Should you drive the Acura ZDX or the Tesla Model Y? Both are premium electric SUVs, giving you some high-quality features that can make driving enjoyable.
The Acura EV is relatively new, only just entering the market, while the Tesla has a strong foothold and has been one of the most popular electric vehicles in the market for the past few years. These two electric vehicles compete head-to-head to be great choices for your driving experience. Let’s take a look and figure out which model has more of what you want.
Pros and Cons of each EV
Acura ZDX
Pros
- Super Cruise by another name
- Quiet ride
- Roomy interior
Cons
- Too much evidence of GM parts inside
- Short on steering feedback
- Type S doesn’t live up to the promise of its badge
Tesla Model Y
Pros
- Roomy in the first and second rows
- Performance model is impressively quick
- The estimated driving range is longer than most rivals
Cons
- Not as fun to drive as the Model 3
- Subpar build quality
- Overly reliant on touchscreen controls
How much power does each electric SUV offer?
Acura ZDX
The Acura ZDX starts you off with a single-motor A-Spec version, which has 358 horsepower to drive the rear wheels. A second motor is optional for the A-Spec version, which boosts the power to 490 horsepower and adds AWD to the mix. The Type S has two electric motors that combine for 499 horsepower. The RWD version can travel for 313 miles on a single charge, while the AWD model gives you 304 miles of range. The Type S is rated at 278 miles of driving range, giving you plenty of distance when you want to take this Acura SUV for a drive.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y has several power setups offered to give you a range of power from 212 to 470 horsepower to give you plenty of power to get the job done. The AWD Long Range models are quick and can hit 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds, making this SUV more fun to drive. The RWD Standard Range model achieves 260 miles of driving range, while the AWD Long Range models reach 310 miles of driving range. If you choose the more powerful Performance model, the driving distance on a full charge drops to 285 miles, making it easy to drive where you want and enjoy the impressive power offered.
The Acura ZDX achieves higher horsepower in the top models than the Tesla Model 3.
Which SUV has a better cabin?
Acura ZDX
Every version of the ZDX comes with two rows of seats and room for five passengers. The influence of GM electric vehicles is present in the ZDX, making it easy to see how some might not think of this electric SUV as a premium-grade model. Despite the GM influence, this Acura SUV has impressive design language and features to make it worthy of the name. You’ll find leather upholstery in every version, along with power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation in the Type S models.
In addition to enjoyable materials and features, the ZDX has an 11.0-inch gauge cluster display and an 11.3-inch infotainment display. This SUV has standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to stay connected while on the road.
Tesla Model Y
The uncluttered look of the Model Y’s interior is attractive and enjoyable. You’ll have a heavily tinted all-glass roof that makes the cabin feel airy and open. You’ll have two rows of seats as part of the standard seating area, but there’s an optional third-row seat that you can add to give you more seating where you need it.
Like most Tesla vehicles, the Model Y has a massive central touchscreen that operates nearly everything in the vehicle. You can interact with this screen to operate the climate system, speedometer, and run apps, including streaming services.
The Tesla Model Y has been a popular choice for its advanced technology, but the Acura ZDX has more of what you’re used to enjoying in a vehicle.
Which electric SUV should you drive?
The Acura ZDX and Tesla Model Y are extremely similar in size, power, seating, and capability but extremely different in terms of style and technology. If you must have Tesla’s advanced tech in your EV, the Model Y is for you, but if you want more mainstream tech for your driving pleasure, the ZDX is what you should drive.
