Barber Acura

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Driving Impressions

As with all Acura models these days, the emphasis here is on refinement. Acura's engineers took great care to exorcise unwanted noise and impacts, and the result is a very quiet and composed vehicle. On models equipped with the two-position (Sport or Comfort) Integrated Dynamics System that accompanies the Advance Package, the bandwidth is expanded enough to allow remarkably sporty driving on challenging roads.

Assisted by Acura's SH-AWD intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the new crossover steers accurately and hangs on well in fast turns. The extensive ride-motion control strategy (using magneto-rheological damping fluid that varies its viscosity in response to an electric current to vary shock damping) helps the ZDX retain a plush ride in more sedate applications. In those circumstances, the ZDX's opulent interior and comfortable seating provide an all-encompassing sense of privilege.

While it seems almost eerie to bend a large and heavy vehicle like the ZDX through the tortuous sections of a canyon road and have it stay on line and not wallow, the layer of relentless refinement still makes itself felt with a slightly remote steering feel and gearshifts, even when initiated manually, that are a touch sluggish in response.

In the base model, which goes without the variable damping system, shock tuning is clearly on the comfort side of the equation, yet the ZDX still acquits itself well on tortuous roads for a 4500-pound vehicle. But comfort and isolation are this car's priorities, and drivers needing a more sharply honed experience should probably look at Acura's RDX, which is lighter and more responsive in challenging terrain.

While it's hard to fault the beautiful 3.7-liter V6 engine's smooth and mellifluous performance in most circumstances, it has to be said that most of its power lives in the higher ranges. Torque isn't bad in the mid-range either, thanks to the VTEC variable valve-event technology, but low-rev urge isn't enough to overwhelm the two tons of luxury equipment without help from the obliging six-speed automatic.

Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 16/23 miles per gallon City/Highway, or 19 mpg Combined.

As for open-road conduct, there isn't much that can waft passengers along with better comfort, quietness and security than these big Acuras. Let's face it, that's what most shoppers in this segment are looking for, and in the ZDX they get it in spades.

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