Whether you choose to consider it a 5-door sports coupe of sorts or the latest iteration of the crossover, Acura’s ZDX is an interesting blend of attributes that fail to establish a defining purpose, and perhaps it’s this multiplicity of missions that makes it engaging.
Shock and awe Acura style
Acura doesn’t shy away from drama when it comes to vehicle design, and the ZDX is now the showpiece of that confidence. There’s little doubt that the striking lines and sleek, muscular styling of this unique ride will either thrill or chill its audience.
For the most part, I sit with those thrilled by what Acura has found the creative courage to pull off. Yes, it has its shortcomings but overall the ZDX is a sculpted warhead.
Despite the polarizing exterior effects, few will likely find fault with the cabin execution provided that rear seat headroom isn’t a criterion to be measured. Anyone of greater than average height will depart the rear seat with hair by Acura.
Those riding in the fore cabin will be immersed in one of the more appealing, well-built automotive interiors in the sub-exotic market. Acura has even lined the lower dash with stitched leather to match the vehicle’s upholstery—a classy touch within the otherwise glitzy confines.
Glitz aside, the ZDX is built on Acura’s much lauded MDX platform, and that results in high doorsills and a “higher than typical” sedan ride height.
MDX roots
The ZDX is an upscale, performance-oriented vehicle that seats five occupants. Its MDX genetics bring much that’s praiseworthy, such as an outstanding engine and Acura’s sophisticated Super Handling all-wheel-drive (SH-AWD) technology.
Also among the list of MDX-derived assets is Acura’s new 6-speed automatic transmission.
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| For the most part, I sit with those thrilled by what Acura has found the creative courage to pull off. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Shock and awe Acura style
Acura doesn’t shy away from drama when it comes to vehicle design, and the ZDX is now the showpiece of that confidence. There’s little doubt that the striking lines and sleek, muscular styling of this unique ride will either thrill or chill its audience.
For the most part, I sit with those thrilled by what Acura has found the creative courage to pull off. Yes, it has its shortcomings but overall the ZDX is a sculpted warhead.
Despite the polarizing exterior effects, few will likely find fault with the cabin execution provided that rear seat headroom isn’t a criterion to be measured. Anyone of greater than average height will depart the rear seat with hair by Acura.
Those riding in the fore cabin will be immersed in one of the more appealing, well-built automotive interiors in the sub-exotic market. Acura has even lined the lower dash with stitched leather to match the vehicle’s upholstery—a classy touch within the otherwise glitzy confines.
Glitz aside, the ZDX is built on Acura’s much lauded MDX platform, and that results in high doorsills and a “higher than typical” sedan ride height.
MDX roots
The ZDX is an upscale, performance-oriented vehicle that seats five occupants. Its MDX genetics bring much that’s praiseworthy, such as an outstanding engine and Acura’s sophisticated Super Handling all-wheel-drive (SH-AWD) technology.
Also among the list of MDX-derived assets is Acura’s new 6-speed automatic transmission.
 |
| Those riding in the fore cabin will be immersed in one of the more appealing, well-built automotive interiors in the sub-exotic market. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |