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2010 Acura ZDX
2010 Acura ZDX begins life as the MDX crossover, a vehicle we’ve long admired for bringing capable handling and three-row crossover functionality under one roof. Then things start getting weird. Due to its rakish exterior design, the ZDX has neither the third-row seat nor the roomy second-row seat of its family-minded sibling. Yet the ZDX doesn’t get any additional sportiness in the bargain — it has the same V6 and similar driving dynamics. Is this new Acura a savvy marketing decision, or an answer to a question nobody was asking?
Beyond its dramatic exterior, the 2011 Acura ZDX offers some notable exclusive features, principally, its sumptuous interior layout. The dashboard features expansive swaths of soft hand-stitched leather — a first for an Acura product — and there is also a unique “Monolith” center stack that fades to black when powered off. The ZDX’s standard six-speed automatic transmission further distinguishes it from other Acura models. Less impressive ZDX distinctions include just 56 cubic feet of cargo space (about the same as a Honda Fit), a meager 1,500-pound towing rating (the MDX can tow 5,000 pounds) and a cramped, coupelike backseat.
2010 Acura ZDX tracks capably around corners, thanks to the SH-AWD system that mitigates understeer by sending torque to the wheels that need it most. Even so, the ZDX drives pretty much like an MDX, which is to say sporty as crossovers go but not exactly grin-inducing. The Advance package adds adjustable dampers, but we haven’t found them to make nearly enough of a difference to justify the package’s pricey premium.
The 3.7-liter V6 is familiar from other Acura vehicles. It’s an adequate but not particularly memorable engine, with lackluster torque at low engine speeds. The six-speed automatic transmission does provide quick and smooth upshifts, but downshifts aren’t always crisp.
Acura is not known, but says that the pricing between 2011 Acura ZDX prices will be available in the MDX, which currently begins at $ 40,990, and the RL, which starts at $ 46,680.
