The Acura ZDX made a surprising return to the market for the 2024 model year, but instead of being a weird-looking crossover, it’s a sleek all-electric SUV. While the second generation of the ZDX features modern technology and a clean-sheet design, the original 2010-2013 ZDX still retains a distinct charm in the used market.
The first-generation Acura ZDX was based on the MDX platform at the time, but instead of offering three rows of space like its stablemate, it only had two. Additionally, its dramatic design made its rear-seat headroom feel pretty cramped, and the sloping roofline cut into the cargo area, but sometimes, you have to make sacrifices for the sake of automotive art. The creativity expanded to the interior of the car as well. Inside, the ZDX was decked out with premium materials, like hand-stitched leather, and included a unique “Monolith” center stack that faded to black when turned off.
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No, it wasn’t as cool as what you can find in the current ZDX’s cabin, but it was innovative during that time period. Aesthetics aside, the ZDX was powerful with a 3.7-liter V6 under its hood that sent 300 horsepower to all four wheels via the brand’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system. All things considered, the original ZDX could be a better option over the new one if you’re looking for a luxury SUV that won’t break a tight budget and still runs on good ‘ol gasoline. If you need more convincing, here are five more reasons.
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Reason #1: The first-generation ZDX was one of the most unique Acuras ever made
Although the new ZDX shares GM’s Ultium EV platform and plays it somewhat safe from a design standpoint, the original ZDX was anything but conventional. It was designed by Michelle Christensen, Acura’s first female exterior designer, and it looks like a spaceship that was combined with a coupe and an SUV. Yes, its looks were polarizing (and still are), but it’s hard to deny that the sloping roofline, hidden rear door handles, and aggressive stance made it undeniably original. In a world where most SUVs and crossovers now look the same, the first-gen ZDX still stands out.
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Reason #2: V6 power and SH-AWD make for an engaging driving experience
As stated, the original Acura ZDX came standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine, which could be found in the TL and MDX from the same era. The potent engine was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which was connected to Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (SH-AWD). Although it may not be a sports car, the ZDX offered a lot of driving engagement, which is something that is sorely missed in today’s EVs.
The ZDX has tactile feedback, a throaty exhaust note, paddle shifters, and the mechanical confidence of a well-engineered AWD system. On the other hand, the new ZDX, being an EV, delivers its power effortlessly, but it lacks the visceral feel that driving enthusiasts crave.
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Reason #3: Luxury on a budget
When the original Acura ZDX launched, it cost over $50,000 new and came loaded. Today, clean examples can be found nationwide for under $20,000. For that kind of money, you’ll be getting real leather, a panoramic glass roof, adaptive suspension, and a tech-laden interior that still feels upscale by today’s standards. Meanwhile, the new second-gen ZDX will easily run north of $60,000 before the option boxes are ticked. That said, if you want a luxury SUV and don’t need the latest screen-to-steering-wheel interface, the value proposition is heavily in favor of the original version.
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Reason #4: The first-gen ZDX is rare in a good way
Acura only sold around 7,000 first-gen ZDXs in the U.S. over its entire production run. Compare that to the flood of new EVs today, and you can see how SUVs like this are quite the commodity. Owning a first-generation ZDX means driving something that is not just uncommon, but it’s also a good conversation piece. It’s also a cult classic, while the new one is still trying to find its identity in a small sea of EVs.
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Reason #5: No range anxiety or charging issues
Although buying an old Acura ZDX means you’ll have to pump gas into it and deal with some maintenance during the time you own it, it also means that you won’t have any range anxiety. Even with today’s charging infrastructure, there aren’t that many charging stations in some cities, which could leave some EV owners anxious when the juice starts to run low. The original ZDX won’t require you to download an app to find fuel or spend hours to recharge in the wild. Instead, it can get up to 23 mpg on the highway, which should take you pretty far between fill-ups.
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Final thoughts
While there is nothing wrong with the new Acura ZDX, buying a first-generation model has its advantages. Sure, it may be over a decade old, but it is possible to find a clean example on the used market. It’s definitely worth considering if you need a stout SUV with a good amount of room and utility, not to mention a driving experience that isn’t sanitized by software and complex electronics. Although the first-gen ZDX might be one of the most misunderstood and underappreciated SUVs, it’s also very rewarding in its own way.
