By: Peter Gregorian
April 21, 2025
The 2025 Acura ZDX Type S marks the luxury brand’s ambitious foray into the all-electric performance SUV segment. Developed in partnership with General Motors and built on the Ultium platform, the ZDX Type S aims to balance premium comfort with exhilarating performance, as many have come to expect from a Type S–badged product. Thanks to Acura Canada, we had the opportunity to test the 2025 Acura ZDX Type S in Double Apex Blue Pearl paint for a week. In some areas, the ZDX appears a compelling choice in the segment, while in others it ultimately falls short of the Type S performance pedigree that Acura enthusiasts have come to expect.
Acura has struck a fine balance between eye-catching aesthetics and refined elegance with the ZDX Type S. The bold front fascia, sharp LED lighting signature, and sculpted lines give it a futuristic yet recognizable Acura identity. Unlike some rivals that venture into overly aggressive styling, the ZDX maintains a sleek and sophisticated look, enhanced by large 22-inch wheels and a well-proportioned stance. It’s a design that commands attention without appearing too flamboyant—an important factor for luxury buyers seeking distinction without excess.
Inside, the 2025 ZDX Type S offers a plush, well-insulated cabin finished in Ebony Leather and Ultrasuede. Thanks to double-paned windows, road noise is reduced to a minimum, creating a quiet and calming experience. The seats are generously padded and supportive, offering ample space for both front and rear passengers. The 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system impresses with crystal-clear audio quality, delivering a luxurious auditory experience.
Cargo space is generous, with 813L (28.7 cubic feet) behind the rear seats and 1,756L (62 cubic feet) when they’re folded down—making the ZDX practical for families hauling groceries or hockey equipment.
One area where Acura purists may take issue is the heavy GM influence. Several interior components and technologies—including the 11.3-inch infotainment display and Super Cruise hands-free driving system—feel more borrowed than bespoke. While functional, not all features work as seamlessly as expected. The front seat adjustments, for example, operated intermittently through both physical and touchscreen controls. Button placement for key functions—such as ride height and drive mode selection—could also be more intuitive.
The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its menu navigation could be more user-friendly. Gauge cluster customization is limited compared to other Acura models, leaving information-hungry drivers wanting more. One minor but persistent annoyance is the hard-to-find garage door opener buttons. On a positive note, the inclusion of both a physical and digital rearview mirror adds flexibility, and Super Cruise performs well for long-distance highway driving.
Powering the ZDX Type S is a dual-motor setup producing 500 horsepower and 544 lb-ft. of torque. For a vehicle weighing roughly 2,710 kilograms (5,973 pounds), acceleration is brisk. Its 0–100km/h time comes in under five seconds—quick for a mid-size luxury SUV—but it doesn’t quite deliver the seat-pinning drama some may expect from a Type S.
The Adaptive Air Suspension—which comes standard—is well-dampened and excels at absorbing road imperfections. Ride quality is comfortable and composed, though even in Sport mode the setup feels relatively soft. This tuning may disappoint performance-minded drivers expecting sharper dynamics. The steering feel, however, is a highlight—precise and responsive, giving the ZDX surprising agility for its size.
With a range of up to 489 kilometers on a full charge, the 2025 ZDX Type S is competitive in its segment. Efficiency is commendable, allowing for extended drives without significant range anxiety. Regenerative braking is strong and enables smooth one-pedal driving. That said, Level 1 charging is extremely slow, and even with a 30-amp Level 2 charger, replenishing the 102kWh battery takes considerable time. For road trips, access to DC fast charging is essential. Additionally, the charge port lacks a locking feature, meaning the cable can be unplugged by anyone—a small but notable security oversight.
Pricing for the 2025 Acura ZDX Type S in Canada starts at approximately $89,215, positioning it as the top-tier trim. It commands a premium over the entry-level A-Spec, which starts around $84,990, but offers larger wheels, sportier design cues, and upgraded performance. Still, when measured against rivals like the BMW iX xDrive50, the ZDX Type S faces stiff competition in both dynamic performance and interior luxury.
The 2025 Acura ZDX Type S gets a lot right—comfort, quietness, and design chief among them. The steering is engaging, the ride is refined, and the Bang & Olufsen system is a standout. The available range and efficiency help it shine as a daily driver or long-haul cruiser. But for those chasing the thrills typically promised by the Type S badge, this electric SUV may not deliver the high-performance feel that has traditionally defined the nameplate.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Midsize electric SUV
Powertrain: Dual-motor all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 500 horsepower
Torque: 544 lb-ft.
Battery Capacity: 102kWh
Range: Up to 489 km
Observed Efficiency: N/A
Cargo Capacity: 813L (seats up), 1,756L (seats folded)
Curb Weight: 2,710 kilograms (5,973 pounds)
Base Price: $89,215 CAD
As-Tested Price: $89,215 CAD
Read more electric SUV reviews on Driveman.ca:
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS AWD
2024 Volvo C40 Recharge
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Premium