You walk into an Acura showroom in early 2025, excited about the sleek ZDX you researched online. The salesperson’s face falls. Production ended. What’s left is what’s left. Meanwhile, across town, Chevy dealers are moving Blazer EVs off the lot with fresh inventory and aggressive deals. This tale of two electric SUVs just got complicated.
Here’s the kicker. Both vehicles share the same GM Ultium platform bones. Same 121.8-inch wheelbase. Same Spring Hill Tennessee factory. Yet one brand pulled the plug after just 18 months while the other thrives. I’m here to help you understand why this matters and which choice makes sense for your garage.
Keynote: Acura ZDX vs Chevy Blazer EV
The Acura ZDX versus Chevy Blazer EV comparison reveals platform-sharing siblings with $20,000 price gaps, divergent performance capabilities, and critical tech differences. The discontinued ZDX delivers luxury and dynamics while the thriving Blazer EV offers value and active support for budget-conscious EV shoppers.
The Electric SUV Showdown Nobody Saw Coming
The Plot Twist You Need to Know Right Now
The Acura ZDX? Honda pulled the plug. Production ended in 2025, though dealer inventory still lingers. You’re comparing a discontinued luxury SUV against a thriving Chevy lineup. That changes everything about resale value, parts availability, and long-term peace of mind.
| Vehicle | Production Status | Starting MSRP | Current Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acura ZDX | Discontinued 2025 | $65,850 | Remaining dealer stock only |
| Chevy Blazer EV | Active production | $44,600 | Full lineup available |
Why These Twins Still Deserve Your Attention
Both ride on GM’s Ultium platform. Same bones, different soul. If you find a ZDX you love or you’re weighing used versus new, this guide saves you heartache. The platform sharing means a 102 kWh battery pack, identical wheelbase, and shared manufacturing. Yet the driving experience, tech choices, and ownership realities split hard. I’m here to untangle the mess so you can drive away confident.
Pricing Reality: What Your Wallet Actually Faces
The Sticker Numbers That Make You Flinch
Blazer EV starts at $44,600 for the LT trim. Climb to the RS RWD and you hit $56,170. The performance-focused SS tops out around $60,000. Dealers are dealing right now. Incentives shift weekly. The ZDX started at $65,850 for the A-Spec. The Type S performance model commanded $73,500. Now it’s a “what’s left on the lot” gamble.
| Trim Level | Starting MSRP | Availability | Federal Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blazer EV LT | $44,600 | In stock | Up to $7,500* |
| Blazer EV RS RWD | $56,170 | In stock | Up to $7,500* |
| Blazer EV SS | ~$60,000 | Limited | Up to $7,500* |
| ZDX A-Spec RWD | $65,850 | Dealer stock only | Verify eligibility |
| ZDX Type S | $73,500 | Dealer stock only | Verify eligibility |
*Eligibility varies by income and vehicle qualifications
That $20,000 gap between entry-level models? It’s not just numbers. It’s college fund money. Vacation cash. Breathing room in your monthly budget. The discontinued status of the ZDX adds another wrinkle. Federal tax credit eligibility for remaining inventory needs verification before you sign.
The Hidden Costs That Sneak Up Later
ZDX discontinued means parts uncertainty down the road. Resale value becomes guesswork. Software support raises questions. Will Acura maintain updates for an orphaned model? Nobody knows for sure. The Blazer EV gets active updates. Chevy’s massive dealer network means service appointments won’t require road trips. The long-term ownership picture stays clearer.
Insurance costs tend to run higher on discontinued luxury models. Parts scarcity drives up repair quotes. Chevy’s ongoing production and widespread service network create stability. You’ll find Blazer EV expertise at dealerships nationwide. ZDX service requires Acura-certified techs who may see fewer of these rare birds as years pass.
