2010 Acura ZDX

The low-slung four-door luxury coupe is a recent trend in upscale European car styling.  Well, BMW has taken that theme to a new extreme with their X6 Sports Activity Coupe, a practical 5-door crossover with coupe-like appearance. Well, following the same wavelength, Acura now shows their version of a sporty utility coupe, the ZDX.  So, let’s see what the ZDX adds to this new vehicle niche.

The idea behind the 2010 Acura ZDX is much the same as that of the BMW X6-a luxury vehicle with the performance and styling of a sport coupe, the everyday drivability of a family sedan, and the versatility and capabilities of an SUV. Using the same chassis as the MDX, wheelbase for the ZDX measures 108.3 inches. That’s almost seven inches less than the X6. Overall length, however, is similar at 192.4 inches.

ZDX styling is far more dramatic than either the MDX or X6, with angular HID headlamps flanking Acura’s large shield-like grille. The hunkered side view reveals a tapering greenhouse and a sharply raked roofline. A lower body crease and wide shoulders give the ZDX a further muscular look. But long front doors and hidden rear door handles really push the ZDX’s coupe-like appeal.

Out back is a standard power liftgate as well as performance elements like dual exhausts and an available tailgate spoiler. The ZDX rides on 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Twenty-inchers are a dealer accessory.

Hit the start button for the single engine offering—the MDX’s 3.7-liter V6. Output is 300 horsepower, the same as the X6 xDrive35i, and 270 pound-feet of torque. However, ZDX towing is only 1,500 pounds, a fraction of the BMW’s.

Power feeds a 6-speed automatic with steering wheel shifters, and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. SH-AWD is a very capable all-wheel drive system that aids both bad weather traction and dry road handling prowess.

Our drive time with the ZDX took us from the mean streets of New York City to the sweeping rural routes to the north. The 3.7 puts out a good bit of power, and it also likes to rev.  It has a nice, gentle sound until about 5000 rpm—then it really seems to come alive, in both sound and response. Zero to 60 takes only 6.5 seconds with crisp, seamless shifts.

The ZDX rides on MacPherson struts up front, and a multi-link geometry with trailing arms in the rear.  Honing the chassis equation is the optional Active Damper System. ADS has two driver-selectable modes, ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’. ADS works in conjunction with the speed-sensitive steering system for a more tailored and flatter driving experience.

Still, ZDX handling is not as sharp as the X6, and the ride is significantly softer. So you’re gaining a plusher, more refined feel, while not totally giving up the ability to scoot through corners with confidence. Stopping power is from all discs with ABS and Brake Assist.  It performed flawlessly in both city traffic and on faster country routes.

While the X6 seats 4, the ZDX dresses its upscale 5-passenger cabin in the typical Acura way, meaning clean and smart with a hint of luxury.  The artful leather-wrapped dash is a nice evolution from the MDX, retaining the podded gauges while raising some controls and making its sophisticated look less confusing to operate.

Seats are supportive and comfortable with standard power and heat up front. The Technology Package adds navigation with voice recognition, real-time traffic and weather, a back-up camera with three different views, and a 10-speaker surround sound audio system.

For a view of the sky and more, there’s a full glass roof that extends from the windshield header all the way down to the bumper cutout.

With its shorter wheelbase, rear seat head and legroom specs for the ZDX compare badly to the X6. However, our 6-foot testers found it quite livable. And you can fold one or both parts of the 60/40 seatbacks for true crossover versatility. The trunk is a simple box with underfloor and side panel small item storage. Cargo space is 26.3 cubic feet seats up, 55.8 seats down. That, too, is less than the BMW.

But fuel economy is more. ZDX Government Fuel Economy Ratings are a tick higher than the BMW at 16 city/22 highway on Premium gas. But the biggest edge for the ZDX may be its price. Slotted between the MDX and RL, the estimated base sticker is $45,000. That’s about 10 grand less than the X6.

BMW was the first to infuse a utility with the styling of a true sport coupe. Now, the 2010 Acura ZDX in some ways has raised the bar while also lowering the price. We still don’t think these coupe-ish utilities are for mainstream buyers, but we do love their diversity. To that end the ZDX is very appealing, and a strong rival to the X6.