2010 Acura ZDX
A Coupe-Like SUV?
What do you call the ZDX. Acura says it a four-door sports coupe, but when you look at it closely, you see a lot of SUV there. To me, it’s more like a coupe-shaped SUV. Do people really want a vehicle like this? Acura seems to think so. But to some folks, the ZDX doesn’t make a lot of sense because it compromises utility. However, if you are a style-conscious SUV buyer, and hauling big loads is not a concern, then the ZDX might be right up your alley.
Transforming an SUV into a coupe is no mean feat, and the Acura designers deserve a lot of credit for what they have achieved. The fastback roof and the sharpened front fascia are impressive, but the high waistline and the narrow side glass make the ZDX look heavy.
The ZDX has received a lot of press about its sumptuous cabin, however, I was not overly impressed. Yes, there is leather on the lower dash, but it does not stand out. If I didn’t know in advance it was there, I wouldn’t have noticed it. There is also a “monolith” center control panel that fades to black when turned off. Okay, so what. However, the leather-clad seats are nicely finished, and the thick, meaty steering wheel has a nice feel to it.
The most noticeable thing about the interior of the ZDX is the tightness of its space. Tall drivers may find their heads brushing the headliner. Adult passengers in the rear will be hard pressed to find adequate head- and legroom, and they better watch their noggins climbing in and out. The small hatchback cargo area, 56 cu.-ft. with the rear seat down, is tighter than that of a Honda Fit.
A panoramic sunroof spreads sunlight over the front and rear passengers, and is standard on the ZDX. Also standard are leather seats, which are heated up front, a power liftgate, satellite radio and an eight-speaker sound system. If you opt for the Technology package, you will add a navigation system, a multiview back-up camera, an upgraded stereo, and pushbutton entry and start. The Advance package provides more goodies yet, like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and adjustable shock absorbers.
Under the skin, the ZDX is nearly all Acura MDX. The engine is the same 3.7-liter, 300-hp V-6, teamed up with a six-speed automatic transmission. This is a refined power train that has some punch, and pulls well going up hills. It’s linked to Acura’s Super Handling all-Wheel Drive system, which can allocate power to each wheel as needed. Gas mileage is rated at 16-mpg city/23-mpg highway.
Not surprisingly, the ZDX drives like an MDX too. They share the same platform and suspension. This car feels very sure-footed on the road. The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive gets the power to the wheels with the most grip. For a tall, 4400 lb vehicle it does a credible job negotiating corners. However, the ZDX feels more at home on the freeways, where it delivers a smooth comfortable ride.
The Acura ZDX has a base price of $46,305. With the Technology package it’s $50,805.
The Advance package adds another $6,040. My fully equipped test car had a sticker price of $56,855.
Snapshot Review:
Controversial Styling
Cramped Interior
Lots of Features
