ALT-1 2010 Acura Zdx
Turn of the 20th Century artist James McNeill Whistler once said that, “all true artists, whether they know it or not, work from a place of inner stillness.” This sentiment is always at the forefront of my mind when I gaze up the 2010 Acura ZDX (penned by 28-year old car designer/obvious artist Michelle Christenson) because for some reason I am always overwhelmed by a sense of “inner stillness.” This vehicle is not only a piece of automotive sculptural art to me but it is also a piece of visual salvation and inspiration.
To say I am a fan of the ZDX’s bodywork is a true understatement. I would say it is a revolution in car design. The 2010 Acura ZDX is like a statement of intent to take the automotive design rule book and tear it into a million pieces. If I could shake the hand of every Acura engineer and designer who worked on this car I would. It deserves a million kudos. And I am not talking about the chocolate bars.
While some may say the Acura ZDX competes with the Easter egg on wheels known as the BMW X6, I would counter by saying that the ZDX has no forebear. There is not a line or angle of this design wonder that is retro or in any way “inspired by” anything that has come before. It is an utterly unique creation. And if you are cross shopping a ZDX with the X6 just keep this in mind—the Acura starts at only $45,495 making it easily $20,000 cheaper than the frankly pedestrian looking X6.
The Interior
While you may think the Acura ZDX has a gorgeously rendered show car exterior you will no doubt also be blown away by the work Acura did on the interior. The Milano leather in my Technology Package equipped tester was sumptuous and colored like the tastiest San Francisco caramel. Leather even comes up the center console and shoots across the dashboard in a stylistic wave that demonstrates the true artistry that Acura has achieved in their levels of vehicular build quality.
When the car is turned off none of the dashboard buttons or switches have labels giving the dash a very unique, monochromatic air. Then when you hit the red dashboard start button they all spring to life in a highly organized and easy to figure out fashion. The 2010 Acura ZDX is pure drama from stem to stern.
Surprisingly, the Acura ZDX also boasts an incredible amount of utility with a rear bench that could even accommodate my 6 foot 3 big brother in total comfort. The rear headliner is scooped out somewhat giving the two outer passengers more headroom than the center passenger. I did, however, take four other people out to a fancy birthday dinner in total comfort. Rear seat legroom is ample even for the tall and gangly.
The rear cargo area accommodates 26.3 cubic feet of cargo but also features a hidden cargo compartment under the floor for valuables and boasts two removable side lockers to accommodate a couple of sets of golf clubs. With the rear seats folded the cargo area is truly accommodating at 55.8 cubic feet. Honestly, this is the perfect downsizing SUV for parents whose kids have just gone off to college. And do you really want any more cargo space than the ZDX offers if you just finally got the kids off to school? It’s not like you want to encourage them to move back into the house!
Features and Toys
My Ionized Bronze Metallic test ZDX (which looks Burgundy at night and like a shiny copper penny in direct sunlight) came equipped with the essential Technology package and stickers at an entirely reasonable $49,995. For that price you get Acura’s class leading navigation system, Milano leather all over the interior, Acura’s peerless Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), an Acura ELS audio system with Song by Voice Technology, an 8 inch VGA screen with backup camera, power rear hatch, iPod integration, GPS-linked automatic temperature control, Acura Real Time Traffic and Weather, push button start and much more. You also get more options in regard to exterior and interior color when you upgrade to the Technology package.
If you are the type who needs your toys to be state of the art you can always upgrade even further to the Advance Package which stickers at $56,045. This model adds a collision mitigation braking system, blind spot warning system (although this car has no real blind spots), adaptive cruise control, heated and cooled front seats, adaptive cruise control, ambient interior door handle lighting, premium brushed tri-cot headliner material (whatever that is), and the hugely impressive Integrated Dynamics system which can firm the suspension to cut out cornering body roll in milliseconds.
What Do People Think of It?
Without fail everyone who I introduced to the ZDX was blown away by the styling. Comments ranged from “gorgeous” to “so very pretty” to “I’ve never seen a car that looks like that before.” No matter what people think they will feel compelled to share their opinion of your new ZDX with you. It doesn’t matter if you are valeting the ZDX at a fancy restaurant or loading the cargo area at the grocery store. The 2010 Acura ZDX is a bona fide head turner.
I took my High School friend Eileen (a pediatric kidney care doctor at UCLA medical center) out for dinner with three of her friends for her birthday in the ZDX and it was definitely a big hit with the group. Not only did they love the crystal clear sound quality from the Acura/ELS audio system but they also loved the stylish interior and exterior design. These thirty-something ladies are doctors, journalists and advertising executives and wear nothing but the most fashionable designer clothes so their thumbs up should be taken by Acura as a very good sign.
What is the ZDX Like to Drive?
Powered by a 300 horsepower 3.7 liter V6, the 2010 Acura ZDX is never left wanting for power thanks to the telepathic and near lightning fast shifting abilities of the standard six-speed automatic. The ZDX always has plenty of power for any passing situation and the engine gives off a throaty growl when you really push it. Otherwise, at cruising speeds the ZDX is remarkably free of wind, tire and engine noise. In essence it is Lexus-like when you want it to be quiet and not Lexus-like when you want it to be sporty.
Even with the big wheels and tires on my tester the ZDX absorbed even the worst potholes in LA’s decaying city streets. The steering offers plenty of feel and the SH-AWD system gives the ZDX truly awesome levels of grip. This is one SUV that is absolutely as fun to drive as even the Acura TL SH-AWD luxury sedan. And that is the greatest complement I can think of for a vehicle that not only furthers the art of car building but the nature of art itself.
2010 Acura ZDX
Base Price: $45,495
Price as Tested: $49,995
Options: Technology Package
Engine: 3.7 liter 300 Horsepower V6
Economy: 16 city/23 highway
0-60: 6.5 seconds
