Acura has long been known for delivering premium performance vehicles that strike a balance between sportiness, luxury, and reliability. From the high-revving Integra Type R of the past to the supercar-level engineering of the NSX, Acura has cultivated a reputation for crafting vehicles that appeal to driving enthusiasts. Now, the brand is entering a new era—one defined by electrification.
The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S is not just Acura’s first fully electric vehicle (EV); it’s also a bold statement about the brand’s future direction. Built on General Motors’ Ultium EV platform, the ZDX represents a collaboration between Acura and GM, a move that raises questions about how much of the brand’s signature driving experience remains intact. While the ZDX boasts impressive power, cutting-edge technology, and a premium interior, some critics wonder: Is this just another luxury electric SUV, or does it truly embody the spirit of an Acura?
In this first-drive review, we take a deep dive into the ZDX Type S, evaluating its performance, handling, design, technology, and overall driving experience to determine whether it stands as a great electric SUV—and more importantly, whether it feels like a true Acura.
Power and Performance
When it comes to performance, Acura has historically emphasized a balance of power, precision, and engagement. With the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S, the brand is taking that philosophy into the electric era. Unlike Acura’s past performance-oriented models, which relied on high-revving engines and precision-tuned suspensions, the ZDX Type S embraces instant electric torque and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup to deliver speed and stability.
Powertrain and Output
The ZDX Type S is powered by two permanent-magnet AC synchronous motors, one on each axle, providing a total output of 499 horsepower and 544 lb-ft of torque. This makes it the most powerful SUV Acura has ever produced, surpassing the MDX Type S (355 hp) by a significant margin.
- 0-60 mph: Acura claims the ZDX Type S can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.2 seconds, making it one of the quickest Acuras ever made.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): The dual-motor setup ensures torque is distributed efficiently between the front and rear wheels for maximum grip.
- Ultium Platform: Since the ZDX is based on GM’s Ultium EV platform, it shares underpinnings with the Cadillac Lyriq. However, Acura has worked to refine the suspension and tuning to differentiate its driving character.
Adaptive Air Suspension and Ride Dynamics
One standout feature of the ZDX Type S is its adaptive, height-adjustable air suspension, a first for an Acura vehicle. This system allows the driver to fine-tune the SUV’s ride height and firmness based on driving conditions:
- Lower stance for sporty driving: In Sport and Sport+ modes, the suspension firms up, and the vehicle lowers for improved aerodynamics and handling.
- Increased ground clearance for comfort: In Comfort mode, the suspension softens, and the ride height can be raised for better ride quality and rougher road conditions.
The result is a driving experience that feels refined and composed, though some reviewers have noted that the steering feel is heavier than expected, which slightly detracts from Acura’s traditionally nimble handling characteristics.
Throttle Response and Driving Modes
One interesting quirk of the ZDX Type S is that its full 499 hp isn’t always available—instead, drivers need to engage Sport mode to unlock the maximum power output. In Normal and Comfort modes, the SUV feels more subdued, prioritizing efficiency and a smoother driving experience.
- Sport Mode: Sharpens throttle response, stiffens the suspension, and unlocks full power.
- Sport+ Mode: Further enhances the performance experience with more aggressive torque distribution.
- Snow Mode: Adjusts power delivery for improved traction in slippery conditions.
This approach makes sense for efficiency, but it means the ZDX Type S doesn’t always feel as engaging as Acura’s past performance models unless actively pushed into its sportier settings.
How Does It Compare to the Competition?
The ZDX Type S sits in a competitive field of luxury electric SUVs, facing off against the likes of:
- Tesla Model Y Performance (455 hp, 3.5 sec 0-60 mph) – Quicker but lacks the refinement and premium feel of the ZDX.
- BMW iX M60 (610 hp, 3.6 sec 0-60 mph) – More powerful but significantly more expensive.
- Genesis Electrified GV70 (429 hp, 3.8 sec 0-60 mph with boost mode) – Slightly less powerful but offers a well-balanced luxury/performance mix.
While the ZDX Type S is not the fastest in its class, it delivers a compelling mix of power, comfort, and Acura’s signature focus on driver confidence. However, does it capture the excitement and precision of past Acura performance models? That’s where the debate begins.
Handling and Driving Experience
Acura has always been a brand that prioritizes driving dynamics, with a reputation for precision steering, well-balanced chassis tuning, and an engaging road feel. The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S carries the badge of Acura’s Type S performance lineup, which raises expectations for how it should handle. However, being Acura’s first fully electric performance SUV, the ZDX Type S takes a different approach to performance compared to past models like the TLX Type S or MDX Type S.