Range & Charging: The Freedom You’re Actually Buying
How Far You’ll Really Roll on One Charge
Blazer EV RS RWD wins the distance game. EPA rates it at 324 miles. The front-wheel-drive LT manages 312 miles. AWD models drop to 283 miles due to the dual-motor setup. The ZDX A-Spec RWD hits 313 miles. AWD configuration drops to 304 miles. The performance-tuned Type S lands at 278 miles.
| Model | Drivetrain | Battery Size | EPA Range | Real-World Highway (75 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blazer EV LT | FWD | 85 kWh | 312 mi | Not tested |
| Blazer EV RS RWD | RWD | 102 kWh | 324 mi | Not tested |
| Blazer EV RS AWD | AWD | 85 kWh | 283 mi | 200 mi |
| ZDX A-Spec RWD | RWD | 102 kWh | 313 mi | Not tested |
| ZDX A-Spec AWD | AWD | 102 kWh | 304 mi | Not tested |
| ZDX Type S | AWD | 102 kWh | 278 mi | 260 mi |
Real-world driving tells a different story. Shave off 10 to 15 percent for hills, heat, heavy feet, and highway speeds. The critical data? Car and Driver’s 75-mph highway test exposed a shocking gap. The Blazer EV RS AWD traveled just 200 miles. That’s 28 percent below its EPA rating. The ZDX Type S achieved 260 miles. Only 6.5 percent below its official number. For frequent highway drivers, the Acura delivers functionally superior range despite similar EPA ratings.
Plugging In: Speed, Networks, and Your Sanity
Both peak at around 190 kW DC fast charging. Expect 45 to 60 minutes for a proper road trip refill from low to 80 percent. That 10-minute pit stop? You’ll add roughly 80 miles under ideal conditions. Home Level 2 charging with an 11.5 kW onboard charger fills either vehicle overnight.
| Charging Type | Power Output | Time to 80% | Miles Added (10 min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC Fast Charging | Up to 190 kW | 45-60 min | ~80 miles |
| Level 2 Home | 11.5 kW | 8-10 hours | ~40 miles |
| Level 1 (120V) | 1.4 kW | 60+ hours | ~5 miles |
ZDX owners unlock Tesla Superchargers with the Honda and Acura NACS adapter. That’s a game changer for long hauls. Blazer EV gets the same NACS adapter access. Both vehicles use the standard CCS charging port but come with adapters for the newer Tesla network. Google built-in plans your charging stops based on battery level and destination. The software preheats or precools the battery pack for optimal charging speed.
Performance: Quiet Power vs Roaring Punch
The Speed That Makes Your Stomach Drop
Blazer EV SS is the monster waiting in the wings. Chevy claims 557 horsepower. Zero to 60 mph in the low three-second range. But it’s not widely available yet. Current RS AWD models deliver 288 horsepower. Zero to 60 happens in 6.0 seconds. Perfectly adequate. Not thrilling.
| Model | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 mph | Quarter Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blazer EV RS AWD | 288 hp | 333 lb-ft | 6.0 sec | 14.8 sec @ 93 mph |
| ZDX A-Spec AWD | 490 hp | 437 lb-ft | 5.4 sec | Not available |
| ZDX Type S | 500 hp | 544 lb-ft | 4.3 sec | 12.7 sec @ 112 mph |
| Blazer EV SS (announced) | 557 hp | Not listed | ~3.3 sec | Not available |
ZDX Type S brings genuine heat. Five hundred horsepower. Zero to 60 in 4.3 seconds. Quarter mile passes in 12.7 seconds at 112 mph. This is sports car territory wrapped in a luxury SUV body. Even the base A-Spec AWD hits 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. You feel that 490 horsepower punch every time you merge onto the highway.
Ask yourself: do you crave daily adrenaline hits or smooth, confident acceleration? The answer determines which powertrain philosophy fits your life.
How They Handle the Twisty Stuff
ZDX leans into refined, planted cruising. Acura engineers targeted a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. That balance promotes neutral, predictable handling through corners. The Type S adds driver-adjustable air suspension paired with adaptive dampers. You can cruise in comfort mode or firm everything up for spirited driving. Body roll stays minimal.
