Acura ZDX trim comparison
2024 Acura ZDX Base vs Type S
The ZDX Base starts at $64,500 while the Type S is $73,500. That $9,000 gap buys 5 meaningful differences.
The Type S adds AWD instead of RWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $9,000 by itself. If not, the Base saves you the money.
The Base is the cleaner fit if RWD already covers the job. The Type S only earns the extra money when AWD is the reason you are shopping up.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $158/month more over 60 months, or roughly $9,480 extra all-in once interest is included. The real question is whether AWD changes your day-to-day use enough to justify paying above RWD.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
The Base and Type S are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 1-speed direct drive transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $9,000 for 4 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,250 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 5 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Base | Type S |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $64,500 | $73,500 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | electric | electric |
| Horsepower | 358 hp | 500 hp |
| Torque | 324 lb-ft | 544 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPGe | 96 | No published data |
| Highway MPGe | 83 | No published data |
| Combined MPGe | 90 | No published data |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $850/yr | No published data |
| EV Specs | ||
| EV Range | 313 mi | No published data |
| Energy Use | 91.1 kWh/100mi | No published data |
| Charge Time (240V) | 11.0 hrs | 11.0 hrs |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 5,421 lbs | 6,052 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 121.8" | 121.8" |
| Length | 197.7" | 197.7" |
| Width | 77.0" | 77.0" |
| Height | 64.4" | 64.4" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 6yr/70k | 6yr/70k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Acura ZDX Base vs Type S Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Acura ZDX lineup, the Acura brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 ZDX Type S cost than the Base?
The Type S starts at $73,500 compared to $64,500 for the Base. That is a $9,000 difference, or approximately $158/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Acura ZDX Base and Type S have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the electric producing 358 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2024 ZDX Base come with AWD?
No. The Base comes standard with RWD while the Type S has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2024 ZDX Base or Type S safer?
Both share the same Acura ZDX platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Acura ZDX come with?
All 2024 Acura ZDX trims, including both the Base and Type S, come with Acura's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 6yr/70k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S worth $9,000 more than the Base?
The $9,000 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the ZDX Type S Worth $9,000 More?
Spending $9,000 more on the ZDX Type S buys horsepower, torque, and AWD. These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
The Type S produces 142 more hp. That is enough to feel in every merge and every pass. 220 more lb-ft for the Type S. A noticeable difference in low-end acceleration. AWD on the Type S means better grip in bad weather. If you live somewhere with mild winters, the Base's RWD may be fine.
Bottom Line
The ZDX Type S costs $9,000 more than the Base (about $158/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 4 meaningful changes at $2,250 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Acura ZDX Base
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Base best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Acura ZDX Type S
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Type S when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Acura or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.