Video: 2010 Acura ZDX

Now it's kind of unique, but it might remind you of cars like the BMW X6 and the Honda Accord Crosstour because it has this coupe-like roof line in four doors. Now, even though Honda owns Acura, this is not based on the Crosstour. It's actually based on the MDX, which even though it costs a few thousand dollars less, has seven seats. The ZDX here has five- Ish. Now, I said it sits fiveish because you pay a price for this low roof line. It's quite difficult to get in to. Now, once you clear the roof, there's actually okay headroom for someone my height, I'm 6ft tall, but it's not what you would call roomy. My knees are raised quite a bit compared to the RDX, which is the cheaper five seat crossover. This has 10 cubic feet, less passenger volume at 91 cubic feet. Now, if the idea is indeed to carry cargo, we don't wanna put the seat down. Even at this, the ZDX isn't very good at it. The farther back you go, the less height you have. So this is about as good as it gets. And this is not a whole lot of height. Now, likewise, in the rear cargo area, there are some limitations. Now, first thing you see is there's a nice bend down here, which is good to have it. We'll put some stuff out of sight, but unfortunately it'd be better to have just a whole lot of vertical space. And this also blocks the rear view If you leave it up. Now, you might be wondering, how do I put my golf bags in here? You can, even if people are in the back seat, by opening up these cubbies. Once again, compared to the RDX, which is smaller, this has five cubic feet, less total cargo volume. Now, this is the best thing about this ZDX, the front seats, and the best of the best is actually this center control panel, which Acura alls the Monolith. (dramatic classical music) All right, a little bit overtly dramatic, but it is very cool. You'll notice there are no labels on the buttons at all. Actually, you're not sure they are buttons until you turn it on. And then when you turn it off, they fade to black again. It's a little thing yeah, but it's pretty cool. Now, overall Acura is making some really nice interiors. The styling is modern. The materials are soft-touch where they need to be, and also really nice use of aluminum trim and including here on the center control panel. If it's not real aluminum, it's pretty darn close. Now I'll direct you to Cars.com to my full review, to get the idea of the driving experience with the ZDX. It's intended to be sporty. Has 300 horsepower all wheel drive, but this is a car that tries to do a lot of things. Tries to be sporty, tries to be tall, tries to be stylish and versatile. And as a result, it doesn't excel in any one of those things. I don't know if Acura will be able justify having built this model at all, but that's their problem. If you like, you buy. For more car related news, go to Cars.com, or our blog Kickingtires.net.