Blazer EV delivers responsive steering and quicker city reflexes. It feels lighter on its feet despite similar curb weight. The 55/45 front-biased weight distribution is common in mainstream vehicles. Handling stays competent. The strut front and multilink rear suspension absorbs potholes gracefully. It just lacks the ZDX’s sophisticated adjustability.
Objective data backs this up. The ZDX Type S achieved 0.85 g on a 300-foot skidpad test. The Blazer EV RS AWD managed 0.80 g. Both use EV weight and long wheelbase to create stable platforms. The Type S runs on massive 22-inch wheels with 275/40R22 summer tires. That’s serious performance rubber. Standard ZDX models use 20-inch wheels with 265/50-series tires. Blazer EV rolls on 19-inch wheels with taller 255/60-series tires.
Tech & Infotainment: Where Hearts Break or Sing
The Phone Integration Dealbreaker
Here’s where tempers flare and deals die. Blazer EV ditched Apple CarPlay and Android Auto entirely. Google built-in only. Period. GM made a corporate decision. They want control over the digital experience and data. If you live in your phone’s ecosystem, this will haunt every single drive.
“The lack of CarPlay in the Blazer EV is a deal-breaker for iPhone users who rely on familiar apps and seamless integration.” — Automotive tech reviewer
ZDX includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus Google built-in. Total flexibility. You choose your interface. Acura couldn’t afford to alienate luxury buyers who expect this feature across all premium brands. This single difference might matter more to you than horsepower or range. Test both systems with your actual phone and apps before deciding.
Screens, Sounds, and Smart Features
Blazer EV flaunts a massive 17.7-inch landscape touchscreen. It’s the cabin’s futuristic command center. The 11-inch driver display shows speed, range, and navigation. Response times are quick. Graphics look modern. But some controls buried in menus frustrate during driving.
ZDX wraps you in a different experience. An 11.3-inch central touchscreen pairs with an 11-inch driver cluster. Smaller screens, yes. But Acura kept physical buttons for climate and volume. That’s a win for muscle memory. The Bang & Olufsen 18-speaker sound system comes standard across all trims. Immersive, high-fidelity audio makes every drive special.
Blazer EV equips a standard six-speaker system. The optional Bose upgrade on RS trims improves things. But it’s not standard equipment. Both share some GM switchgear underneath. Window switches feel identical. The family resemblance shows if you squint hard enough.
Driver Assistance: When You Need the Car to Think
Hands-Free Cruising Reality Check
Blazer EV offers Super Cruise on select trims. This is GM’s true hands-free highway driving system. It works on pre-mapped highways across North America. Your hands come off the wheel. Your eyes stay on the road. Cameras monitor your attention. It delivers genuine relief on long interstate slogs.
| Feature | ZDX Type S | Blazer EV RS | Blazer EV SS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Keep Assist | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Hands-Free Highway Driving | AcuraWatch 360+ | Super Cruise (optional) | Super Cruise (standard) |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Standard | Standard | Standard |
ZDX Type S includes AcuraWatch 360+ with Hands Free Cruise. It’s the same underlying GM technology with an Acura badge. Base A-Spec models get comprehensive AcuraWatch safety suite without hands-free capability. Both systems include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring.
Remember: these are assistance features. Eyes up. Hands ready. Brain engaged. Always. No system replaces an attentive driver. Cold-weather range degradation affects all EVs. Plan for 20 to 30 percent range loss in freezing temperatures. Neither vehicle includes a heat pump standard, so cabin heating draws directly from battery power.
Space & Comfort: Your Daily Living Room on Wheels
Seats, Cargo, and Family Fit
Both are two-row midsize SUVs. No third row exists. No frunk either. The packaging is straightforward. Five adults fit comfortably. The rear seats fold to expand cargo space. But the ZDX delivers more room where it counts.
| Measurement | Acura ZDX | Chevy Blazer EV |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.7 inches | 192.2 inches |
| Wheelbase | 121.8 inches | 121.8 inches |
| Cargo (seats up) | 29.7 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats down) | 63.0 cu ft | 59.1-60.0 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers | 5 passengers |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
ZDX edges ahead with 29.7 cubic feet behind seats. Blazer trails at 25.5 cubic feet. That’s noticeable when loading groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. Fold the seats and ZDX offers 63.0 cubic feet. Blazer provides roughly 59 to 60 cubic feet. The Blazer’s small rear window gets complaints. Test visibility with your actual parking spots and backup scenarios.