Steering Feel and Responsiveness
One of the first things drivers will notice about the ZDX Type S is its steering weight, which is noticeably heavier than expected. This gives the SUV a more substantial and planted feel on the road, but some may find it lacks the quick, precise responsiveness that Acura’s sporty models are known for. While the heavier steering adds a sense of stability, particularly at highway speeds, it can make low-speed maneuvering feel slightly cumbersome.
Unlike traditional Acura models with SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive), which actively vector torque for sharper cornering, the ZDX’s dual-motor all-wheel drive system focuses more on delivering strong grip and acceleration rather than dynamic handling. As a result, while the ZDX Type S remains composed through turns, it doesn’t exhibit the same level of agility or playfulness as past performance-oriented Acuras.
Chassis and Suspension Tuning
The adaptive air suspension is one of the ZDX Type S’s standout features, marking a first for Acura. This system allows the SUV to adjust its ride height and suspension stiffness depending on the selected driving mode:
- In Sport and Sport+ modes, the ride height is lowered, the suspension stiffens, and the overall handling sharpens for a more performance-focused feel.
- In Comfort mode, the suspension softens significantly, offering a smoother and more relaxed ride suitable for long highway drives or city commuting.
- Snow mode adjusts the vehicle’s suspension and power delivery to enhance traction on slippery surfaces.
Compared to traditional gasoline-powered Acuras, the ZDX Type S feels more refined and composed, especially over rough roads. However, the added weight from the EV platform—which exceeds 5,700 lbs—means that while the suspension does an excellent job of managing bumps and body roll, it doesn’t have the same lightweight, nimble feel that Acura enthusiasts may expect.
Weight and Cornering Stability
The ZDX Type S’s weight plays a significant role in how it handles corners. While the low-mounted battery pack helps lower the center of gravity, improving stability, the sheer mass of the SUV is still noticeable when pushing it through turns. Unlike Acura’s traditional SH-AWD system, which actively distributes torque between the left and right wheels for better cornering, the ZDX’s dual-motor setup primarily focuses on straight-line traction rather than sharp handling.
That said, the vehicle still feels confident and secure at high speeds. The wide stance and well-tuned suspension allow it to remain composed during aggressive cornering, even if it doesn’t feel as light on its feet as something like an MDX Type S or BMW iX.
Braking and Regenerative Braking
Being an EV, the ZDX Type S incorporates regenerative braking, which allows the driver to slow the vehicle down while recapturing energy to improve efficiency. Acura provides multiple levels of regenerative braking, which can be adjusted using paddles behind the steering wheel, offering drivers a more customizable driving experience.
For those who prefer one-pedal driving, the highest level of regenerative braking allows the vehicle to come to a near stop without needing to use the brake pedal. However, drivers can also choose lower settings that make the braking feel more like a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle.
Acura has also equipped the ZDX Type S with Brembo front brakes, ensuring strong stopping power. However, as with many EVs, some drivers may notice a slight disconnect between regenerative and mechanical braking, where the transition doesn’t always feel completely seamless. This can take some getting used to, especially for those accustomed to the more immediate and linear brake feel of Acura’s gasoline-powered models.
How It Feels on the Road
Overall, the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S delivers a smooth, composed, and stable ride that prioritizes comfort and high-speed confidence over razor-sharp agility. While it’s fast in a straight line, it doesn’t have the same playful handling dynamics that Acura’s SH-AWD-equipped models are known for. Instead, it feels more like a luxury EV with strong performance rather than a true performance SUV in the traditional Acura sense.
For drivers looking for a comfortable, refined electric SUV with powerful acceleration, the ZDX Type S delivers. However, those expecting the lightweight, engaging feel of past Acura performance models may find that the extra weight and lack of SH-AWD torque vectoring make it feel more like a luxury cruiser than a sharp-handling Acura sport SUV.
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
Stepping inside the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S, it's immediately clear that Acura has focused on modern luxury, advanced technology, and premium comfort. As the brand’s first fully electric SUV, the ZDX’s cabin combines a futuristic feel with high-end materials, a spacious layout, and a wealth of cutting-edge features. But does it fully capture the sporty and driver-focused spirit that Acura is known for?
