The history of the ZDX began back in 2009 when Acura->ke10 wanted to unveil a model that would take on the BMW X6. Unfortunately for Acura, the ZDX->ke3416 was far from the successful model they were hoping for and so they company announced that the 2013 model year would be the final year for the ZDX.

In hopes of bringing in a few more sales than they are accustomed to, Acura has gone all out to modify the ZDX with a redesigned front grille, new front and rear parking sensors, power folding side mirrors, and new safety features. These features will join the only engine ever to be offered on the ZDX: an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V-6 engine that develops 300 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 2013 ZDX goes on sale on October 19, 2012, with prices starting at $50,920.

Hit the jump to read more about the Acura ZDX.

2010 - 2013 Acura ZDX

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2010 - 2013 Acura ZDX
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 300 @ 6300
  • Torque: 270 @ 4500
  • Transmission: Six-Speed Automatic w/ Sequential Shift Paddle
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The ZDX's main purpose was to attract buyers that would normally head into BMW's dealership to purchase the X6. Acura was somewhat successful in preparing a good-looking crossover with a distinctive, modern personal "sports coupe" design. It's a dynamic SUV equipped with Acura's distinctive grille shape, sharply flared front fenders, dramatically rising character lines sloping rearward along the sides, and an artfully sloping rear deck. The panoramic roof also has a distinct "pulled" look, similar to the look of a slingshot just before release.

For the 2013 model year, the ZDX was updated with a redesigned front grille, front and rear bumpers with integrated parking sensors, power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors, and a dark accent on the wheels for a sportier finish.

Interior

For the interior, Acura chose to combine premium materials with a new standard of attention-to-detail and hand-craftsmanship. Leather is not only used for the front and rear seats, but also for the instrument panel, center console, and door panels. The cockpit was designed with the driver in mind: the wrap-around instrument panel design puts important systems and controls within easy reach of the driver.

A leather wrapped, power-adjustable tilt/telescope steering wheel contains the most commonly used controls, allowing the driver to keep their hands on the wheel a larger percentage of time. Next to the steering wheel, there is a pair of LED illuminated, racing-inspired paddle shifters that allow the driver to upshift/downshift the Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission.

Interior at a Glance

-Rich and engaging cockpit designed for performance driving features high-quality surface finishes and materials

-Panoramic glass roof with tilt, auto-open and key-off operation

-Premium leather seating surfaces

-Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with illuminated fingertip controls

-and racing-inspired paddle shifters

-LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination

-High-resolution Multi-Information Display (allows access to multiple electronic functions and customizable feature settings)

-Rear view camera (displayed within the rearview mirror)

-10-way adjustable power-activated driver seat

-8-way adjustable power-activated front passenger seat

-Heated front seats

-Dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system

-Automatic humidity control system

-Power tilt and telescoping steering column

-Electronic cruise control

-8-speaker audio system with 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM radio, XM® Radio and Bluetooth® Audio

-USB port connectivity (for iPod®, iPhone®, or removable USB mass storage devices)

-Auxiliary jack interface (for portable MP3 music players)

-Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface

-2-position memory function (for seating position, mirror adjustments, radio presets, climate control settings, MID presets, and more)

-LED interior illumination and map lights

Technology Package

-Keyless Access System (with Smart Entry and pushbutton ignition)

-Perforated full-grain Milano leather seating surfaces

-Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition

-8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display with LED backlighting

-Multi-view rear camera (displayed on the full VGA color display)

-AcuraLink Satellite Communication System

-AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting

-AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar image maps

-Interface Dial (provides quick, intuitive access to navigation, audio and other features)

-Acura/ELS Surround 10-speaker premium audio system with DVD-Audio, DTS, CD, AM/FM radio, XM Radio, Bluetooth Audio, 15 gigabytes of hard disk drive (HDD) media storage space, Song By Voice(SBV), Dolby Pro Logic II and a 435-watt Digital Signal Processing (DSP) amplifier

Advance Package Adds:

-Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

-Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS)

-Integrated Dynamic System (IDS)

-Active Damper System (ADS)

-Blind spot information system (BSI)

-Ventilated front seats

-Premium brushed tricot headliner material

-Sport steering wheel

-LED ambient door handle illumination

Engine

During its four years of existence, the ZDX was powered by a 3.7 liter V6 engine that delivers a total of 300 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque. The engine is coupled to a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission along with a special multi-clutch lock-up torque converter. The SUV is also equipped with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), Acura's advanced drivetrain system that delivers quick, precise all-wheel-drive response.

Engine at a Glance

-3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine

-300 hp at 6,300 rpm and 270 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm

-11.2:1 compression ratio

-Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC)

-Dual-stage induction system with lightweight magnesium intake manifold

-Integrated exhaust manifolds cast directly into the cylinder heads

-High-flow, sport-tuned dual exhaust system with dual stainless-steel outlets

-Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

-Direct ignition system

-Detonation/knock control system

-High-capacity 32-bit RISC Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

-Maintenance Minder system

-100,000+/- mile tune-up intervals

Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission

-Six forward gear ratios for improved acceleration and fuel economy

-Sequential SportShift feature allows semi-manual transmission operation

-Intuitive straight-gate style console-mounted transmission shifter

-Racing-inspired, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters

-Paddle shifters that function in both Drive and Sport modes

-Coordination between Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system and transmission for quick, smooth shifts

-Advanced Shift Hold Control minimizes unwanted shifting during spirited driving

-Grade Logic Control system reduces gear "hunting" when climbing hills

-Cornering G Shift Control reduces unwanted shifting when cornering

-Hill Start Assist

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)

-Fully automatic, full-time traction and handling system

-Distributes torque between front and rear axles

-Distributes torque between left and right rear wheels

-Provides torque-vectoring to control the yaw moment of the vehicle

-Capable of "overdriving" rear wheels to enhance handling

-Increases overall cornering power deliver in dry or inclement weather

Prices

The 2013 ZDX will go on sale on October 19, 2012, with a price starting at $50,920.

Accessories

All-Season Floor Mats

$161

First Aid Kit

$31

Cargo Tray

$146

Cargo Liner

$242

Cargo Net

$56

Tri-Fold Cargo Cover

$352

Cargo Container

$101

Wood-Grain & Leather Select Knob

$151

Wood-Grain Steering Wheel

$563

Wood-Grain Finish Interior Trim

$301

Deck Lid Spoiler

$530

Rear Splash Guards

$116

Back-Up Sensors

$585

Sport Running Boards with LEDs

$830

Body Side Molding

$252

Rear Bumper Appliqué

$69

Door Edge Film

$50

Wheel Locks

$85

19" EPZ-AR5 Alloy Wheels

$2,240

20" AHX-S6 Alloy Wheels

$2,540

Trailer Hitch Ball

$15

Trailer Hitch

$503

Remote Engine Starter System

$528

Engine Block Heater

$80

Towing Package

$503

Protection Package

$346

All-Season Protection Package

$391


Competition

The Acura ZDX was developed with one particular competitor in mind: the BMW X6->ke2396. However, models like the Infiniti FX can easily be included on the same list. From the X6 line-up, Acura had one particular version in mind: the X6 xDrive35i. This model is powered by a 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers a total of 300 HP. While the X6 is far more successful than the ZXD it has the disadvantage of being a bit more expensive: $57,000.

The Infiniti FX is powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine with 303 HP and 262 lb-ft of torque and is priced at an even more reasonable $41,600.