THE 2025 ACURA ZDX TYPE S: IT NEEDS LESS BLING, MORE ZING

EV Channels Review

The 2025 Acura ZDX Type S, built on GM's Ultium platform, is critiqued for lacking the 'zing' expected of a Type S model, despite its performance aspirations. Reviewers found the vehicle to be excessively heavy (over 6,000 lbs), which negatively impacts its handling, making it feel less planted and agile than expected for an AWD performance EV. The suspension is described as firm and can induce nausea, particularly in sport mode, and the large 22-inch wheels exacerbate these issues, contributing to a lack of chassis finesse and a compromised ride. While the interior is deemed reasonably well-appointed and quiet, and it offers adequate space, the overall driving experience fails to live up to the Type S badge. The reviewer highlights that the car feels more like a luxury SUV for commuting than a true performance machine, suggesting it's more suited for existing Acura customers than conquest buyers. Real-world range also falls short of the advertised 300 miles, typically landing in the 260-270 mile bracket. The reliance on subscription services for key features like semi-autonomous driving is also a point of contention. Ultimately, the ZDX Type S is considered an adequate, but uninspiring, vehicle that suffers from 'badge engineering' and fails to justify its performance credentials against competitors.