Cabin Design and Materials
The interior of the ZDX Type S follows Acura’s “Precision Crafted Performance” philosophy but leans more toward luxury than outright sportiness. High-quality materials such as leather upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, metal accents, and ambient lighting create a refined atmosphere, while the Type S-exclusive elements—like contrast stitching, sport pedals, and a flat-bottom steering wheel—add a performance-inspired touch.
One of the biggest highlights is the driver-centric cockpit design, with a well-organized dashboard that places all controls within easy reach. The center console is clean and minimalist, featuring a floating design with a wireless charging pad underneath, adding to the futuristic aesthetic. However, since the ZDX is built on General Motors’ Ultium platform, some interior elements, like the gear selector and switchgear, may feel familiar to those who have experienced GM’s luxury EVs.
Seating and Comfort
Acura ensures that the ZDX Type S provides a comfortable and supportive seating experience, whether for daily commuting or long road trips.
- The front seats are heavily bolstered, providing excellent lateral support, which is great for spirited driving. They also come with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, making them a standout feature in this segment.
- The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, thanks to the long wheelbase and flat floor design, making the second row feel more spacious than some competitors. However, due to the sloping roofline, taller passengers may find headroom slightly limited in the back.
- The cargo space is generous, though not best-in-class. The rear hatch provides plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or gear, but unlike some EV rivals, the ZDX does not feature a front trunk (frunk), as the space under the hood is used for other components.
Overall, the ZDX Type S strikes a balance between sporty support and luxurious comfort, though it leans more toward a high-end, premium SUV experience rather than a hardcore performance-focused cabin.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Technology is a major focus in the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S, with Acura opting for an intuitive, Google-based infotainment system rather than its traditional interface.
- The centerpiece is a 11.3-inch touchscreen running Google Built-In, offering seamless access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store for apps like Spotify and YouTube Music.
- Unlike previous Acura models that relied on a trackpad-based interface, the touchscreen approach feels much more user-friendly and modern.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included for those who prefer smartphone-based connectivity.
In front of the driver, there’s a 11-inch digital instrument cluster, which provides customizable driving information, navigation, and energy consumption data. Additionally, a Head-Up Display (HUD) projects key information onto the windshield, reducing the need for the driver to look away from the road.
The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, a signature Acura feature, is also available, delivering crystal-clear sound quality with multiple speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin. Audiophiles will appreciate the immersive experience, whether listening to music or taking calls.
Technology and Driver Assistance Features
The ZDX Type S is packed with advanced driver assistance and safety technologies, many of which are part of Acura’s AcuraWatch 360+ system. This includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Hands-Free Driving – Allows for semi-autonomous driving on highways, similar to GM’s Super Cruise.
- Lane Keeping Assist – Helps maintain the vehicle’s position within the lane.
- Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert – Enhances awareness of surrounding vehicles.
- Automated Parking Assist – Helps with parallel and perpendicular parking.
- Collision Mitigation Braking System – Provides emergency braking to avoid accidents.
These features bring the ZDX Type S in line with other premium electric SUVs, ensuring a safe and technology-rich driving experience.
Design and Aesthetics
The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S is a striking departure from Acura’s past designs, blending futuristic EV styling with the aggressive performance-oriented look that defines the Type S lineup. While it retains Acura’s signature sharp lines and bold stance, the ZDX is also shaped by the needs of aerodynamics and electric efficiency, resulting in a sleek yet powerful SUV that commands attention on the road.
Exterior Design: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
At first glance, the ZDX Type S is unmistakably an Acura, yet it carries a more sculpted and minimalist aesthetic compared to the brand’s gasoline-powered models. Acura has worked to ensure that, despite being built on GM’s Ultium platform, the ZDX maintains a distinct Acura identity.
- Chicane LED Lighting: Acura’s signature Chicane-style LED daytime running lights and sharp Jewel Eye LED headlights create an aggressive front-end look. The lighting elements are slim and modern, emphasizing the EV’s high-tech nature.
- Closed Diamond Pentagon Grille: Since the ZDX doesn’t require a traditional grille for cooling, Acura has adapted its Diamond Pentagon grille into a smooth, illuminated panel that gives the front fascia a futuristic look while maintaining brand continuity. The illuminated Acura badge adds a premium touch, especially at night.
- Aerodynamic Sculpting: Unlike traditional Acura SUVs, the ZDX’s bodywork is smoother and more streamlined, with flush door handles and a gently sloping roofline designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency and maximize range.
Type S-Specific Enhancements
Being a Type S model, the ZDX Type S receives sportier design elements that distinguish it from the standard ZDX.
- Aggressive Front Bumper: The front fascia features larger air intakes and a sculpted lower lip, giving the SUV a more dynamic and purposeful stance.
- Black Trim and Accents: Unlike the standard ZDX, which features chrome detailing, the Type S replaces brightwork with gloss black trim on the window surrounds, lower bumpers, and side mirrors, enhancing its performance-oriented aesthetic.
- 20- and 22-inch Performance Wheels: The Type S rides on larger, lightweight alloy wheels, with a design that enhances both aesthetics and aerodynamics. Behind them, the bright yellow Brembo brake calipers add a striking contrast and reinforce the SUV’s performance credentials.
- Quad Exhaust-Inspired Rear Diffuser: While EVs don’t require exhaust pipes, Acura has integrated a Type S-exclusive rear diffuser that visually mimics a quad-exhaust setup, subtly referencing the design of past high-performance Acura models.
Color Options and Presence on the Road
Acura offers the ZDX Type S in a variety of bold and sophisticated color options, including Tiger Eye Pearl, a deep metallic gold that has become a signature Type S color. Other premium paint finishes, such as Liquid Carbon Metallic and Double Apex Blue Pearl, ensure that the ZDX retains the luxury presence expected of an Acura flagship EV.
The overall presence of the ZDX Type S is bold, futuristic, and muscular, blending a luxury EV’s smoothness with a performance SUV’s aggressive stance. While some Acura enthusiasts may miss the more angular and traditional design language of models like the MDX and RDX, the ZDX successfully evolves the brand’s aesthetic into the EV era.
Interior Aesthetics: Modern, Sporty, and Premium
Inside, the ZDX Type S continues its theme of futuristic luxury while incorporating sporty Type S accents.
- Minimalist Dashboard Layout: The design is clean and uncluttered, with a horizontal dash that emphasizes width and openness. Acura has avoided excessive physical buttons, instead integrating most controls into the 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster.
- Type S Branding: The flat-bottom steering wheel features Type S badging, and the sport seats have Type S embroidery and contrast stitching, reinforcing the performance DNA.
- Premium Materials: Acura uses real leather, brushed aluminum, and soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin. While wood trim is available on lower ZDX trims, the Type S favors a sportier look with metal and carbon-fiber-like textures.
- Ambient Lighting: Customizable LED ambient lighting adds a premium and high-tech feel, with multiple color themes that can be adjusted to suit the driver’s mood.
Does It Look and Feel Like a True Acura?
The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S successfully integrates Acura’s sporty and premium design language into an EV platform. The sleek, aerodynamic exterior blends futuristic efficiency with muscular performance cues, while the interior balances modern minimalism with Type S sportiness. However, some Acura purists may feel that the ZDX, with its GM underpinnings and smoother, less aggressive design, moves slightly away from the sharp, driver-focused aesthetic of past models.
That said, for a luxury EV performance SUV, the ZDX Type S is undeniably striking, premium, and unmistakably Acura—even as it redefines what an Acura performance vehicle looks like in the electric era.
Range, Charging, and Efficiency
When it comes to electric vehicles, range and charging capabilities are just as important as performance and design. The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S aims to offer a balance of strong range, fast charging, and efficiency, though its numbers put it in the middle of the luxury EV pack rather than at the very top.
Range: How Far Can It Go?
The ZDX Type S is equipped with a 102.0-kWh battery pack, shared with other GM Ultium-based EVs. Acura estimates that the Type S version will deliver approximately 288 miles of range on a full charge, though official EPA ratings may slightly vary.
While this range is respectable, it’s not class-leading. Some competitors, like the BMW iX xDrive50 (up to 324 miles) and the Tesla Model X (up to 348 miles), offer more range per charge. However, the ZDX Type S prioritizes performance over absolute efficiency, which explains its slightly lower range compared to the standard ZDX A-Spec, which is expected to reach up to 325 miles.
In real-world driving, range will depend on factors like driving style, weather conditions, and use of climate controls. Acura’s regenerative braking system helps recapture some energy, extending range during city driving, but on highways, where regen is less effective, range may be slightly lower than expected.
Charging: Fast and Convenient
Acura has ensured that the ZDX Type S supports ultra-fast DC charging, making it one of the more convenient luxury EVs for road trips and daily use.
