What platform is the Acura ZDX built on?
The Acura ZDX has two generations with different foundations. The original 2009–2013 ZDX was built on the Honda Pilot/Acura MDX platform, while the current 2024+ ZDX rides on Honda's dedicated e: Architecture electric vehicle platform.
First generation (2009–2013): Pilot/MDX platform
Platform overview
Key characteristics of the original ZDX's platform show its roots in Honda's mid-size SUV family, sharing the chassis and related components with the Pilot and MDX.
- Shared underpinnings with the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, forming a common mid-size SUV chassis.
- Built to accommodate MDX-style drivetrain options, including the available V6 engine and all-wheel drive.
- Designed to support the ZDX’s distinct body styling while leveraging established SUV platform engineering.
In summary, the first-generation ZDX stood on a Pilot/MDX-based platform, reflecting its role as a sportier, coupe-like take on Acura’s SUV lineup.
Second generation (2024–present): e: Architecture
Platform overview
Key characteristics of the second-generation ZDX’s platform show a shift to Honda/Acura’s dedicated EV foundation, optimized for electric propulsion.
- Built on Honda/Acura’s e: Architecture, a dedicated electric vehicle platform.
- Shared with the Honda Prologue and other e: Architecture models, enabling common engineering and components across multiple EVs.
- Designed to support electric drivetrains, modular battery options, and features favorable to efficiency and fast charging.
In summary, the current ZDX is built on a different platform from the original, signaling Acura’s transition to an all-electric lineup.
Summary
Across its two generations, the Acura ZDX has followed two distinct platform philosophies: the first used the Pilot/MDX SUV chassis, while the latest model rides on Honda’s e: Architecture EV platform. This reflects a broader shift in Acura’s engineering strategy from shared combustion-era foundations to dedicated electric architecture.
What is the Honda equivalent to the Acura ZDX?
The Honda equivalent to the Acura ZDX is the Honda Prologue, as both are all-electric SUVs built on the same General Motors Ultium platform. The key difference is their market positioning: the ZDX is Acura's luxury and performance-focused model, while the Prologue is the mainstream, family-oriented SUV.
Acura ZDX
- Market: Luxury and performance
- Performance: Higher horsepower, with models reaching up to 499 hp
- Features: Includes premium materials, more advanced technology (like Super Cruise on some trims), and sportier handling
- Style: Aims for a more aggressive and luxurious design language
Honda Prologue
- Market: Mainstream, accessible, and family-focused
- Performance: Lower horsepower options, with a standard model providing around 212 hp
- Features: Focuses on practicality and value, with efficiency being a priority
- Style: Follows Honda's more subtle and traditional design cues
In short, the ZDX is the luxury version of the Prologue, sharing a platform but differing significantly in features, performance, and price.
Is the Acura ZDX the same as the Honda Prologue?
No, the Acura ZDX and Honda Prologue are not the same, but they are built on the same underlying General Motors (GM) platform. The ZDX is positioned as a more premium, higher-performance luxury SUV, while the Prologue is a more practical and affordable electric SUV for families. Key differences include more powerful engine options and a more luxurious interior for the ZDX, while the Prologue emphasizes practicality and value.
Key differences
| Feature | Acura ZDX | Honda Prologue |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Higher horsepower options, with up to 500 hp in the Type S model. | Lower horsepower options, with up to 288 hp in the all-wheel-drive model. |
| Ride and handling | Features a more sophisticated suspension and a more luxurious ride. | Ride is comfortable but firmer than some SUVs, with less supportive seats. |
| Luxury and features | Offers a more premium interior, including a more advanced infotainment system, and a higher-end audio system. | Includes modern tech but doesn't match the premium feel and features of the ZDX. |
| Pricing | Positioned as a premium luxury vehicle, so it has a higher starting price. | Priced more affordably as a practical electric SUV for the average family. |
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Shared foundation
- Both the Acura ZDX and the Honda Prologue are built on the GM platform, meaning they share the same fundamental architecture and some underlying components.
- Some interior elements, like the sunroof and controls, can appear identical between the two vehicles, say Dailymotion users.
- Both vehicles are powered by GM's Ultium battery platform, though Acura adds more performance-oriented tuning and features to its version.
- The Chevrolet Blazer EV is another model that shares this platform.
What platform does the Acura ZDX use?
The Acura ZDX is built on General Motors' Ultium platform, the same architecture used for the Cadillac Lyriq and Chevrolet Blazer EV. While it shares this GM platform, the ZDX has its own distinct Acura design, features, and performance tuning.
This video provides a walk-around of the Acura ZDX, highlighting its features and performance: 45sRedline ReviewsYouTube · Feb 12, 2025
- Shared technology: The Ultium platform provides the battery, motors, and other core electric vehicle components. Shared elements include certain interior controls and technology, such as the steering wheel, climate controls, and the infotainment system's basic software (though the ZDX has a unique skin and Google Built-in).
- Distinct design and tuning: Acura implemented its own exterior and interior styling, giving the ZDX a unique look that aligns with its brand identity. The vehicle also has its own suspension tuning and performance characteristics, with the Type S model being the most powerful SUV Acura has ever produced.
- Other shared models: Besides the Cadillac Lyriq and Chevy Blazer EV, the ZDX also shares the Ultium platform with the upcoming Honda Prologue.
- Manufacturing: Some sources indicate the ZDX is built at a GM factory.
You can watch this video to learn more about the technology and performance of the Acura ZDX Type S: 56sCars With SteveYouTube · Sep 18, 2025
Is the Acura ZDX built by GM?
GM has been building the ZDX for Honda's premium Acura brand under a partnership the automakers struck in 2020. GM also builds the Honda-brand EV Prologue at a factory in Mexico. That car and the Acura are mechanically similar to a few of GM's own EVs, including the Cadillac Lyriq SUV.
