2010 Acura ZDX - A 4-Door Sports Coupe

Acura calls its 2010 ZDX a 4-door sports coupe. Based upon the 7-seat MDX sport utility vehicle, the slightly smaller 5-passenger ZDX aims to afford owners the ultimate in luxury, functional technology and utility in a single vehicle.

Acura adds the all-new ZDX luxury crossover to its already-impressive lineup for 2010. The ZDX is based on the MDX and seats five in leather-swaddled comfort and features a standard 300-hp 3.7-liter V6, coupled with a 6-speed automatic and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. One model is offered, available with either a Technology or Advance Package, and the ZDX returns an EPA estimated 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway. Prices start at $45,495.

Whatever you choose to call it, the luxury crossover coupe market is still ripe for the taking, and Acura aims to claim a big stake of it with its all-new 2010 ZDX. The vehicle is a direct competitor of the BMW X6, and even fully loaded, price-wise the ZDX slots in just below a base X6.

The all-new ZDX makes use of the MDX's unibody design and fully independent suspension, as well as its 24-valve, 3.7-liter VTEC V6. The silky-smooth engine produces 300 hp and 270 ft-lb of torque and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, which incorporates paddle shifters to allow for precise shifting at the driver's discretion.

Attractive exterior design; flexible utility; strong performance from V6; sweet-handling all-wheel drive; loads of technology

Power is delivered to the road through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which not only assures a sure-footed drive in slippery conditions, but it aids the ZDX in performance and handling when confronted with an empty, twisty road.

Standard amenities include fine leather seating with 10-way power adjustability for the driver and 8-way power adjustability for the passenger, as well as a folding center armrest for rear outboard passengers. Automatic climate control keeps things cool, or hot, or just right, while the 266-watt Acura Premium Audio System blasts music from the in-dash 6-disc changer, all controlled by intuitive controls on the steering wheel. A speed-sensitive volume control automatically increases the sound gain as road speed increases and Bluetooth allows you connect with the devices you rely on.

Perhaps the greatest single feature of the ZDX is its roof, which comprises glass from the base of the windshield to the bottom edge of the tailgate, forming the exterior for the split tailgate window, a front moonroof and a rear fixed moonroof. All of which make for a bright, open cabin and make the ZDX feel larger than it actually is.

Versatility is the name of the game with the ZDX. With the rear seats upright, cargo volume is 26 cubic feet. The rear seat features a 60/40 split flat-folding seatback, which increases the cargo area to 55 cubic feet.

2010 Acura ZDX Prices

TRIM

Starting MSRP

2010 Acura ZDX All Wheel Drive

$45,495

2010 Acura ZDX All Wheel Drive with Technology Package

$49,995

2010 Acura ZDX All Wheel Drive with Advance Package

$56,045

Two impressive options packages are offered. The Technology Package adds upgraded Milano leather, a 435-watt, 10-speaker advanced stereo with hard disk media storage and Song by Voice identification, as well as a multi-view rear camera and advanced navigation with Real-Time Traffic updates. The Advance Package boasts a special sport suspension, multi-stage heated and ventilated front seats, and the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), which helps prepare the ZDX for impact when the system detects an unavoidable collision.

Standard safety features include stability assist, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, active front head restraints, and six airbags