Ascension

Yesterday, I acquired a ZDX, after lusting for one for over a decade. If you haven't read my journey with Acura vehicles, my first ownership experience started in 2021.Let's first rewind back to 2009/2010. I used to work at an Acura dealership. I drove these cars back then, that I've been acquiring and experiencing these past couple of years.

3/2021:
2007 Acura TL Type-S 5AT - my first Acura, and the best FWD vehicle that I've had the pleasure to drive yet.

5/2022:
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD Tech 6AT - it took the 3G TL experience to another level, and I fell in love with everything about the platform.

11/2022:
2011 Acura TL SH-AWD Tech 6MT - the next logical step was to experience the elusive 6MT, which is the best manual transmission I've driven yet. It's a pure euphoric driving sensation with every, single shift.

4/2023:
2013 Acura TL SH-AWD Tech 6AT - I wanted another 6AT because it's literally the most perfect overall daily driver.

8/2023:
2010 Acura ZDX Tech - another elusive vehicle that has always seemed fascinating. It's now time to find out if the ZDX is a worthy contender as the best overall daily driver to the 4G TL.

I've only had the car for a day, and I need to address a few issues over the coming weeks. After that, I intend to push the ZDX to its limits, just as I have done so with all of the previous cars. However, first impressions are baffling. The size and weight of this vehicle do not prevent it from performing magnificently. Its suspension is firm, the engine roars differently compared to the 4G TL, and body roll is miniscule. In other words: I fucking love it! I will report back after the issues are addressed, and the car is in optimal condition for hooning. I am in the camp that loves the way the ZDX looks. It's strikingly unique, even in 2023. It's a rare enough car that its presence is boosted whenever it's spotted. There's another car that's rarer than the ZDX, which I also acquired earlier this year. I have seen other ZDX's in recent months, however, I haven't seen another IS F in a long time.

5/2023:
2008 Lexus IS F - another dream car that became a reality. It's the best performing vehicle that I've owned yet, in acceleration, and in handling.

I'll continue to update this thread as I drive the ZDX more. This is the only picture that I have at the moment:

ZDXAdvFTW

Nice pickup. I like that red. You rarely see it but it’s nice.

zdxsr

We knew you would! Welcome to the club.

Ascension

Some noticeable differences after about 300 miles of driving, compared to the TL:

-the ZDX's leather is of a higher, more premium quality
-the sound system sounds better, and this may be due to the different cabin layout
-the driver's cockpit is quite smaller, for my stature
-the ZDX does NOT have the TL's thick steering wheel
-the ZDX is quieter acoustically, overall
-Average MPG is ~20.8, which is about 5 MPG less than the TL
-different shift points due to the ~400 lb increase
-roars differently on WOT

The ZDX becomes more and more aesthetically pleasing to the eyes every time that I see it. The OEM rims are really starting to grow on me, as well. I love the extra cargo space inside, as I drive with the rear seats folded down. The ZDX has a special feeling, as opposed to the TL, due to the different layout. I'll begin calling it the "Monster TL."

Yesterday, I had brand new tires mounted, balanced, and had an alignment performed. I decided to increase the size of the sidewall, from 50 to 55, to make it a bit more resilient with the poor Ohio roads. I was also convinced to try out a new tire: Laufenn. Apparently, this is a sub-brand of Hankook, which I've had positive experiences with in the past. After about 40 miles on the new tires, the ZDX's improved NVH mitigation is discernible over the TL's. It will take a couple of weeks to sort out the remainder of parts that must be replaced, before I push the ZDX to its limits. I still need to replace all of the brake pads, brake rotors, and all fluids before I begin driving hard. I will take some quality pictures this upcoming weekend, as I haven't had a chance yet due to the intense rainfall that we've been receiving lately. I also ordered yellow DRL bulbs, yellow fog light bulbs, reverse LED bulbs, and LED license plates bulbs in the meantime.



I'm going to hunt down a 2012-2014 TL SH-AWD steering wheel. From my searches, it seems that the FWD TL does not have the thick steering wheel. There's a drastic difference in the thickness, and I heavily prefer the TL SH-AWD's thickness over the ZDX's. I assume that the steering wheel will be a direct bolt on.

It will take a couple of months to arrive at the conclusion if the ZDX can overthrow the TL as the best overall daily driver. The biggest advantage that it has over the TL is the extra ground clearance and larger tires. Potholes and road deformities are no longer as big of an issue in the ZDX. I'll update again once I have driven some more.

