Road Test: 2011 Acura ZDX

To classify the 2011 Acura ZDX as merely another SUV, crossover or luxury vehicle would be to sell this unquestionably unique automobile short. Much like the Sphinx in Egypt its design remains a mystery to both pundits and the public at large. Some people say it is utterly gorgeous, some are moved by its daring and still others run screaming in the other direction. But there's one thing you can't deny-this puppy gets a reaction wherever it goes.

Auto reviewers like to savage any new design that they don't understand or that doesn't fit with their preconceived notion of what a vehicle from a certain manufacturer should look like. When Acura unveiled the ZDX the comments from the proverbial peanut gallery were rife with cheap shots and the ever so easy "Acura has gone crazy" angle.

But then everyone complained about the last generation Chris Bangle BMW 5-series came out yet that sedan still looks fresh and daring even after that Bavarian automaker replaced it with a safer looking new model. So while not everyone might understand the new 2011 Acura ZDX, it is by its very nature a work of true art. How so?

Not all art is meant to be easily digested. In fact, the best art challenges that which is commonly understood and easily accepted. To my eyes and in the metal (especially in the Ionized Bronze metallic of my tester), the 2011 Acura ZDX is a gorgeous piece of sculptural artistry. This, however, is my view of this piece of art and might not be yours.

I love it when a new car challenges me visually and forces me to see the automotive form in a new way. Sure, a car like the Toyota Corolla sells in huge numbers but there is not one piece of inspiration, whimsy or beauty inherent to the exterior design of that car. The ZDX is an SUV for people who want to make a statement but also want occasional room for two back seat passengers or a couple of golf bags (yes they do fit).

Going beyond the 2011 ZDX's exterior design, what is it like to live with this offbeat Acura? Read on to find out.

The 2011 Acura ZDX and Color

As I have already outlined how I feel about the appearance of the 2011 Acura ZDX, I will instead focus on how its looks are affected by color choice. My Ionized Bronze Metallic test unit was unique as it looked decidedly brown in direct sunlight and when it wasn't it looked burgundy.

To my eyes the ZDX looks best in dark colors or even silver as the black door panel trim contrasts that hue nicely. White doesn't really accentuate the ZDX's muscular haunches or chiseled body panels as nicely so that color is probably not the best choice.

The interior of my ZDX featured the Umber colored Milano leather which covers the center console and half of the dash in a daringly contrasted display of color. Although Acura interiors always look terrific in black, if you are interested in a ZDX give serious consideration to Umber (read: brown for those of you who didn't go to a design school).

Interior Design and Execution

There is a unique design element found in the 2011 Acura ZDX's interior that you don't find in other vehicles. At night when you turn off the audio system half of the lights for the buttons on the center of the dash also turn off leaving very odd looking rows of uniform blankness.

It is a cool effect and in conjunction with the ability to turn off the navigation screen entirely (a rarity) can turn the cockpit into a simply lit yet highly efficient driving space. If you like your drives to be calm and serene then only seeing the dials in front of you will feel like a godsend.

Sadly I am addicted to the supremely crisp high volume sound afforded by the Acura/ELS audio system so calm and serene was not high on my list of priorities. This audio system alone makes ordering the Tech Package entirely worthwhile although Acura's in-dash navigation system (also part of the Tech Package) is one of the most user-friendly in the industry.

Otherwise the interior of the Acura ZDX is unfailingly ergonomic, the seats proved to be comfortable over the course of a few rather long road trips and the overall feeling inside is cozy without any untoward sense of crowding. I have even crammed five people into the ZDX before so I know it can be done without anyone losing a limb.

The ZDX has easily one of the richest feeling interiors you can find at this price thanks in part to its expansive panoramic sunroof which really gives the cabin an open and airy feel. The rest of the thanks goes to the unique dashboard design, high levels of fit and finish as well as the mind boggling array of hi-tech features on offer.

Pricing, Features and Fuel Economy

This fact may surprise you but the ZDX is only a few thousand dollars more than a comparably equipped MDX with my Tech Package equipped tester coming in at $50,145. The Tech Package includes an in-dash navigation system, upgraded Milano leather, a premium Acura/ELS audio system with Song By Voice Technology and multi-Gigabyte song storage, a multi-view back-up camera, USB/iPod integration, push button start and an easy entry system that unlocks the doors when you pull on the driver door handle with the key in your pocket. Base models start at just $45,645.

You can move further up the option food chain with the Advance Package ($56,195) which adds a collision mitigation braking system, blind-spot warning assistance, a brushed tri-cot headliner, ambient interior lighting, adaptive cruise control, 6-level heated/cooled front seats, a sportier steering wheel and the Integrated Dynamics System. This last feature gives drivers the choice of being in "Comfort" or "Sport" mode where the electromagnetic dampers firm up and steering assistance is reduced.

Having tested the electromagnetic dampers in an earlier Advance Package equipped MDX, I can verify that they almost totally eliminate body roll around hairpin curves and tight corners. So if you are looking for BMW X5-like handling from your ZDX the Advance Package is the best way to get there.

