2010 Acura ZDX Review

2010 Acura ZDX, another of the recent rash of coupelike crossover vehicles. On sale this winter for about $42,500 base, the new ZDX slots between the Acura RL sedan and its big seven-passenger MDX crossover.

The 2010 ZDX shares some mechanicals with the big MDX crossover, but gets a coupelike body more suited to its seductive mission. The rear end has a muscular appeal, and the side view does all it can to convince you it's a coupe. Up front, the big, controversial Acura shield grille gets its most attractive installation yet. But there's something about this class of vehicles that just doesn't work in TheCarConnection.com's eyes. Some reviewers have moderate praise for the ZDX's styling. CNET calls Acura's latest MDX derivative "a mash-up of sedan, SUV, and sports coupe," while USA Today points out "a tucked and tailored roof covered in black glass panels and...rear-wheel bulges that would be striking even if the roof's taper did not accentuate them." Car and Driver considers the Acura "endearingly weird, the sort of vehicle you might expect Citroen to produce," though whether you find that charming or off-putting is a matter of personal preference. On the positive side, most reviewers agree with CNET's assessment that "the grille, which stands out like a beak on the smaller Acura sedans, seems to have found its medium" on the 2010 Acura ZDX.