Towing makes a bigger difference than you might expect. ZDX handles 3,500 pounds across all trims. That’s a small boat, pop-up camper, or loaded utility trailer. Blazer EV maxes out at 1,500 pounds. That limits your options to lightweight cargo trailers or small watercraft.
The Luxury Question: Premium Feel or Honest Value?
ZDX delivers nicer leather from the base model up. Milano premium perforated leather wraps heated, ventilated, 12-way power-adjustable front seats. The Type S upgrades to heavily bolstered 16-way sport seats. Soft-touch surfaces cover the dashboard. Fit and finish feel tight. You notice quality in every interaction.
Blazer EV surprises with an airy cabin and bold color options. Ventilated front seats come standard on RS trims. Base models use cloth. Mid-level trims get Evotex synthetic leather. But hard plastics creep into lower trim levels. The materials don’t match the ZDX’s consistent premium feel.
Shared platform means more similarities than either brand wants you noticing. Rear legroom feels generous in both. Front seat comfort ranks high. The ZDX simply wraps everything in higher-grade materials and adds massage functions to justify its luxury positioning.
Ownership Math: The Long Game Beyond the Showroom
Warranties, Service, and Sleep-at-Night Confidence
Blazer EV comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty. The battery gets eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage. That’s industry standard for EVs. Prices often dip below MSRP with dealer incentives. Inventory stays healthy. Service appointments happen at thousands of Chevy dealers nationwide.
| Warranty Type | Acura ZDX | Chevy Blazer EV |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 6 years / 70,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Battery Pack | 8 years / 100,000 miles | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
ZDX offers a four-year or 50,000-mile basic warranty. That extra year matters. The powertrain extends to six years or 70,000 miles. Both vehicles match on battery coverage at eight years or 100,000 miles. But here’s the catch: ZDX discontinued means you must confirm parts pipeline longevity. Will Honda support this orphaned model? Software updates? Dealer network expertise? These questions lack clear answers.
Consumer Reports ranked Acura fourth overall for brand reliability in January 2024. Chevrolet placed 20th. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. But it suggests a higher probability of trouble-free ownership with the Acura nameplate.
The Resale Risk You Can’t Ignore
ZDX resale value is a massive question mark. Production ended after just 18 months. Will buyers care in three years? Will they worry about parts and service? Discontinued luxury vehicles often crater in value faster than active models. You’re gambling on unknowns.
| Factor | Impact on ZDX Resale | Impact on Blazer EV Resale |
|---|---|---|
| Production Status | High risk (discontinued) | Low risk (active) |
| Parts Availability | Uncertain long-term | Strong network |
| Software Updates | Unknown commitment | Ongoing support |
| Market Demand | Limited pool | Growing segment |
Blazer EV benefits from active production and ongoing improvements. Used market trajectory stays clearer. Buyers see a supported vehicle with widespread service. Insurance companies have more data. Banks offer better loan rates on mainstream models. Total cost of ownership includes insurance premiums and depreciation curves. Factor both beyond MSRP comparisons.
Home Level 2 charging requires adequate breaker amperage. Most installations need a dedicated 50-amp circuit. Consult a licensed electrician before purchasing either vehicle. Installation costs range from $500 to $2,000 depending on your electrical panel and garage setup.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Garage?
If You’re Chasing the Blazer EV
You want new-car smell with ongoing support. No orphaned-model anxiety keeping you up at night. The Google built-in ecosystem fits your life. You’ve made peace with losing CarPlay or never used it anyway. Saving $20,000 upfront or monthly matters more than badge prestige.
