2010 Acura ZDX - Review

By Nelson Ireson

Nelson Ireson

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Nelson is an Editor at High Gear Media focusing on reviewing cars and covering the hottest topics in luxury and performance cars, car culture, and... More

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2010 Acura ZDX Official Production Reveal

High Gear Media's editors don't like the advanced Integrated Dynamics System for the suspension, however, preferring instead the single-setting system in the base vehicle. When the Comfort mode of the IDS is selected, it's often too floaty and disconnected even for mundane city driving, while in Sport even flowing two-lane black top can feel like a washboard. The base's compromise setting nabs the best of both worlds.

Going back to the issue of passenger and cargo space, there were some obvious compromises made to give the ZDX its aggressive profile. Rear-seat passengers are short on head room, and also on leg room, and the seats themselves are hard to access due to being recessed somewhat behind the door openings. Cramped conditions in back mean front-seat passengers will have to sacrifice their otherwise adequate space, crowding the cabin further.

This is an obvious symptom of a car designed to be used primarily as a two-seater, but capable of occasional rear-seat duty. And at that level, the ZDX succeeds. Just don't expect it to be a grand tourer for four like the BMW X6 or 5-Series GT. At some point, given the compromised weight, passenger space and cargo room, you have to ask yourself if you wouldn't be better off with a true two seater for the weekends and an SUV or crossover for the week.

As for features, the ZDX shows its Acura colors by offering an excellent range of standard equipment, including 19-inch alloy wheels, USB MP3 and iPod connectivity, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, a panoramic glass roof, and a power rear liftgate. Like most other Acuras, a Technology Package is also available, adding navigation, voice recognition, a DVD Audio system, reverse camera, keyless entry and real-time traffic and weather info. Opting for the Advance Package adds the irritating IDS suspension system, ventilated seats, and a sport steering wheel.

Finally, there's safety to think about. Since a lot of the reason behind moving away from a small, lithe two-seat sports car and into the realm of crossovers is perceived safety, it's a fair consideration for any ZDX shopper. The 2010 ZDX meets its goals in terms of features, though neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have yet published test data for the car. Still, with a flotilla of airbags, antilock brakes, stability control and all-wheel drive standard, the ZDX has a head start on the game. An optional 180-degree multi-view camera lets you see all the way around the rear of the vehicle, a real help when reversing in potentially chaotic environments. Optional blind spot alert, collision mitigating brake system and adaptive cruise control further boost on-road safety.

Overall, the 2010 Acura ZDX is a bit off-putting to some, and requires a willingness to compromise for others, but provides a quality, high-tech package that blends SUV and coupe bodystyles.