Those interested in stunning performance from an all-electric SUV often end up comparing Acura ZDX vs. Tesla Model Y models. As midsize EVs with both rear- and all-wheel powertrain options, they have a lot in common. However, they look, feel, and drive differently. To help you figure out which one should take up the waiting space in your garage, join us in analyzing the specs of these two SUVs. You can also talk directly to our team at Chevy Chase Acura.
Acura ZDX vs. Tesla Model Y Specs
For electric vehicles, the most important spec is range. How far can each of these SUVs go before they need to be recharged? That answer is 313 miles1 for the 2024 Acura ZDX. For the 2024 Tesla Model Y, it is 310 miles.2 While this is not a large difference, we still have to give this one to the Acura model.
Of course, both vehicles also come with alternative powertrains:
- Acura A-Spec AWD: 304 miles1
- Acura Type S/Type S Performance Wheel & Tire: 278 miles1
- Tesla Model Y Performance: 279 miles2
- Tesla Model Y RWD: 260 miles2
However, it generally seems that when comparing Acura ZDX vs. Tesla Model Y range, the Acura model can go further.
| 2024 Acura ZDX | 2024 Tesla Model Y | |
| Horsepower (Single Motor) | 358 hp | 295 hp3 |
| Torque (Single Motor) | 324 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft3 |
| Horsepower (Dual Motor) | 490-500 hp | 384-456 hp3 |
| Torque (Dual Motor) | 437-544 lb-ft | 375-497 lb-ft3 |
| EPA-Estimated Range | 278-313 miles | 260-310 miles |
| Length | 197.7 in | 187 in |
| Height | 64.4 in | 64 in |
| Passengers | 5 | 5-7 |
| Standard Wheels | 20 in | 19 in |
| Towing | 3,500 lbs4 | 3,500 lbs5 |
Acura ZDX vs. Tesla Model Y Exterior
If you glanced across the street at these two SUVs, it would be easy to spot which one is which. The Acura model has a more traditional, boxy SUV shape, while the Tesla Model Y tapers down towards the back to give it an almost sedan-like profile. While the Tesla model has a heavily tinted all-glass roof, the Acura ZDX comes with a standard panoramic moonroof with a tilt-and-slide function, so you can let in a fresh breeze if you want to.
Sitting on 20- or 22-inch wheels, the Acura model enjoys 7 inches of ground clearance. Long Range AWD models from the Tesla Model Y lineup come up short with only 6.8 inches of ground clearance, and 19-, 20-, or 21-inch wheels are available.
Acura ZDX vs. Tesla Model Y Interior
Like the Acura ZDX, the majority of the Tesla Model Y options contain two rows with five seats. However, the Long Range AWD model can fit up to seven if that's important for your family. However, you will have to balance the need for more seats against the need for more cargo space. With seven seats in use in the Tesla Model Y, you will only have 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row for groceries or bags. The Acura SUV has 28 cubic feet behind its rearmost seats.
While personal preferences are the only way to decide who is the winner when comparing Acura ZDX vs. Tesla Model Y cabins, the Acura ZDX is more traditionally luxurious, with standard Milano premium leather-trimmed upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and an 18-speaker B&O® sound system. While the Tesla Model Y used to offer a 13-speaker sound system standard, they've downgraded this feature for the 2024 model year, starting customers off with a seven-speaker system. These SUVs also come with synthetic leatherette seating, which can be heated but not ventilated.
In many cases, the best way to know what vehicle will feel right for you is to take your top options for a test drive. When you slide behind the driver's seat of both vehicles, take note of the increased shoulder room in the Acura model in both the first and second rows.
Acura ZDX vs. Tesla Model Y Safety Features
Tesla automakers are famously proud of the preventative safety measures embedded into their vehicles. So are Acura designers. Just as Forward Collision Warning, Active Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Avoidance all come standard in the Tesla model, so, too, do they appear in every version of the Acura ZDX. Available semi-autonomous driving capabilities like Hands-Free Cruise and Automatic Parking Assist are also optional for those who want something like Tesla AutoPilot or AutoPark.
Closely related to safety in the minds of many drivers is reliability. J.D. Power awarded the 2024 Tesla Model Y an "Average" Quality & Reliability rating score of 70.6 However, we must wait a little longer to call a winner in the Tesla vs. Acura reliability battle, as the 2024 Acura ZDX has yet to be scored as of this writing in March 2024.7 Please refresh this page after the official 2024 Acura ZDX and ZDX Type S release date later this year to see who comes out on top.
Feel the Sparks With an Acura ZDX
We hope our electric SUV comparison has been useful for those debating the Acura ZDX vs. Tesla Model Y. If you believe the Acura model is the EV most equipped to add comfort, convenience, and luxury to your regular driving routine, we invite you to reserve your 2024 Acura ZDX now. If you still have questions, feel free to contact our team at Chevy Chase Acura. We love discussing Acura ZDX battery range and the advantages of picking an Acura electric SUV over a gas-powered vehicle. For example, you'll no longer need to worry about oil changes or stopping by the gas station to fuel up.
We can also discuss the way our Acura offers can help you save on the cost of your new family-friendly ride, as well as the potential for federal tax credits for this exciting EV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the Acura ZDX?
The 2024 Acura ZDX can travel up to 313 miles1 in its entry-level trim, which utilizes a 358-horsepower single-motor system and RWD. Other powertrain options are also available. You can get up to 304 miles1 in the A-Spec AWD trim, which relies on a 490-horsepower dual-motor setup. The Type S high-performance model delivers up to 500 horsepower and 278 miles of range.1
Is Tesla Model Y bigger than the Acura ZDX?
The 2024 Acura ZDX is larger than the Tesla Model Y at 197.7 inches long. The Tesla SUV is 187 inches long. While front-row legroom is almost identical in both vehicles, the Acura model offers 59 inches of first-row shoulder room compared to 56.4 in the Tesla Model Y. The second row also favors the Acura SUV at 58 versus 54 inches.
What are the key differences in performance between the Acura ZDX and the Tesla Model Y?
The Acura ZDX is a five-seater all-electric SUV that can drive up to 278-313 miles on a single charge,1 depending on your chosen powertrain. The Tesla Model Y can come either as a five- or seven-seater EV with an EPA-estimated 260-310-mile range.2 Despite always having two rows, the Acura ZDX is also the larger vehicle.
1Anticipated combined (city/highway) 313-mile EPA driving range rating for ZDX A-Spec single-motor configuration with a full charge based on internal testing; ZDX A-Spec dual-motor configuration – anticipated 304-mile rating; ZDX Type S and ZDX Type S w/Perf. Wheel & Tire – anticipated 278-mile rating. Use for comparison purposes only. Your driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery-pack age/condition and other factors.
2Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov
3According to MotorTrend. This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information.
4Towing requires the addition of the Acura accessory trailer hitch and hitch ball. Please see your Acura dealer for details. Added cargo weight in the vehicle may reduce max towing capacity, see Owners Guide for details.
5When properly equipped with optional Towing Package. Required accessories for towing vary by model. See Owner's Manual for details.
6According to the J.D. Power. This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information.
7According to the J.D. Power. This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information.