2012 Acura ZDX Hatchback Features & Specs

What's New for 2012

The Acura ZDX returns unchanged for 2012.

Introduction

It's been said that innovation is often mistaken for madness until time decides otherwise. Now, we don't have a crystal ball, but we're confident that history might not be so kind to the 2012 Acura ZDX. From outward appearance, the ZDX is certainly intriguing, with its elevated ride height, chiseled body and sporty profile. Unfortunately, compromises in the name of this form are many and may be enough to steer shoppers elsewhere.
Under its evocative shape, the ZDX is essentially an Acura MDX, and that's certainly a good point from which to start. The MDX has proven itself as a luxury SUV with athletic handling, more-than-adequate power and a finely crafted interior; the ZDX maintains these admirable traits. The real problem arises from the sloping rear roof line that greatly reduces rear-seat comfort and cargo capacity.
It's a coupe-style utility vehicle, meant to be stylish and personal, but there's too much coupe and not enough utility. To further drive home the point, the Acura ZDX lacks any appreciable performance advantage over the MDX. In fact, the ZDX is penalized in terms of towing capacity, which maxes out at a paltry 1,500 pounds compared to the MDX's 5,000-pound limit.
It's unlikely that style could overcome all that ails the 2012 Acura ZDX. The similarly styled BMW X6 suffers a similar fate as the ZDX and will also set you back an additional $10,000. If looks really are a priority, you might as well consider the dramatic Range Rover Evoque. Then again, you can always make a more reasoned decision and opt for the Acura MDX or BMW X5, which are likely fashionable enough.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Acura ZDX is a midsize crossover SUV offered in a single trim level that seats five.
Standard features include 19-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlights, foglights, heated outside mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, ambient cabin lighting, a back-up camera with a rearview mirror display, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, power heated front seats (10-way-adjustable driver seat with memory, eight-way for the front passenger), leather upholstery and interior trim, a trip computer, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and a power liftgate. An eight-speaker stereo with an in-dash six-CD changer, satellite radio and a USB/auxiliary audio jack is also standard.
There are two significant option packages for the ZDX. The Technology package adds keyless ignition/entry, perforated premium leather seats, a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather, a multi-view back-up camera, added Bluetooth phone functions with streaming audio and an upgraded 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system with digital music storage. The Advance package includes these features plus electronically adjustable suspension dampers, a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, a collision warning and mitigation system, heated and ventilated front seats and a sport steering wheel.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 ZDX is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic with manual shift control is the only available transmission. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg in combined driving. The ZDX's maximum towing capacity is an underwhelming 1,500 pounds.
The ZDX features the same Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system found in other Acuras, capable of transferring different levels of power to individual wheels to maximize traction and grip through turns and in inclement weather.
In recent Edmunds testing, the ZDX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is about a second slower than the BMW X5 or X6.

Safety

Standard safety equipment for the 2012 Acura ZDX includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The optional Advance package adds blind-spot monitoring and a collision mitigation braking system paired to the adaptive cruise control. This system detects the likelihood of a front-end collision and alerts the driver with visual and audible warnings. If the driver takes no action, the system engages the brakes and tightens the driver's seatbelt. If the system deems a collision inevitable, it increases braking force and tightens both front seatbelts.
In government crash tests, the Acura ZDX received a top overall score of five out of five stars, with four stars for overall front crash protection and five stars for overall side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the ZDX its highest score of "Good" in frontal-offset crash tests.
In Edmunds brake testing, the ZDX came to a stop from 60 mph in 130 feet, which is longer than average for cars in this class.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2012 Acura ZDX features an appealing cabin, notable for its intriguing design and liberal use of leather. Controls are arranged similarly to other Acuras, but a monolithic center stack that fades to black when the car is powered down is unique to the ZDX. There is an abundance of buttons within reach of the driver, but for the most part, operation is fairly simple. Adding in the Technology or Advanced packages tends to clutter the center stack's appearance, though. Hand-stitched leather graces the dash pad, center console and door panels for an upscale look and feel.
Front seat passengers are treated to comfortable and supportive seats, but those relegated to the rear will likely find accommodations less hospitable. The sloping roof line reduces headroom to the point that even average-sized adults will brush up against the headliner. Legroom is also notably lacking, exacerbated by seat cushions mounted uncomfortably close to the floor.
The ZDX also comes up short in terms of useful cargo space. Behind the rear seats, up to 26 cubic feet are available. With the seats folded flat, maximum cargo space is only increased to 56 cubes, well short of other midsize luxury SUVs.

Driving Impressions

Despite its sporty, rakish appearance, the 2012 Acura ZDX doesn't perform any better than the MDX crossover on which its based, although this conventional utility vehicle is admittedly one of the most athletic SUVs on the market. The SH-AWD system provides a surprising level of cornering grip by distributing torque to the wheels that need it most. Opting for the Advance package and its adjustable suspension is an intriguing performance upgrade, though the base suspension works just fine.
The 3.7-liter V6 provides an inspiring soundtrack, but the power it generates lacks low-end torque and falls just short of impressive. The six-speed automatic transmission executes upshifts quickly and smoothly.

