2010 Acura ZDX
Based on analysis of 14 ZDX reviews and test drives.
Acura ZDX - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Acura ZDX ranks 8 out of 17 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 14 published reviews and test drives of the Acura ZDX, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2010 Acura ZDX is an all-new midsize luxury crossover that competes directly with the BMW X6. It boasts stunning looks, a sporty driving experience and a downright sumptuous interior. Still, the ZDX doesn't provide the utility expected of an SUV.
Based on the MDX platform, the ZDX is Acura's new flagship SUV. Acura describes it as a "four-door sports coupe" because of its steeply sloped windshield, but reviewers differ on how it should be classified. The ZDX's appealing exterior is more stylish than most SUVs and it features a surprisingly car-like ride. It sits higher than any sedan but doesn't provide the extra cargo space or rear-seat room sedan owners usually associate with an SUV.
The ZDX is ideal for those who want a luxurious all-wheel-drive ride but don't need much utility. Motor Trend, which named the ZDX as a contender for 2010 Sport/Utility of Year, explains: "If you want an Acura for family road trips, buy an MDX. The ZDX is designed for couples -- trendy youngsters or fifty-something empty nesters -- who want a vehicle that not only stands out in the valet line at a hip hotel, but is a comfortable and capable ride for quick getaway trips, regardless of the weather or the road surface." The ZDX is also a contender for Car and Driver's 2010 "10Best" award.
The ZDX comes with a base price in the mid-$40,000 range. While that may seem expensive for an SUV that doesn't provide many SUV-like traits, it's quite a bargain when compared to its direct competitors. The similarly chic (and similarly impractical) BMX X6 starts at nearly $57,000. The Infiniti FX, another stylish SUV, starts at about the same price as the Acura, but isn't as well equipped.
Of course, if you can do without the ZDX's head-turning looks, there are much more practical options. Acura's own MDX costs about $4,000 less and provides the same sharp handling with a lot more cargo room and rear-seat space. Still, the MDX's fuel economy is a bit less than the ZDX's. The Lexus RX 350, on the other hand, costs nearly $10,000 less than the ZDX, comes with an especially spacious interior and even provides better fuel economy.
The ZDX comes standard with all-wheel drive. Trims include the base ZDX, ZDX Technology and ZDX Advance.
- "If you are willing to accept the compromises that come with the coupe styling -- and coupes are all about style -- ZDX is one terrific piece of work." -- USA TODAY
- "Although the ZDX is mainly aimed at couples whose kids are grown, it's stylish enough to appeal to some singles and roomy enough for families with one or two small kids. However, the vehicle's high price, tight rear-seat compartment, and lack of a third row of seats make it impractical for many families." -- BusinessWeek
- "With the ZDX, Acura has produced a uniquely designed car with a level of luxury greater than previous models from the company. The drive quality isn't terribly remarkable, and neither is the fuel economy, but the cabin technology pushes Acura toward the cutting edge." -- CNET
- "We really don't know what to think of the ZDX. Acura has hit a home run with the interior appointments, chassis tuning, and cabin isolation. However, they swung and missed with second-row comfort, outward visibility, and fun-to-drive quotient." -- Autoblog
ZDX Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)
The 2010 Acura ZDX provides a surprisingly car-like ride. Reviewers find it especially fun to drive for an SUV, especially with the optional Active Damper System. "The ZDX is meant to drive something like a conventional luxury car, and it comes close," says BusinessWeek. "The big difference is that the floor is a bit higher off the ground than a car's, giving the ZDX more of an SUV-like feel." Read More
ZDX Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)
More than anything else, the 2010 Acura ZDX stands out for its stunning exterior styling. Motor Trend even goes so far as to call it the best-looking 2010 car on the market, further saying: "No denying there's something super about Acura's all-new ZDX crossover's shape. It stands out among today's array of sport/utilities like an Armani suit at 24 Hour Fitness." Adding to the ZDX's unique appeal is a front-to-rear panoramic glass roof -- the longest continuous glass roof of any vehicle on the market. Read More
ZDX Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
On the inside, the ZDX boasts a luxurious, leather-trimmed and hi-tech cabin. Reviewers' only complaints concern the rear seat and cargo areas, which are on the small side for a midsize SUV. "Slide into this so-called ‘four-door sport coupe' -- watch your head, because the sloping roofline is lower than you expect, especially when entering the back seat -- and you're treated to the most elegant cabin in a luxury Honda to date," says Motor Trend. "A leather-stitched dash? You bet. Leather-stitched door panels too? Why not? Even the cargo area is lined with premium loop-style carpet that wouldn't look out of place in a Beverly Hills living room." Read More
ZDX Safety - NA
The federal government and insurance industry have not yet tested the all-new ZDX. However, it comes with all the standard safety features expected of a luxury SUV plus a few especially innovative options. Read More
ZDX Reliability - NA
The 2010 Acura ZDX comes with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. Read More