Why was the Acura ZDX discontinued?

The ZDX was discontinued after the 2013 model year largely because sales were weak and Acura chose to realign its lineup toward more mainstream, higher-volume models. This decision reflected a broader shift in the brand’s strategy and product planning.

Background and market context

Launched in 2009 as a coupe-inspired five-seat crossover, the ZDX rode the MDX platform and aimed to fuse performance with luxury. Its distinctive, low, fast-roof silhouette drew attention but also limited practicality, notably rear headroom and cargo space. While some buyers appreciated the styling, the model struggled to justify its premium price and compete effectively against more versatile crossovers and established premium rivals.

Reasons for discontinuation

Several factors converged to make the ZDX untenable as a long-term lineup member. The following list outlines the core considerations the company faced.

• Weak sales and limited market demand for a coupe-like crossover


• Premium pricing that did not clearly outperform more practical MDX alternatives


• Overlap with the MDX in size and capability, leading to resource allocation concerns


• Practical packaging limits (headroom and cargo space) that narrowed its appeal


• A strategic shift within Acura toward higher-volume models and a clearer path to electrification

In short, the ZDX did not deliver the sales or strategic value needed to sustain production in Acura's lineup.

Industry context and brand strategy

Beyond the model itself, the luxury-SUV market was evolving toward vehicles that balanced practicality with premium features, while Acura recalibrated its product roadmap toward models with broader demand and, eventually, electrification. This pivot involved prioritizing the refreshed or redesigned core models—such as the MDX and TLX—and allocating resources toward future electrified offerings rather than maintaining a niche product.

• Competition from premium rivals with stronger brand equity and more versatile packaging


• Resource reallocation to higher-volume models and a clearer electrification plan


• Strategic alignment with Honda’s broader push into electrified and hybrid powertrains

These market and corporate factors reinforced the decision to end ZDX production in favor of models with broader appeal and higher ROI.

What followed and the ZDX name today

In the years after the ZDX’s discontinuation, Acura focused on strengthening its core SUV lineup and pursuing electrification. The ZDX name later reappeared in the market as part of Acura’s electrified-SUV strategy, signaling a new chapter that diverges from the original model’s niche positioning.

Revival of the ZDX name as an electric SUV

In the mid-2020s, Acura revived the ZDX name for an all-electric SUV, underscoring the brand’s push toward electrification. The modern ZDX represents a separate model line that carries forward the name’s premium connotations, but it is not a direct continuation of the 2009–2013 ZDX.

Summary

The Acura ZDX was discontinued due to a combination of weak sales, limited market appeal, and a strategic shift toward higher-volume, electrification-focused models. The name was later revived for a new all-electric Acura SUV, marking a fresh direction for the brand while distancing the current model from the original’s niche constraints.

Why did Acura stop making the ZDX?

The Acura ZDX was discontinued after one model year due to a combination of factors, including the slower-than-anticipated rate of consumer EV adoption and market conditions. Acura's parent company, Honda, decided to cancel future production to better align its product portfolio with customer needs and its long-term strategic goals, a move that also impacted the development of future affordable EVs.
 

• Slow EV adoption: Acura and Honda noted that the overall pace of consumer electric vehicle adoption in the U.S. was slower than expected, making the ZDX less commercially viable. 
• Market conditions and strategy: The decision was also driven by shifts in market conditions and a need to align the ZDX with Acura's long-term strategy, as stated by an Acura spokesperson. 
• Internal partnership changes: The ZDX was a joint development with General Motors, and Honda's decision was influenced by discussions with GM and a shift away from their previous joint development of affordable EVs. 
• Competition: The ZDX struggled to gain market share against competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, despite the ZDX's strong performance and features. 
• Policy changes: Recent changes in government policy affecting EV production and sales also played a role in the decision. 
• Incentive dependency: The ZDX required significant incentives and discounts to achieve its sales figures, suggesting a lack of sustainable demand at its original price point. 
• Internal competition: Honda's less expensive, yet similarly built, Honda Prologue may have cannibalized potential ZDX sales due to a significant price difference. 