Colors

Exterior

Interior

Exterior

Body

• Rear spoiler

Tires and Wheels

• Alloy wheels
• 19 x 8.5 in. wheels
• Steel spare wheel
• P255/50R19 103H tires
• All season tires
• Inside mounted spare tire
• Temporary spare tire

Roof and Glass

• Variable intermittent wipers
• Privacy glass
• Rear defogger
• Fixed glass rear sunroof
• Power glass sunroof
• Remote sunroof operation

Doors

• Fixed lifgate window
• Rear power liftgate door

Towing and Hauling

• Cargo tie downs

Measurements

• Width: 78.5 in.
• Height: 62.8 in.
• Length: 192.4 in.
• Ground clearance: 7.9 in.
• Front track: 67.7 in.
• Rear track: 67.7 in.
• Wheel base: 108.3 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 26.3 cu.ft.
• Maximum cargo capacity: 55.8 cu.ft.

• Maximum towing capacity: 1500 lbs.**
• Curb weight: 4424 lbs.
• Angle of approach: 19.8 degrees
• Angle of departure: 23.2 degrees

Mechanical

Engine & Performance

• Base engine size: 3.7 L
• Cam type: Single overhead cam (SOHC)
• Cylinders: V6
• Valves: 24
• Valve timing: Variable
• Torque: 270 ft-lbs. @ 4500 rpm
• Horsepower: 300 hp @ 6300 rpm
• Turning circle: 38.5 ft.

• Base engine type: gas

DriveTrain

• Drive type: all wheel drive
• Mechanical center differential
• Descent control
• Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
• Center and rear limited slip differential
• Brake hill holder

Suspension

• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Multi-link rear suspension
• Four-wheel independent suspension
• Front and rear stabilizer bar

Fuel

• Fuel type: gas
• Fuel type: premium unleaded (required)
• Fuel tank capacity: 21.0 gal.
• Range in miles (cty/hwy): 336.0/483.0 mi.
• EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 16/23 mpg

Safety

Safety & Security

• 4-wheel ABS
• Front and rear head airbags
• Dual front side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Remote anti-theft alarm system
• Emergency braking assist
• Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
• Rear door child safety locks
• Daytime running lights
• Engine immobilizer
• Front fog/driving lights
• Auto delay off headlamps
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp
• 2 front headrests
• 3 rear headrests
• Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
• Rear center 3-point belt
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Turn signal mirrors
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Front height adjustable headrests
• Rear folding headrests
• Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
• Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
• Tire pressure monitoring

Warranty

• Basic: 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
• Drivetrain: 6 yr./ 70000 mi.
• Roadside: 4 yr./ 50000 mi.

Interior

Front Seats

• Front head room: 38.0 in.
• Front hip room: 57.3 in.
• Front leg room: 42.6 in.
• Front shoulder room: 59.7 in.
• Multi-level heating passenger seat
• 8 -way power passenger seat
• 8 -way power driver seat
• Multi-level heating driver seat
• Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
• Height adjustable driver seat
• Height adjustable passenger seat
• Leather
• Sport front seats

Rear Seats

• Rear hip Room: 55.3 in.
• Rear head room: 35.3 in.
• Rear leg room: 31.1 in.
• Rear shoulder room: 55.4 in.
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Folding with storage center armrest
• Rear ventilation ducts

Power Features

• Remote power door locks
• Reverse tilt dual mirrors provides curb view when vehicle in reverse
• Power mirrors
• Heated mirrors
• 2 one-touch power windows
• Remote window operation

Convenience

• Cruise control
• Front console with storage
• Front and rear cupholders
• Front and rear door pockets
• Overhead console with storage
• Retained accessory power
• Front seatback storage
• Speed-proportional power steering
• Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
• 12V front and 12V cargo area power outlet(s)
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
• Rear view

Comfort

• Interior active charcoal air filter
• Dual zone climate controls - driver and passenger
• Cargo area light
• Alloy and leather trim on center console
• Alloy and leather trim on dash
• Alloy and leather trim on doors
• Front and rear reading lights
• Alloy and leather trim on shift knob
• Leather and alloy steering wheel
• Front and rear floor mats
• Turn signal in mirrors
• Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
• Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

Memorized settings

• Memorized settings includes audio system
• Memorized settings includes climate control
• Memorized settings for 2 drivers
• Memorized settings includes steering wheel

Instrumentation

• Clock
• Tachometer
• Trip computer
• External temperature display
• Low fuel level warning

In Car Entertainment

• Mast antenna
• 8 total speakers
• 266 watts stereo output
• AM/FM in-dash 6 CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo
• XM satellite radio
• Speed sensitive volume control
• Auxiliary audio input and iPod/iPhone integration
• 1 subwoofer(s)
• 3 Months of provided satellite radio service
• Radio data system
• USB connection

Telematics

• Pre-wired for phone
• Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone