This Acura ZDX may look just like every other Acura, but that’s far from the case. This is actually the brand’s first all-electric vehicle. And that’s just the tip of this electronic iceberg, as there’s plenty more to discover beneath the surface. So, join us for a deep dive into some unchartered waters.

The Acura ZDX is the brand’s first full battery-electric vehicle, and Acura took a long and winding road to get here. It started off in Detroit where GM’s Ultium platform was born. Honda struck a deal to make use of it for their Prologue SUV and developed this Acurafied version right along with it. Base A Spec comes standard with a single 358-horsepower rear motor, or you can step up to a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with 490 horsepower. This Type S cranks up the horsepower a bit to 499 but more impressively winds up an additional 107 lb-ft of torque for a total of 544; that’s 52 lb-ft more than the last NSX supercar.

All versions share the same 102-kWh battery, meaning a max range of 313 miles in the A-Spec. That drops to 278 here in our Type S tester, though in our driving loop, we were on pace for 295 miles. 190-kW max fast charging feeds enough juice to get you to 80% charge in 42 minutes. And using 43-kWh of electricity per 100 miles, the Type S earns a fair efficiency rating. Regen braking may not have as many levels of adjustment as some EVS, but full one-pedal driving is available, along with a regen-on-demand brake paddle on the back of the steering wheel.

The Type S gets a host of additional upgrades dedicated to improving performance: bigger stabilizer bars front and rear, quicker steering ratios, 22-inch wheels, and an adaptive air suspension that keep the ride pleasant even with those 22s. Summer tires are also available.

Not sure if it speaks to the Acura’s overall refinement, or if we’re just getting used to launching crazy fast EVs, but the ZDX didn’t feel particularly strong off the line, yet when we looked at the numbers, we were racing to 60 in just 4.5-seconds. No drop off in power though the ¼-mile. ZDX is consistent and fast; silently streaking to the end of the track in 12.9-seconds at 110 miles-per-hour. As with all EVs, there’s substantial weight to deal with, here about 3-tons, but its distributed equally front to back, and it felt extremely smooth through our handling course. The very light steering and aggressive stability control took some getting used to, but after a few runs we were able to find a good pace that kept everything happy, including us as there was very little body roll in the ZDX.

Type S gets Brembo brakes up front, and in our panic braking runs, there was a very aggressive initial bite, and despite the weight, brought things to a quick stop in a short 102-feet from 60 miles-per-hour.

Inside, a sharp-looking digital instrument cluster is joined by an 11.3-inch color touchscreen display, small by today’s standards, but well integrated, and with Google built in, operation is very familiar.

All ZDXs come with Perforated Milano leather seating. Type S upgrades with Microsuede inserts. It also adds a unique steering wheel, brushed aluminum trim, lots of logos, and it is the first Acura to get a Bang & Olufsen audio system. Small item storage is plentiful up front, and rear cargo capacity is 28.7 cubic-ft; expanding to 62.0 with the rear seatbacks folded; that’s closer to RDX than MDX. Back seat passengers get a great experience, with plenty of room all around, heated seats, climate controls, and charging for their electronics.

Despite starting off with the GM chassis, Acura designers clearly crafted a vehicle that looks every bit an Acura. It’s long, low, and wide with a modernized take on Acura’s shield grille leading the way.
A-Spec pricing starts at $65,850, Type S goes for $74,850; both versions are currently still available for full federal tax credits.

You may remember a first Acura ZDX, a coupe-style SUV that came and went in the early 2010s. This is not that ZDX, but it’s certainly just as forward thinking; better timed and much better looking too.

The Acura ZDX is a very well executed first step into the world of electrification. And we have no problems with them getting a little help from GM to get things started, as the Ultium platform has spawned some fantastic EVs. But, at the same time, we do look forward to what Acura’s next and perhaps far more important step will be.