- DC Fast Charging (Public Chargers): The ZDX Type S can charge from 20% to 80% in about 42 minutes when using a 190-kW DC fast charger. Under ideal conditions, it can add roughly 81 miles of range in just 10 minutes, making quick top-ups on long drives more convenient.
- Level 2 Home Charging: Using a Level 2 (240V) home charger, the ZDX Type S can fully charge overnight in about 11 hours, making it easy to start each day with a full battery. Acura encourages buyers to install a home charging station for the best experience.
- Charge Capability: The ZDX supports & Charge, meaning compatible public chargers will automatically start charging and bill the owner without needing to use an app or card, simplifying the process.
Acura has also partnered with Tesla, giving ZDX owners access to the Tesla Supercharger network in 2025 using an adapter. This significantly expands fast-charging options, adding thousands of reliable charging locations across North America.
Efficiency: How Does It Compare?
In terms of miles per kWh, the ZDX Type S is slightly less efficient than some of its rivals, which is expected given its performance focus and heavy weight (over 5,700 lbs). While official MPGe ratings haven’t been released yet, early estimates suggest it will land in the mid-80 MPGe range, which is slightly behind more efficiency-focused competitors like the Genesis Electrified GV70 or Tesla Model Y Performance.
However, Acura has tuned the ZDX Type S to offer a balance between efficiency and driving engagement. Features like adjustable regenerative braking, aerodynamic design, and intelligent energy management help maximize range without sacrificing performance.
Verdict: Is It a Great Acura?
The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S marks a bold step into the electric future for Acura, blending high-performance EV capabilities with luxury and technology. As Acura’s first all-electric SUV—and the first Type S to go fully electric—it has a lot to prove, both as an EV and as an Acura.
What It Does Well
The ZDX Type S succeeds in several key areas. It delivers strong acceleration, a premium and tech-forward interior, and fast-charging capabilities that make it competitive in the luxury EV space. Acura fans will appreciate the Type S-specific performance upgrades, such as the adaptive air suspension, Brembo brakes, and sportier design elements, which give it a more aggressive and athletic feel than the standard ZDX.
Additionally, the Google Built-In infotainment system and high-quality materials bring the ZDX up to par with premium rivals like the BMW iX, Genesis Electrified GV70, and Tesla Model X. Acura’s Tesla Supercharger partnership is also a huge win, ensuring that ZDX owners will have access to one of the most reliable fast-charging networks in the industry.
Where It Falls Short
However, the ZDX Type S isn’t a perfect Acura—at least not in the traditional sense. While it offers strong straight-line performance, its handling dynamics don’t quite match Acura’s past SH-AWD performance vehicles. The heavier weight, lack of torque-vectoring SH-AWD, and more comfort-focused chassis tuning make it feel more like a high-performance luxury SUV rather than a sharp, driver-focused machine.
Additionally, while the 288-mile range is respectable, it doesn’t lead the segment, and the ZDX is slightly less efficient than some competitors. Acura purists may also notice that some interior switchgear and controls are shared with General Motors’ Ultium-based EVs, which might take away from the unique Acura identity.
So, Is It a Great Acura?
That depends on how you define a “great Acura.” If the goal is to create a luxurious, high-performance EV SUV with strong acceleration, fast charging, and cutting-edge technology, then the ZDX Type S is a success. It’s a comfortable, stylish, and powerful SUV that makes Acura relevant in the premium EV space, offering a compelling alternative to BMW, Mercedes, and Tesla.
However, if you’re expecting the razor-sharp handling, lightweight feel, and torque-vectoring magic of previous Acura Type S models, the ZDX Type S might not fully deliver on that legacy. It’s fast, but it doesn’t feel as playful or precise as past Acura performance vehicles. Instead, it leans more toward refined performance rather than aggressive, enthusiast-focused driving dynamics.
Final Verdict
The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S is a great EV, a great luxury SUV, and a strong first step for Acura’s electric future. However, whether it’s a great Acura in the traditional sense depends on your expectations. If you’re looking for an electric SUV with premium features, strong acceleration, and daily-driving comfort, the ZDX Type S is a fantastic option. But for those who crave the sharp, track-ready feel of past Type S models, it may not quite hit the mark.
That said, this is only Acura’s first attempt at an all-electric performance SUV—and if the ZDX Type S is a sign of things to come, Acura’s EV future looks promising.
Revolutionizing the Automotive Industry: Trends and Innovations
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