Acura's Electric Car Offerings Today
Acura currently offers one fully electric vehicle: the ZDX, a three-row electric SUV that arrived for the 2024 model year. It is built on Honda's Ultium platform, the same architecture that underpins General Motors' electric vehicles. The ZDX seats up to seven passengers and comes in two trim levels—Standard and Advance—with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options depending on the trim.
Acura also sells the RLX Sport Hybrid, which is a plug-in hybrid rather than a fully electric car. It has a gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and a battery you can charge at home. The RLX is not a pure electric vehicle, so it cannot run on battery power alone for extended distances the way the ZDX can.
If you are shopping for an Acura electric car, the ZDX is your only choice right now. Acura has announced plans for additional electric models in coming years, but they are not yet available for purchase.
Key Takeaways
- The Acura ZDX is a three-row electric SUV available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, seating up to seven people.
- The ZDX uses the Ultium platform, which is also used in General Motors electric vehicles and affects parts availability and repair options.
- Acura's RLX is a plug-in hybrid with a gasoline engine, not a fully electric vehicle, so it cannot run on battery alone for long trips.
- Charging speed and real-world range depend on which trim level you choose and whether you have access to a home charging setup.
ZDX Battery Range and Charging
The ZDX comes with a 85 kWh battery (usable capacity varies slightly by trim). Acura rates the Standard rear-wheel-drive model at approximately 253 miles of range on a full charge, while the all-wheel-drive versions are rated lower due to the extra motor and weight. The Advance trim with all-wheel drive is rated at around 228 miles. These are EPA estimates, meaning real-world range will vary based on driving conditions, temperature, and how you drive.
At home, you can charge the ZDX using a standard 120-volt outlet, but this is slow—it adds roughly 2 to 3 miles of range per hour. Most owners install a 240-volt Level 2 charger, which adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour depending on the charger's power output. A full charge from empty on a 240-volt charger takes roughly 8 to 10 hours.
On the road, the ZDX supports DC fast charging at public stations. At a 150 kW fast charger, you can add roughly 200 miles of range in 30 minutes under ideal conditions. Charging speed slows as the battery approaches full capacity, so the last 20 percent takes longer than the first 80 percent.
Performance and Driving Experience
The ZDX Standard with rear-wheel drive produces 288 horsepower and reaches 60 mph in approximately 7.5 seconds. The all-wheel-drive versions add a second motor and produce 341 horsepower, cutting the 0-to-60 time to roughly 6.0 seconds. These are respectable numbers for a three-row family SUV, though not sports-car quick.
The driving experience is quiet and smooth because there is no engine noise or gear shifting. The ZDX has a low center of gravity thanks to the battery pack mounted in the floor, which improves handling compared to traditional SUVs. Regenerative braking—where the electric motor slows the car and captures energy back into the battery—means you do less work with the brake pedal on city streets and highways.
One-pedal driving is available on the ZDX, a feature that lets you slow down or stop by lifting off the accelerator alone. This takes practice but reduces brake wear and extends range in stop-and-go traffic.
Interior Space and Comfort Features
The ZDX is designed as a three-row SUV, so it offers more passenger space than Acura's smaller electric offerings might. The second row has captain's chairs in some configurations, or a bench seat in others. The third row is best suited for children or shorter trips because legroom is limited, as is typical for vehicles in this class.
Standard features include an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Higher trims add a panoramic sunroof, premium audio systems, and heated or ventilated seats depending on the package.
Storage is affected by the battery pack. The ZDX has a front trunk (frunk) with roughly 11 cubic feet of space, and the rear cargo area holds approximately 17 cubic feet with all seats up. Folding the third row expands cargo space significantly, though the battery pack still takes up floor space compared to a traditional gas SUV.
Maintenance and Repair Considerations
Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than gasoline cars, which means less routine maintenance. The ZDX does not need oil changes, spark plug replacements, or transmission fluid service. You will still need to rotate tires, replace brake fluid periodically, and have the cabin air filter changed.
Because the ZDX uses the Ultium platform, repair work can be handled by Acura dealerships, but some technicians may also be found at General Motors service centers or independent shops familiar with Ultium vehicles. This is different from Acura's traditional lineup, where parts and service are exclusive to Acura dealers. The broader availability of Ultium informed means you may have more repair options than you would with a proprietary Acura platform.
Battery degradation is normal over time, but Acura covers the battery under an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first). Most owners see minimal capacity loss in the first five years of ownership.
Price and Trim Levels
The ZDX Standard rear-wheel drive starts at a lower price point than the all-wheel-drive versions. The Advance trim adds features like the panoramic sunroof, upgraded audio, and enhanced driver information systems. Exact pricing varies by model year and market, so you should check current Acura dealer listings or the manufacturer's website for the most recent figures.
Federal tax credits may reduce the effective cost if you meet income and vehicle price limits set by the IRS. Some states offer additional incentives for electric vehicle purchases. These vary by location and change year to year, so check your state's energy office or the fueleconomy.gov website for current programs in your area.
How the ZDX Compares to Other Three-Row Electric SUVs
The ZDX competes with vehicles like the Tesla Model X, Volkswagen ID.Buzz, and Kia EV9. The Model X is faster and has longer range but costs significantly more. The ID.Buzz is smaller and less powerful but offers a unique design. The EV9 is similarly sized and priced, with comparable range and performance. Your choice depends on which features matter most to you—acceleration, range, interior layout, or brand preference.
One advantage of the ZDX is Acura's reputation for reliability and customer service. Acura dealers are familiar with luxury vehicle owners and typically provide a higher level of service than some mass-market brands. The Ultium platform also means the ZDX benefits from General Motors' ongoing software updates and improvements, which are pushed to vehicles over the air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow with the Acura ZDX?
The ZDX is not rated for towing. If you need to tow a trailer, you will need to look at other electric SUVs or stick with a gasoline or hybrid vehicle. Towing significantly reduces electric range, which is why many manufacturers do not offer this feature on their electric models.
How long does the ZDX battery last?
Acura covers the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Most owners experience minimal degradation—typically 5 to 10 percent capacity loss—over the first five years. The battery should remain functional well beyond the warranty period, though replacement costs are high if damage occurs after the warranty expires.
What happens if I run out of battery on the road?
The ZDX will alert you as the battery depletes and show you nearby charging stations on the navigation screen. If you completely drain the battery, you will need to call a tow truck to reach a charger. This is rare if you plan trips around charging locations and monitor your range, which most owners do after a short learning period.
Is the ZDX good for cold weather?
Cold weather reduces electric range by 20 to 40 percent because the battery is less efficient and the cabin heater draws power. The ZDX has a heat pump option on higher trims, which is more efficient than traditional electric heating. If you live in a cold climate, expect lower real-world range than EPA estimates suggest during winter months.
Can I charge the ZDX at Tesla Superchargers?
The ZDX uses the NACS connector (North American Charging Standard), which is now standard on most new electric vehicles. Tesla Superchargers are being opened to non-Tesla vehicles with NACS adapters or native NACS ports. Check with Acura or Tesla's website for current availability in your area, as this network is still expanding.