Ascension

After reading, and looking at pictures, it seems that the Advanced ZDX received the thicker steering wheel, which is defined as the "sport steering wheel." I will have to find one because it makes quite a difference. For some reason, most of my mp3 files from my USB stick are unplayable in the ZDX, whereas they function in the TL's. So, I will need to look into that matter. I managed to take some pictures today.

dynodan

I had the same problem with USB stick. Luckily, my classic (HD) iPod works fine. Love the color. Reminds me of the (slightly darker) maroon available on the ‘57 Continental. Bet it looks great at night.

Ascension

I love not having to be as attentive to road conditions in the ZDX due to the sidewall and ground clearance leniency. I definitely prefer the aesthetics of the ZDX over the TL. I haven't used the cargo space as of yet, however, I'm eager to utilize it to its maximum capacity. There were a multitude of moments in the TL where I wish that I had more cargo capacity in the past year.

After 1,000 miles, my average fuel consumption is 20.7 MPG. In the past few days, I've gone WOT countless times. Even though it's still too early to tell, this engine doesn't seem to be burning oil thus far.

Ascension

I managed to find these for sale, so I purchased them.

Ascension

I've had the ZDX for just over two weeks now. I've finally sorted out every issue, and it's as close to new as it will become with brand new tires, brakes, fluids, and filters. I've pushed the ZDX tonight to find the limits, and the limits are very high... I feel that I can keep up with the TL throughout a turn... Sensational. I love the ZDX more so than the TL.

ZDXAdvFTW

Get chunkier tires.. would make alot of difference.

Ascension

Ascension

I've acquired a sport steering wheel recently, and will swap it in tomorrow. To me, the extra thickness makes a noticeable difference.

Ascension

It really doesn't make sense... According to other posts and threads, the ZDX doesn't play MP3 files past a certain bitrate. All three of the TL's played MP3 files at 320kbps; all of my files from my USB drive. The ZDX skips over half of them as "unplayable files."

TKoos

Super great photos!
It's been quite a while (like 20 years or so) since I was into MP3, but can you see some kind of pattern about the files not playing vs the ones that do? VBR etc?
Oh, as you are equipped with a camera - I would love to see the interior behind your fuel fill door. I have a feeling that my "grommet" should be twisted either to 12 or 9 a clock but I'm hesitant to use more force. Please see attached picture (Plastic thingy A)

Ascension

What does VBR stand for? I took a picture for you:

Ascension

Today, I finally used the ZDX's cargo capacity to haul two car seats. There was more than enough room to fit them inside. The ZDX is a lifted, two seater 4G TL, with extra cargo capacity. It's essentially an enclosed TL Ute.

I haven't been able to discern if the MP3 files that I have are VBR, or not, as of yet. I used an online Youtube to MP3 converter to convert songs and CD's to 320kbps. I just find it extremely unusual that the flagship model doesn't support 320kbps, when the pre-facelift 4G TL does.

Ascension

I managed to use Apple Music to convert a portion of my music library to AAC format, and these files now play in the ZDX. It was a hassle that shouldn't have been necessary.

I've reached a conclusion:

If you can only have one vehicle, then I believe the 4G TL SH-AWD is the most proficient vehicle as a daily driver. The question of 6AT or 6MT would be determined by individualistic needs.

If you can have multiple vehicles, then I believe the ZDX is the most proficient vehicle as a daily driver. Ideally, another vehicle would contribute as a dedicated sports car.

DJ Iceman

I believe I have taken your advice.

John Luu

If you're having all these problems, why not just update the headunit to something with apple carplay or android auto?

Ascension

I have acquired a set of Diamond Cut rims today. It will probably take about a month until they will actually be installed on the car. I've only seen a handful of pictures of ZDX's with these rims, so they should look superb on Dark Cherry Pearl.

Ascension

I've been researching tires extensively recently, as I want a higher caliber tire for the Diamond Cut rims. I should be making my choice soon enough.

I've been cruising quite a bit lately. After over 3,600 miles in the ZDX, my average MPG is 20.3. It's superior to the TL in terms of comfort, and I absolutely love its aesthetics more, as well.

Ascension

I purchased some DVD-Audio CD's, and it appears not all are created equal. Only the CD on the right functions in the ZDX. From what I just read, only the larger jewel cased CD's function with the ELS system. The three on the left do not.

dynodan

The selection of music available in that specific recording medium is quite limited. Nothing to my taste demonstrated the system’s advantages as well as the Acura demo DVD/CD included with the car when new.

Ascension

I have ordered the tires that I have decided on. I anticipate that they will be mounted on the Diamond Cut rims within the next two weeks. I look forward to testing them out since the reviews make them sound extraordinary.

Ascension

This will be the only "performance" modification that the ZDX receives. I will weigh, both the stock and Diamond Cut wheels, to find out how much of a weight difference there is.

