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2024 Acura ZDX vs Lexus RZ: What To Buy?
Acura is venturing into the electric future with the revived ZDX SUV. Showcasing a more traditional shape with distinctive styling elements like a floating roof and light-up faux grille. Developed through a Honda-General Motors partnership. The ZDX utilizes GM’s Ultium battery. The base A-Spec model features a 340-hp electric motor, with an optional second motor for AWD, offering an estimated 325 miles of range. The performance-focused Type S variant boasts 500 hp, AWD, and adaptive dampers. Meanwhile, Lexus introduces its first EV, the RZ, delivering the brand’s renowned quiet luxury with plush seats and premium materials. The RZ lineup includes the 201-hp RZ300e FWD and the 308-hp RZ450e AWD with a user-friendly 14.0-inch touchscreen. However, the RZ450e raises concerns with a significantly lower estimated range of 120 miles per charge, while the RZ300e offers a more reasonable estimate of up to 266 miles.
| Acura ZDX | Lexus RZ | |
| Dimensions | 197.7 in x 77.0 in x 64.4 in | 189.2 in x 74.6 in x 64.4 in |
| Motor | permanent-magnet AC | permanent-magnet synchronous AC |
| Horsepower | 500 hp | 308 hp |
| Torque | NA | 320 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | NA | 4.6 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | NA | 13.8 sec |
| Top-Speed | NA | 103 mph |
Acura ZDX
Motor & Performance
Now, let’s talk about the ZDX lineup. We’ll begin with the A-Spec model, equipped with a powerful 340-hp RWD motor. If you prefer, this model offers an option for a second motor. While this doesn’t increase the overall horsepower, it does provide the added capability of AWD. However, what truly catches our attention is the thrilling Type S iteration. This version comes standard with dual motors and AWD. The electric motors in the Type S variant have been precisely tuned to deliver an impressive combined output of 500 hp.
Price & Mileage
We highly recommend considering the range-topping Type S model. Drawing insights from the Cadillac Lyriq. Which shares a platform with the ZDX, we anticipate the Type S variant to provide the dynamic acceleration that electric vehicle enthusiasts often desire. Priced at $60,000 for the ZDX, it positions itself attractively. While we await the EPA’s official MPGe estimates for the ZDX. We expect them to closely align with the Lyriq’s impressive numbers. The Lyriq achieves remarkable ratings of up to 95 MPGe in city conditions and 82 MPGe during highway cruising. This similarity suggests that the ZDX will likely deliver competitive efficiency.
Acceleration & Features
GM’s Ultium battery technology takes centre stage in the ZDX, adopting the same 102.0-kWh battery pack as the Lyriq, resulting in an astounding driving range of up to 325 miles for the A-Spec variant. Meanwhile, the Type S model maintains a respectable range of 288 miles per charge. Equipped with DC fast charging as standard, the ZDX boasts rapid charging capabilities of up to 190 kW, ensuring quick power top-ups. The heart of the ZDX’s dashboard showcases an impressive 11.3-inch infotainment display that radiates a strong sense of pride. Complementing this feature, snugly positioned within the binnacle just ahead of the steering wheel, is a second 11.0-inch gauge-cluster display. Notably, the seamless integration of standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto further enhances the ZDX’s tech-savvy appeal.
Lexus RZ
Motor & Performance
The RZ300e has a single electric motor on its front axle that’s good for 201 hp. RZ450e is powered by a dual-motor arrangement that spreads 308 hp among AWD. Lexus has confirmed that a yoke-style steering wheel will eventually be offered as an option and it will come with a steer-by-wire system; a regular circular wheel will be standard. The RZ450e uses the same 63.4-kWh battery pack as the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. It’s said to deliver up to 220 miles of driving range with the base 18-inch wheels, while the larger 20-inch wheels drop that estimate to 196 miles. A 6.6-kW onboard charger is weaker than many rivals, and the RZ’s DC fast-charging capabilities are limited to 150-kW connections. The RZ300e has a slightly larger battery capacity, which the EPA estimates will provide 266 miles of range on a full charge.
Price & Mileage
The price of the Lexus RZ starts at $55,150 for the RZ300e Premium and goes up to $65,580 for the RZ450e Luxury. The entry-level Premium trim comes with desirable features such as a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, AWD, a power-adjustable steering column, and more. Official fuel-economy estimates for the RZ450e show that it’s more efficient with the standard 18-inch wheels, which earn EPA ratings of 115 MPGe city and 98 MPGe highway. With the optional 20s, those estimates drop to 102 MPGe city and 87 MPGe highway.
Acceleration & Features
At a test track, the RZ450e made it to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. A large 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen dominates the RZ’s dashboard and looks similar to the screen found in the gasoline-powered NX SUV. Lexus says the driver can interact with the system by touching the screen and also by using voice commands. A digital gauge display and a head-up display are also included. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both with wireless connectivity capabilities, are standard.