Which is bigger, RDX or ZDX?

Yes, the Acura ZDX is bigger than the Acura RDX in terms of overall length, width, and wheelbase, making the ZDX a larger vehicle. However, the RDX has more max cargo capacity with the seats down. 
You can watch this video to see a comparison of the dimensions between the Acura ZDX and RDX: 1mVagabond BuildsYouTube · Mar 28, 2025

Feature	Acura ZDX	Acura RDX
Overall Length	197.7 inches	187 inches
Overall Width	77 inches	75 inches
Wheelbase	121.8 inches	108.3 inches
Max Cargo Capacity (with seats down)	63 cubic feet	80 cubic feet
Second-Row Legroom	39.4 inches	38 inches

(function(){
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_T9klabzOKq6A9u8P3qjg-Ag_381';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();

What are the disadvantages of the Acura ZDX?

The main cons of the Acura ZDX include a heavy and slow-to-respond steering feel, particularly in Sport mode, a heavy overall weight, and an interior that doesn't feel as premium as its price tag suggests. Other issues include a clunky drivetrain, a laggy infotainment system, poor wireless charging, limited passenger and cargo space compared to some Acura models, and concerns about its shared GM platform and a lack of unique Acura driving feel. 
Performance and handling

• Heavy steering: The steering is described as too heavy, especially in Normal mode, and requires significant effort. 
• Unresponsive power: While powerful, it can feel sluggish from a stop, as full power requires a manual switch to Sport mode, which can be slow to engage in critical situations. 
• Heavy feel: The ZDX feels large and heavy, not at all like traditional Acuras, and this is evident in its overall road feel. 
• Clunky drivetrain: Some drivers have noted a clunky feel when shifting in and out of park. 

Interior and technology

• Interior quality: Some reviewers feel the interior materials and overall quality don't match the vehicle's price point or Acura's reputation. 
• Infotainment issues: The infotainment system can be unresponsive at times, and controlling certain features like regenerative braking requires using a small spot on the touchscreen. 
• Poor wireless charger: The wireless phone charger is reported to be slow and unreliable. 
• Limited features: Some models lack features like rear heated seats or have other perceived shortcomings for a luxury vehicle. 

Design and practicality

• Limited space: Despite its size, it has less passenger volume and cargo space than the gas-powered Acura MDX. 
• Heavy doors: The heavy doors can be difficult for children to open and close. 

Other drawbacks

• Platform sharing: The ZDX is built on a General Motors platform, leading some to feel it doesn't have the unique driving dynamics associated with Acura. 
• Slow charging rate: The maximum charging rate is not as impressive as some competitors, leading to longer stops at fast chargers. 

What Acura to stay away from?

Acura models with potential issues include some 2nd and 3rd generation TLs due to transmission problems, the 2003 MDX for transmission and engine concerns, and the 2019 RDX for engine stalls and infotainment issues. Other models to be cautious of are the 2005 RL for expensive electronic and transmission failures, the 2005 TL for a prone transmission, and the 2007 MDX for electrical and suspension issues. 
Specific models and years to avoid

• Acura TL (2nd Generation, pre-2004 and 3rd Generation, 2005): These models are known for significant automatic transmission failures. 
• Acura MDX:
  • 2001: Early model issues. 
  • 2003: Transmission and engine problems. 
  • 2007: Electrical and suspension problems. 
• Acura RDX:
  • 2019: The most complained-about model year, with issues like engine stalling and infotainment system freezing. 
• Acura ZDX: Although not a direct comparison to other models, the ZDX had issues related to its GM platform, including battery and AC problems, and dealerships may not have the proper knowledge to fix it. 
• Acura ILX:
  • 2013 2.0L base model: Suffered from a weak engine, outdated transmission, and poor refinement. 

Other points to consider

• General issues: Some newer models have also seen complaints, such as the 2022 RDX with sunroof rattles. 
• Infotainment: Several models, including the RDX and TLX, have had infotainment system issues. These can range from freezing to lagging and system unresponsiveness.