acura expects more than 50% of sales from EVs by 2030 and perhaps more than 60%. For the Honda brand, that target is close to 40%.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S is no doubt quick and is a premium product, but it doesn’t quite match the ‘wow factor’ of its close cousin, the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq Sport AWD. It packs plenty of premium features and superb performance, but the Cadillac offers a similar car for a lower price and with a higher range, which makes it a better choice in this segment.

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