Ascension

The weight difference in rotational mass has made quite an impact on driving. Initial impressions while driving normally are that the car accelerates quicker from a standstill, meaning it doesn't feel as heavy/sluggish, and that turn ins are easier/lighter. I will go for a proper cruise later and test out some WOT's and hard turns.

Ascension

Rotational mass must also affect engine braking, as it's less prominent now with the lighter wheels. These tires grip well in the dry. I'm excited to test them during the rain and snow, as well.

dynodan

Never realized before how noticeable a reduction in un-sprung weight would be. Likely why (aside from cosmetics) mag wheels became such a popular custom feature back in the 50’s.

robpp

iTrader: (2)

Ive had the Cross Climate on my ZDX for over 25,000 miles. All good!

LC-TL2002

When I decided to purchase rims, I changed the size of the rims and tires. I purchased Latitude Tour HPs almost 4 years ago (Jan 2020). I've only put just over 20K miles on those tires and they are still holding up pretty well. The tire size is 275/40 R20s.

Rusty hubs and calipers


After the brake caliper and hub paint job.

Ascension

I'm heavily considering taking the ZDX down to TN to tackle The Tail of the Dragon. It'd be about an 1,100 mile roundtrip. I've never been before, and this would be the most opportune moment since the ZDX is completely freshened up.

I took the TL to Ohio's version of The Tail of the Dragon in July, and it was stellar.
https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-2.../#post16897333

The ZDX is more comfortable than the TL, so the mundane drive to arrive at the Dragon would be effortless. The real fun would begin once I'm there. I'll update once I've determined that I'm set on going.

dynodan

Good opportunity to check oil consumption. My 2012 typically used a quart between changes, but now at 85K it is up to 1.5 qts.

Ascension

All of the vehicles with the J37 that I've had up this point have all burned oil.
1) 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 6AT
2) 2011 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT
3) 2013 Acura TL SH-AWD 6AT
4) 2010 Acura ZDX

I'm accustomed to checking my oil level every other day, or so. Due to experience with my previous vehicles, I check my oil level, coolant level, and tire pressures. The TPMS has been quite accurate, so that helps shorten the timeframe for keeping the cars in check. I've never had a brand new vehicle, so this is all "normal" to me.

Ascension

I just arrived back home from my trip to The Tail of the Dragon. I'll create a new thread outlining my experience, after I look over and edit the pictures I took.

$208.02 in fuel is all it cost for the entire trip in the ZDX.

Ascension

Thanks to @rockstar143 's help, I recently upgraded my camera to a DSLR. I have a lot to learn since it's vastly different than the Lumix point-and-shoot that I was using. These are the first two preliminary pictures, though.

Ascension

I'm trying to learn, however, I still have no idea what I'm doing.

Ascension

Cleveland received an adequate amount of snow today, enough to cover the roads entirely. I experienced the ZDX with the CrossClimate2, and the tires are superb even in the snow. These tires are worthy of the excellent TireRack reviews. The ZDX is the heaviest vehicle I've had yet, and stopping in the snow requires some finesse. Aside from stopping, it's a tank. I'm so glad to experience this combination.

Ascension

I recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, especially for its camera. It is highly regarded as one of the top cell phone cameras. Unfortunately, I don't believe that it compares to a DSLR.

Ascension

In cities like Cleveland, the extra ground clearance and extra tire sidewall of the ZDX platform, has to be the optimal choice. I infer that the sidewall makes a bigger difference than the ground clearance does. 55mm vs. 40mm sidewall, and 7.9" vs. 5.7" ground clearance. I crossed the 180,000 milestone yesterday.

I've been hooning more frequently in the ZDX recently. Average MPG is in the 19's now. For a 4,400 lb vehicle, it's still fun to push on the streets. The difference in the tune on the ZDX, compared to the one in the TL, can be felt. The ZDX still moves, and pushes you back in the seat. SH-AWD, in combination with the Michelin CrossClimate2 tires, is euphoria. From this point forward, I'm only going to be purchasing highly rated, premium tires.

ZDX:
Horsepower 300 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Torque 270 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm

TL SH-AWD:
Horsepower 305 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Torque 273 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm


Honestly, I've had fun in every single vehicle that I've had. The car that can be stated as the "shittiest" one, was a 1999.5 VW Jetta TDI, and I had fun cruising around even in that for several years. I found some pictures of my previous cars:

Ascension

I've been reading about the RLX Sport Hybrid over the last several hours. I want one! It's slightly lighter than the ZDX, with much more power. The underrated power is intriguing. Hooning in the ZDX has been a blast, so I can only imagine how much more profound the RLX Sport Hybrid must feel.