Expert Reviews

2024 Acura ZDX Type S Review

7.9
10
AutoTrader SCORE
This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
  • STYLING
    7.0/10
  • Safety
    8.0/10
  • PRACTICALITY
    8.0/10
  • USER-FRIENDLINESS
    9.0/10
  • FEATURES
    8.0/10
  • POWER
    8.0/10
  • COMFORT
    8.0/10
  • DRIVING FEEL
    8.0/10
  • FUEL ECONOMY
    9.0/10
  • VALUE
    6.0/10

It took a while to get here, but Acura finally has its first electric vehicle (EV).

The 2024 Acura ZDX represents an important milestone for the company as it transitions away from gas-powered vehicles. Along with its corporate cousin, the Honda Prologue, the ZDX was co-developed with General Motors (GM) and is built on that automaker’s Ultium platform. It’s also the third vehicle in the company’s current lineup to wear a Type S badge after the Integra sedan and the MDX three-row SUV.

Acura says the ZDX Type S has more torque than the NSX and is the most powerful vehicle it’s ever made. But with a starting price of nearly $95,000 before tax, it’s also the most expensive after that stunning supercar.

Styling: 7/10

The ZDX Type S is deceptively large, with a long wheelbase and short overhangs lending a sporty look. It’s low, wide, and dramatic, and the familiar beak-like fascia translates well to the sleek proportions of an EV. The gold-like Tiger Eye Pearl paint job and contrasting black roof might not be to everyone’s tastes, but the combination unquestionably grabs attention where it goes. The large 22-inch wheels and yellow brake calipers are exclusive to the Type S trim.

The styling is less successful inside, with many parts borrowed from the Chevrolet Blazer EV with which the ZDX shares a platform. That means hard plastics and materials that don’t belong in a vehicle with a price tag approaching six figures. The company’s other products feel more premium and refined by contrast.

It’s not all bad, though. The dashboard is covered in soft-touch material accented with red stitching, and the seats are supple and supportive. There’s even brushed aluminum trim on the doors.

Power: 8/10

The ZDX Type S produces 500 hp and 544 lb-ft of torque from a pair of electric motors. It’s enough to move this EV quickly, with little trouble keeping up with traffic.
The sport plus drive mode brings the strongest shove and the quickest response from the all-wheel drive system, which allows the ZDX to hook up and go without hesitation. While the ZDX feels powerful enough, competitors like the Electrified GV70 from Genesis and the BMW iX are quicker still.

Driving Feel: 7/10 

Despite weighing nearly three tonnes, the ZDX Type S doesn’t fall apart in the corners. In fairness, much of the 2,745-kg (6,052-lb) curb weight is in the massive battery tucked under the floor, which means the ZDX has a low centre of gravity that helps in the handling department.

The steering does a good job of directing the ZDX where you want it to go, but it lacks any semblance of feel. Sport mode makes it slightly heavier and tightens the ride, but it’s a subtle change at best. But then the brakes provide a natural pedal feel and do a good job hauling the ZDX down from speed. Taken together, while this ZDX isn’t an Integra Type S, nor should you expect it to be, it comes with higher expectations than this crossover is capable of achieving.

Fuel Economy: 9/10

Even during a heatwave and with the air conditioning cranked, the ZDX Type S delivered an average of 21.0 kWh/100 km during this test — better than its official combined estimate of 26.7. It has a 102-kWh battery pack that’s rated to provide 489 km of range for the lesser A-Spec trim, and 447 km here.

The battery can be charged at speeds of 190 kW when connected to a suitable DC fast-charger. Acura says that’s enough to add 115 km of range in 10 minutes in ideal conditions. This test saw speeds as fast as 133 kW. 

Comfort: 8/10

With a height-adjustable air suspension and adaptive dampers, the ZDX Type S delivers a luxurious ride in all its drive modes. The front seats are well-shaped and comfortable over long distances, and rear-seat passengers can stretch out with legroom to spare.

The Type S is equipped with an 18-speaker stereo that was specifically designed for this all-electric application. It delivers crisp highs and thumping lows, and the surround-sound function won’t distort music.

Features 8/10

As the most expensive of the two trims offered, the ZDX Type S gets all the bells and whistles including adaptive air suspension with selectable ride heights. It also comes with that 18-speaker stereo interior ambient lighting, a digital rear-view mirror, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, tri-zone automatic climate control, and perforated leather upholstery wrapped around heated and ventilated front seats front seats that 16-way adjustable. The rear seats are also heated.

Practicality: 8/10

A benefit of being built on a dedicated EV platform is the extra space you get from not having to package exhaust drivetrain components under the floor. There are cubbies and wells in the ZDX to store all the various items you might have on you, including a space under the centre console big enough for a small bag or knapsack.

With the rear seats in place there’s 793 L of space, a figure bested by a smaller crossover like the Acura RDX, but it’s still enough for most needs. Fold the seats down and the space increases to 1,722 L — more than enough to swallow long flat-pack boxes or other cargo.

User-Friendliness: 9/10

There’s an 11.3-inch centre screen propped front and centre on the dashboard. It’s within easy reach and runs a Google-based infotainment system that’s easy to use and integrates the tech giant’s maps and other functions. The navigation system can direct you to the nearest available charging stations and will show you an estimate of your battery level upon arrival and even on the return trip. Real buttons and knobs for the climate controls represent a refreshing departure from the current trend of moving all functions to a touchscreen, and there’s even a volume knob.

Safety: 8/10 

The ZDX features a full suite of advanced driving aids and collision mitigation technology including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic braking and steering assist, and automatic emergency braking up front. The Type S also gets hands-free adaptive cruise control technology borrowed from GM. It enables hands-free cruising on pre-mapped roads throughout North America, and will even change lanes automatically. The system does very well on straight sections of highway, but maintaining a consistent line when the roads start to twist and turn proved to be an issue during this test.

Value :6/10

The Honda Prologue shares a platform with the ZDX, and while it doesn’t drive as well as thisType S, a fully loaded version is nearly $20,000 cheaper. The ZDX also shares a lot of interior bits with the Chevrolet Blazer EV, which is a problem at this price.

The Verdict

The biggest problem facing the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S is its price tag. For what it offers there are cheaper and better alternatives, most notably the Cadillac Lyriq that looks and feels like an even more premium product (because it is).

The ZDX does, however, give fans of the brand their first emissions-free product to swoon over. While the company is late to the EV game, the ZDX is a powerful, luxurious, and efficient electric crossover. It might not be the most convincing use of the Type S badge, but it’s reasonably sporty and fun to drive, and makes for a good start to Acura’s electric future.

Competitors
Specifications
Engine Displacement 375 kW
Engine Cylinders Dual electric motors
Peak Horsepower 500 hp
Peak Torque 544 lb-ft
Fuel Economy 2.8 / 3.2 / 3.0 Le/100 km cty/hwy/cmb, 25.3 / 28.4 / 26.7 kWh/100 km; 447 km est. range
Cargo Space 793 / 1,722 L seats up/down
Model Tested 2024 Acura ZDX Type S
Base Price $91,490
A/C Tax $100
Destination Fee $2,595
Price as Tested $94.185
Optional Equipment
None