SlashGear gets behind the wheel of the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S, and while it shines in terms of performance, it’s missing that Acura feel we love.
Does badge matter? Acura is pulling out all the stops to position the 2024 ZDX Type S as not just its first all-electric model, but a worthy bearer of the Type S nameplate in the process. Those in the EV know, however, understand that roadmap pressures saw Honda hook up with General Motors to use its Ultium platform for both the ZDX and the 2024 Prologue. Platform sharing is nothing new, but how much of your rival can you have in the mix, before your new SUV feels more like a cuckoo in the nest?
Looking at the ZDX, you get the impression Acura really wished it was making a sedan, not an SUV. The two-tone bodywork, with its long, flat shoulder and chrome faux-roofline detail, seems determined to trick the eye into seeing a lower vehicle. I’m still not convinced by that lower sill trim, either, which remains matte silver regardless of body color. Throw in a lot of creases, swoops, divots, and detailing, and you have a pretty busy result.
The 22-inch wheels standard on the Type S are handsome — the cheaper A-Spec gets 20-inch rims, still a decent size all things considered — and it’s practical. Behind the standard powered tailgate there’s 28.7-29.7 cu-ft of trunk space, trim depending, expanding to up to 63 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down.Plenty of power, decent range
2024 ZDX ownership kicks off at $64,500 (plus $1,350 destination) for the A-Spec RWD with a single electric motor driving the rear wheels; it has 358 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque, and as expected it offers the longest range, at 313 miles. The AWD version adds a second motor, costs from $68,500 (plus destination) for its 490 hp and 437 lb-ft, and sees range dip to 304 miles.
Acura offers two versions of the 2024 ZDX Type S: regular, from $73,500, and with the Performance Wheel & Tire package that swaps the all-seasons to summer rubber, from $74,500 (both before destination). Each has 499 horsepower and 544 lb-ft of torque from dual motors as standard, but range dips to 278 miles.
A 102 kWh battery is standard, with up to 190 kW DC fast charging support. That, Acura says, means between 72 and 81 miles of range added after 10 minutes plugged in; wait 42 minutes, and the ZDX could go from 20-80%. Not bad — it’s the same as the Blazer EV, unsurprisingly — but definitely short of the 210-235 kW rate a Kia EV9 can manage.Speedy in a straight line
The Kia can’t match this ZDX Type S for pace, however (the most potent EV9 currently available tops out at 379 horsepower). Acura quotes a conservative “under 5 seconds” for the EV’s 0-60 mph time; in practice, it’s definitely faster.
Like all ZDX models, the Type S has multi-link front and rear suspension.
