The 2012 Acura ZDX sees no significant changes for this year, but will 2013 bring new promises? ZDX already offers impressive standard features, including a spacious interior and a slew of tech gadgets such as in-dash infotainment system and various safety features. One drawback many are saying about Acura is that grille. But the Japanese auto maker states their face will change on 2013 models. Will ZDX make the cut?

With a starting price around $46,000, you’d expect this crossover to achieve more than an average MPG rating of 16 City, 23 Highway. But for the lack of mileage, Acura adds in many special features. The ZDX shares its all-wheel-drive undercarriage with MDX, but lowers the roofline, seating only 5 passengers (instead of MDX’s 7). Acura describes ZDX as “a personal sports coupe, a four-door sports coupe and a crossover utility vehicle.” Seems someone can’t make a decision.

Even though an entry level trim ZDX comes well-equipped, the Technology and Advance Packages are some of the key options bringing folks onto Acura dealer lots. Some of those additions include:

Milano leather upholstery, navigation system with real-time traffic information, weather information and maps shown on an 8-inch screen.

The Advance Package adds:

Standard heated, leather power front seats. Standard USB connector and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. Available voice-operated navigation system. Available surround-sound audio system with 15-gigabyte hard drive. Available solar-sensing automatic climate control.

Power for the ZDX comes from a 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 engine, matted to a six-speed automatic transmission. The aforementioned Advance Package adds adaptive cruise control, as well as:

Six-speed automatic allows manual shifts with steering-wheel paddle shifters, along with active damper Integrated Dynamics System.

But there’s that grille / grill. Many are hating on the latest generation of front ends from Acura. The auto maker has heard your cries, and promises to shrink or completely redesign the face of all upcoming models, beginning in 2013. Will ZDX survive? Only time, and sales figures, will tell.

Source: Cars.com

A 3.7 liter V6 is at the highlight of performance upgrades. It’s 300-horsepower contained in Honda’s VTEC system. The 3.7L engine uses VTEC on both the intake and exhaust – all this combined give the vehicle a boost in torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is also newly standard.

The interior hasn’t changed much from last year’s design, except the front seats have a 10-way adjustability system, so you are guaranteed to be comfortable no matter what your height. On the safety side, active head restraints are also newly standard.