2010 Acura ZDX Review

2010 Acura ZDX - Combo carrier.

By: Dan Jedlicka

Automakers often strive to make some vehicles all things to all people. But they rarely pull that off because they run into walls when trying to design one that is fast, sporty and yet practical for five adults and cargo.

It's thus a notable accomplishment that Acura has deftly designed its new 2010 ZDX to be a combination sports coupe/sedan/SUV and crossover vehicle. It was presented in late September at a media "drive" introduction in the tony Tribeca area of New York City.

The ZDX has a sexy letter combination ("Z" can be associated with "Sporty" and "X" can stand for "Experimental"). Acura says the letters "mean nothing in particular." The ZDX goes on sale in December.

Prices haven't been set, but Acura said buyers can figure on approximately"$41,000 to $47,000." It currently plans to build only 6,000 annually in the United States, thus making it rather exclusive.

To hold costs down, the ZDX is mechanically based on Acura's highly rated MDX midsize SUV. The ZDX shares the same strong, sophisticated 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V-6, 108.3-inch wheelbase, similar suspension and a new six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature, which will be in the 2010 MDX.

However, styling of the ZDX four-door hatchback is significantly different from other Acuras. It's slicker and more muscular looking, with flowing lines, sensuous curves and a swooping roofline. The roof has a full-length, full-width panorama glass area with a sliding sunroof over the front. Rear wheel bulges, which house big 19-inch tires, give a broad-shoulder look. (Optional are 20-inch wheels.)

The ZDX is longer, lower and wider with a significantly wider track than its main rivals. It's positioned between the MDX and Acura's RL luxury sedan and is the first vehicle to be styled from start to finish in the new Acura Design Studio in Torrance, Calif.

Concealed rear door handles help give the ZDX a definite coupe look. Acura says it's built for "active and adventurous individuals" who want a sporty coupe appearance without giving up four-door practicality.

The ZDX's high ground clearance and advanced Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system should make it easy to tackle nasty roads. The SH-AWD system initially varies torque distribution between front and rear axles, and then between left and right rear wheels to maximize available traction, operating automatically and seamlessly.

"What's that thing? A sports car?" a bystander asked at a brief stop during a test drive of the ZDX on country roads north of New York City.

Acura's Michelle Christensen, who penned the ZDX exterior design three years ago when 25 years old, beamed when I repeated that remark Chief engineer Gary Evert and the rest of the ZDX engineering and design crew also would have appreciated the comment--it shows the new Acura is drawing the sort of attention they set out to get for the vehicle.

However, racy designs demand compromises, so a low roofline and narrow rear door openings of the ZDX require athletic moves. Also, getting in and out of the 62.8-inch-high vehicle calls for a slightly higher-than-normal step-in/step-out than with a car. And thick rear roof pillars call for liberal use of the good-sized rearview mirrors and available backup camera.

The rear seat area initially looks tight from the outside. But, surprise! It has good room for three tall adults. The center of the back seat isn't stiff or hard, as it is in many vehicles, making it comfortable for three if the rear center armrest with pop-out cupholders isn't being used.

There's good room up front in supportive seats. And the luxurious driver-oriented cockpit is loaded with comfort, convenience and safety features. The ZDX has Acura's first hand-stitched leather dashboard, door panels and sculpted center console.

The new Acura is offered with an optional Technology and Advance Packages. The Technology Package has such items as a push-button engine start/stop, navigation system with voice recognition and new multi-view rear camera. The Advance Package contains all items in the Technology Package-- besides items including adaptive cruise control to prevent rear-end collisions, a blind spot information system, front ventilated seats and an Integrated Dynamics System that controls the Active Damper System and speed-sensitive steering.

A high beltline (where side body metal meets the lower windows) adds to the racy look and makes it seem as if visibility will be hampered once inside. But views to the front and sides are good.

The cargo opening is wide, but rather high. A power tailgate works well, but the cargo area also is high. Rear seatbacks flip forward for more cargo space and sit flat. But some cargo, such as four golf bags, calls for removing side panels in the cargo area. The panels can be stowed in a fairly wide, deep underfloor cargo bin.

