When it comes to performance, the Acura ZDX does not disappoint. It may not be the fastest crossover on the road, but it certainly has enough pep in its step to keep most performance-minded buyers more than satisfied. ZDX is motivated by a 3.7-liter V6 paired to a six-speed automatic. Although this is the only transmission available, it does have manual shift control. It delivers 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, and can reach 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Its biggest flaw comes with fuel economy, as it returns only 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, which is nothing to get excited about. Also, it can only tow 1,500 pounds, which is certainly not an impressive number for a V6 either. Acura ZDX does handle itself well on the road. It feels more like a sports car than a crossover, offering great stability around corners and bends in the road. Plus, the turning circle is 38.5 feet, so parking it in tighter spaces will not be as challenging as you might expect.
• Audio - The available sound system in ZDX will blow your mind. Elliot Scheiner helped design the 10-speakr system by Dolby® Pro Logic®II. It features a CD player, auxiliary input jack, XM radio, USB interface, and a 15 GB music hard drive to hold 3,600 songs.
• Navigation - Get to wherever you need to go with the Acura Navigation System. It includes an 8-inch screen, Zagat® reviews and Acura Link Real-time Traffic and Weather.
• GPS-linked Temperature Control - Here is a unique feature that you won’t find elsewhere. Driver and passenger can create unique climate systems. When sunlight warms one side, heating or cooling is adjusted. This way both passengers enjoy their perfect temperature consistently.
Acura ZDX may look sporty, and like it would have a nonchalant attitude when it comes to safety, but looks can be very deceiving. This is a crossover that received top safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for roof, front and side-impact protection. That being said, braking is less than desirable, taking 130 feet to stop from 60 mph. Safety features include:
• Lane departure warning
• Forward-collision warning
• Stability control
• Self-leveling headlights
• Emergency braking preparation
• Pre-collision safety system
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Rear folding headrests
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Remote anti-theft alarm
• Child seat anchors
• Emergency braking assist
• Engine immobilizer
• Rear door safety locks
The highlight of this crossover is its exterior styling. Subtle updates can be seen on 2013 models and to say it is gorgeous would be an understatement. With an extremely sloped roof, aerodynamic styling and elegant touches, this is a vehicle that turns heads for all the right reasons. The trapezoidal headlamps and striking wheels are icing on the cake. Of course, what makes the ZDX so desirable is that it looks like an SUV and a sporty hatchback all in one.
Acura is well-known for offering cabins that often set the bar high for others to compete with; ZDX is no exception. From quality materials to soft surfaces to a creative design, this is a passenger cabin you will want to spend a little time in. The cockpit-shaped areas give the front seats a well-defined design, and the center stack offers a nice layout. Now for the downside; there are a ton of blind spots. Plus, that raked roof line may look stylish on the outside, but it sure does not do headroom any favors inside.
If you are shopping for a crossover that will give you a ton of cargo space, you will need to look elsewhere. The 2013 Acura ZDX gives you a measly 26 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and only 56 cubes total.