The 2011 Acura ZDX, much like the MDX, comes standard with SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) that spins all four wheels at all times. Power can be apportioned to any wheel as necessary to improve handling and traction but this (along with a hefty SUV curb weight) do fuel economy no favors.

EPA estimates are 16 city/23 highway and I averaged a decent 17.4 miles per gallon. That's about a gallon up on my average with an MDX the week before which might be attributable to the ZDX's more sleek and aerodynamic exterior. A 21 gallon fuel tank does promise nice cruising distances between fill-ups, however.

Driving Impressions

It is amazing but from behind the wheel the 2011 Acura ZDX drives like a much smaller vehicle. Although the vehicle itself is surprisingly roomy I always felt like I was driving a small hatchback when I was behind the wheel. Make no mistake this is by no stretch of the imagination a SMALL hatchback.

But somehow once on the move the 2011 Acura ZDX hunkers down and you can almost feel the sheet metal shrink around you during spirited driving maneuvers. The ZDX drives a lot like a tall TL and while it is by no means a sports car it is very easy to have a good time on a twisting back road or zip in and out between slow moving traffic. Not that I ever did that.

The steering is quick, nicely weighted and offers up feedback that would seem familiar to a TL driver. Rarely do SUVs have steering systems that are this heavily weighted but I quite enjoyed the level of precision it offered me.

The 2011 Acura ZDX comes with a standard 3.7 liter 300 horsepower/270 lb. feet of torque naturally aspirated VTEC equipped V6 that works in perfectly timed harmony with Acura's 6-speed automatic. The engine serves up prodigious amounts of power all without the aid of soul-less turbochargers and the 6-speed in this Acura proves that 8 gears truly is overkill. Yes BMW, Lexus, Mercedes and Audi owners. 8 gears is overkill.

Overall the 2011 Acura ZDX acquitted itself nicely as a serene and composed long distance cruiser that proved to be a lot of fun when I really pushed its limits. Its road manners were predictable and while it doesn't handle like a rear drive roadster it should prove plenty capable of showing any driver a good time. What more can you ask of an SUV?

How Family and Dog Friendly Is It?

The back seat may be a little narrow for adults to enter and exit as easily as they would an MDX, there is enough rear headroom back there for two six-footers thanks to two cleverly scooped out sections of the headliner. Kids will have no problem (nor will dogs) and legroom is more than sufficient.

If you are a golfer or you need to haul a wide object there are two removable panels on the sides of the rear cargo area that widen the 27.5 cubic foot large space. Fold down the rear seats and storage space grows to a decent 57.3 cubic feet which is surprising given the ZDX's non-utilitarian fastback greenhouse. This paucity of cargo room is the price you pay for driving an SUV that feels as maneuverable and compact as a hot hatchback. A tall one at the very least.

My test dog Daisy Mae had no trouble at all jumping in the back of the ZDX whose back bench I covered over with a blanket out of respect for other reviewers who have to test this car. Not that I think she would have done any damage to the leather or plastics back there given her gentle "I nap on car rides" demeanor and the quality of materials used.

Conclusion

I loved my week with the ZDX and that doesn't happen to me very much when I am testing SUVs or crossovers. This rolling piece of sculpture is quick, more fun to drive than 95% of the SUVs out there and looks like nothing else on the road. It is also not as expensive as most people think with prices starting at just $45,645. Try finding a comparably equipped BMW X6 for that price.

Now you may not "get" the ZDX or understand why Acura chose to build it but isn't the sweetest part of life found in the mind boggling variety you see in the universe? Why should it be any different in the luxury SUV realm? If you like the way the ZDX looks then by all means buy one. Not everyone wants to look like a soccer mom when they are driving their family SUV. The ZDX gets that. And I get it too.

Vehicle Tested: 2011 Acura ZDX Tech

Base Price: $45,645

Price as Tested: $50,145

Options on Tester: Tech Package-(Milano leather, Acura Real Time Traffic and Weather, voice activated in-dash navigation, 8-inch color VGA screen with multi-view back-up camera, Acura/ELS sound system, USB/iPod integration, Song By Voice technology, GPS linked automatic temperature control, push-button start and Smart Entry System)

Engine: 3.7 liter V6

Power: 300 horsepower/270 lb. feet of torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

0-60: 6.5 seconds

EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/23 highway

Economy as Tested: 17.4 miles per gallon

Required Fuel: Premium Unleaded

Gas Tank Size: 21 gallons

Cargo Area (Behind Second Row): 27.5 cubic feet

Behind First Row of Seats: 57.3 cubic feet

Crash Test Ratings (IIHS): Good (Front Impact)

NHTSA: 2011 Data Not Yet Available

Warranty: 4 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty

6 year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty

Vehicle Assembled in: Alliston, Ontario (Canada)

North American Parts Content: 65%

Vehicle Provided by: Acura North America