The ZDX weighs a hefty 4,424 to 4,462 pounds, so it's no fuel miser. Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg in the city and 23 on highways, and premium fuel is called for.. A 21-gallon fuel tank provides a good highway driving range.

Despite its weight, the ZDX is quick, doing 0-60 mph in about 7 seconds. The engine has good low- and mid-range torque for typical U.S. driving. Towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.

Steering is responsive. And the ride is supple, especially with a firm/softer setting offered in the Advance Package. Brakes of several ZDXs I drove at the preview felt somewhat touchy--but were strong. Although nose-heavy, with a 57.7/42.3 weight distribution, the ZDX delivers good handling, thanks to a sport-tuned all-independent suspension, the SH-AWD and a stability control system.

The hood is held open with only one hydraulic strut (why not two in this rather costly vehicle if one fails?). But at least the hood doesn't need an old-fashioned prop rod. Most fluid filler areas are easily reached.

The ZDX enters the market at the right time because crossover vehicles of all types are becoming increasingly popular, and this one really stands out.

Visit DanJedlicka.com where veteran auto writer Dan Jedlicka reviews the latest cars and trucks in an easily understood but detailed manner. In addition, Dan's Web site also includes colorful classic and collectible car articles, a letters column and candid interviews with auto-field personalities.

Dan Jedlicka

Dan Jedlicka's Website

Dan Jedlicka joined the Chicago Sun-Times in February 1968 as a business news reporter and was named auto editor later that year. He has reviewed more than 4,000 new vehicles for the Sun-Times--far more than any newspaper auto writer in the country. Jedlicka also reviewed vehicles for Microsoft Corp.'s MSN Autos Internet site from January, 1996, to June, 2008.

Jedlicka remained auto editor at the Sun-Times until October, 2008, and continued writing for the newspaper's AutoTimes section, which he started in 1992, until February, 2009. While continuing his auto writings at the Sun-Times, he served as assistant financial editor of that newspaper from 1970 to 1973, when he began his automotive column.

He has appeared on numerous radio and television shows, including NBC's "Today," ABC's "20/20" and "The CBS Evening News." He was a host, consultant and writer for Fox-TV Channel 32's 1991 New Car Preview show and that Chicago-based station's 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 Chicago Auto Show Previews.

Jedlicka's auto articles have been printed in national magazines, including Esquire and Harper's. His auto columns have been reprinted in U.S. government publications and economic textbooks and he is profiled in the "World's Greatest Auto Show" history book about the Chicago Auto Show. In late 1975, Jedlicka was host and technical advisor for three one-hour television specials, "Auto Test 76," which aired nationally on PBS and were the first nationally televised auto road test shows.

In 1995, Jedlicka was the recipient of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois Inc.'s Consumer Education Award, given annually to a person who has gained distinction in the field of consumer education. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Media category and inducted into the Legends of Motorsports Guild at the Carquest World of wheels custom car show in Chicago in January, 2006.

Jedlicka was a member of the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury, composed of a select number of auto journalists from throughout the country, from 1995 until 2009. From 2010 to 2012, he was a member of Consumer Digest magazine's auto experts panel that gave Best Buy new vehicle recommendations.

He is a 1987 graduate of the Bob Bondurant Race Drivers School and later of the BMW "M" and Skip Barber Advanced Driving schools. He was a member of the U.S. team that participated in the 1987 1,000-mile Mille Miglia race/rally in Italy and has been a race winner at the Chicago area's Santa Fe Speedway.

Jedlicka has owned 25 classic cars, including 1950s and 1960s Ferraris and 1950s and 1960s Porsches, a 1965 Corvette, a 1967 Maserati and a 1957 Studebaker supercharged Golden Hawk. Jedlicka resides with his wife, Suzanne, in the Frank Lloyd Wright historic district of Oak Park. They have two children, James and Michele.

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2010 Acura ZDX Review

2010 Acura ZDX - Combo carrier.

Dan Jedlicka

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