Heck, even the cargo hold has three hidden compartments and is lined with plush carpeting. For high-class, in-cabin volumetric efficiency, the ZDX is tough to beat-- unless you’re sitting in the back.
Watch your head...
Between the surprisingly lavish cargo area and techy, upscale drivers quarters is the rear seat. Sort of.
Interior and exterior designers probably argued heatedly over the shape of the ZDX’s rearward-sloping roofline-- debating back and forth between a dramatic, striking look and easy entry and headroom. Exterior designers won the battle, as the coupe-like roofline directly translates into a difficult-to-board rear seat with very limited space for craniums.
Even for those of average height, getting in the back of the ZDX means twisting to avoid simultaneously contacting the roof and door-jam with head and bum, respectively. The tall floor and low roof prevented occupants from feeling truly relaxed and stretching out, though most said the seats themselves were comfortable once settled into. Coupe-like indeed.
A competent luxury ride
On the highway, the ZDX’s sporty intentions are obvious on rougher surfaces, though the ride quality and noise levels lean more towards the comfortable side of the equation when the going is smooth.
Steering is moderately quick and mainly well-matched to the ZDX’s taut suspension, though the body can occasionally feel startled by steering inputs at higher speeds. In all though, ZDX benefits from its wide track and sharp handling more than it looks like it should.
VTEC Power, Paddle-Shift
The entire experience is powered up by a 3.7 litre VTEC V6 engine that belts out 300 horsepower in typical Honda fashion: mainly at higher revs and accompanied by a peaky, high-RPM snarl and matching thrust. The engine is silky smooth, and it’s got a nice, snorty intake note at full throttle, too. Use the power frequently, and mileage will land around 13L / 100km-- though that figure settles considerably lower than this during steady-speed highway driving.
 |
| The coupe-like roofline directly translates into a difficult-to-board rear seat with very limited space for craniums. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Watch your head...
Between the surprisingly lavish cargo area and techy, upscale drivers quarters is the rear seat. Sort of.
Interior and exterior designers probably argued heatedly over the shape of the ZDX’s rearward-sloping roofline-- debating back and forth between a dramatic, striking look and easy entry and headroom. Exterior designers won the battle, as the coupe-like roofline directly translates into a difficult-to-board rear seat with very limited space for craniums.
Even for those of average height, getting in the back of the ZDX means twisting to avoid simultaneously contacting the roof and door-jam with head and bum, respectively. The tall floor and low roof prevented occupants from feeling truly relaxed and stretching out, though most said the seats themselves were comfortable once settled into. Coupe-like indeed.
A competent luxury ride
On the highway, the ZDX’s sporty intentions are obvious on rougher surfaces, though the ride quality and noise levels lean more towards the comfortable side of the equation when the going is smooth.
Steering is moderately quick and mainly well-matched to the ZDX’s taut suspension, though the body can occasionally feel startled by steering inputs at higher speeds. In all though, ZDX benefits from its wide track and sharp handling more than it looks like it should.
VTEC Power, Paddle-Shift
The entire experience is powered up by a 3.7 litre VTEC V6 engine that belts out 300 horsepower in typical Honda fashion: mainly at higher revs and accompanied by a peaky, high-RPM snarl and matching thrust. The engine is silky smooth, and it’s got a nice, snorty intake note at full throttle, too. Use the power frequently, and mileage will land around 13L / 100km-- though that figure settles considerably lower than this during steady-speed highway driving.
 |
| The Acura ZDX is far from your typical five-door, five-seat family crossover. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |