What is the Acura ZDX based on?
The Acura ZDX is a luxury crossover SUV that was produced by Honda's premium brand Acura from 2009 to 2013. While the ZDX had a unique and distinctive design, it was actually based on the underpinnings of the Honda Pilot, a popular mid-size SUV.
Shared Platform with the Honda Pilot
The Acura ZDX was built on the same platform as the Honda Pilot, which meant it shared many of the same mechanical components and engineering. The ZDX and Pilot had the same wheelbase, suspension setup, and powertrain options. This allowed Acura to develop the ZDX more efficiently by leveraging the existing Pilot architecture.
Distinctive Acura Design
While the ZDX shared its underpinnings with the Pilot, Acura gave the crossover a unique and distinctive exterior design. The ZDX featured a sloping roofline, a bold front grille, and a muscular, coupe-like profile that set it apart from the more boxy Pilot. This design was intended to give the ZDX a more premium and sporty appearance compared to its Honda counterpart.
Luxury Features and Pricing
As an Acura model, the ZDX was positioned as a more upscale and luxurious alternative to the Honda Pilot. The ZDX came standard with a long list of premium features, including leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and advanced safety technologies. This allowed Acura to price the ZDX significantly higher than the Pilot, with a starting MSRP around $50,000.
Limited Sales and Discontinuation
Despite its distinctive design and luxury positioning, the Acura ZDX struggled to find a significant customer base. Sales of the ZDX were relatively low, and Acura discontinued the model after just four years of production. The crossover's high price point, limited cargo space, and niche market appeal were likely contributing factors to its lack of commercial success.
In summary, the Acura ZDX was a luxury crossover SUV that shared its underlying platform with the Honda Pilot, but featured a unique and distinctive design. While the ZDX offered premium features and a more upscale experience, its high price and limited practicality ultimately led to its discontinuation after a short production run.