“For practical buyers focused on range and value, the Blazer EV RS RWD delivers 324 miles and strong tech at a price that undercuts luxury brands significantly.”
Chevy dealers dot your landscape. Service appointments won’t require road trips or specialty shops. You prioritize long EPA range over track-ready performance. The 324-mile RS RWD model fits your needs perfectly. Aggressive dealer incentives sweeten the deal right now.
If the ZDX Still Whispers Your Name
You found one with the right price, mileage, and warranty transfer. The numbers actually work. CarPlay and Android Auto flexibility is non-negotiable for your tech sanity. Luxury touches spark genuine joy every time you slide into the driver’s seat. Premium audio matters. Refined ride quality matters. Performance capability matters.
You’ve verified parts availability and software support expectations locally. Homework done. The four-year warranty provides breathing room. You accept the resale uncertainty as the cost of driving something special. The Type S performance speaks to your soul in ways a spec sheet can’t capture.
The Questions Only You Can Answer
Test both over your real routes. School run. Work commute. Weekend errands. Not dealer loops. Imagine five years ahead. Which choice still feels smart when new-car excitement fades? Trust your gut after doing your homework. Emotion plus data equals clarity. The right answer lives where your priorities meet your budget. Neither vehicle is wrong. One simply fits your life better.
Chevy Blazer EV vs Acura ZDX (FAQs)
Is the Acura ZDX built on the same platform as the Chevy Blazer EV?
Yes, both vehicles share the GM Ultium platform architecture. They use an identical 121.8-inch wheelbase and the same 102 kWh battery pack in their long-range configurations. Manufacturing happens at the same Spring Hill Tennessee facility. The shared bones include suspension mounting points, basic structure, and electrical architecture.
However, Acura applies different tuning, suspension components, interior materials, and exterior design to create a distinct luxury experience. The performance capabilities diverge significantly despite the common foundation.
What is the price difference between Acura ZDX and Blazer EV?
The entry-level Blazer EV LT starts at $44,600 while the base ZDX A-Spec RWD began at $65,850 before discontinuation. That’s roughly a $21,000 gap. The spread narrows at higher trims. Blazer EV SS approaches $60,000. The ZDX Type S topped out at $73,500. Current pricing depends on remaining dealer inventory for the discontinued ZDX. Blazer EV prices benefit from active dealer incentives and competition. Federal tax credit eligibility adds another variable worth up to $7,500 depending on income and vehicle qualifications.
Does Acura ZDX have better warranty than Blazer EV?
Yes, the ZDX provides superior warranty coverage. Acura offers four years or 50,000 miles of basic coverage compared to Chevrolet’s three years or 36,000 miles. Powertrain warranty extends to six years or 70,000 miles on the ZDX versus five years or 60,000 miles on the Blazer EV. Both match on battery pack coverage at eight years or 100,000 miles. The extra year of basic coverage on the ZDX adds peace of mind. However, the discontinued status creates uncertainty about long-term parts availability and software update commitment that offsets some warranty advantages.
Can Acura ZDX use Tesla Superchargers with adapter?
Yes, the Acura ZDX can access Tesla’s Supercharger network using the NACS adapter provided by Honda and Acura. The vehicle comes standard with a CCS charging port. The adapter bridges compatibility with Tesla’s charging infrastructure. This significantly expands charging options on road trips. The Blazer EV receives the same NACS adapter capability. Both vehicles peak at approximately 190 kW DC fast charging speed regardless of network. Charging time from 10 to 80 percent takes 45 to 60 minutes under ideal conditions at high-power stations.
Why was Acura ZDX discontinued after 18 months?
Honda ended ZDX production due to expiring federal tax credit eligibility combined with slow sales relative to expectations. The $65,850 starting price positioned it above mainstream EV competitors. Platform sharing with the cheaper Blazer EV created value perception challenges. The Honda Prologue, built on the same Ultium platform and priced lower, actually outsold the ZDX.
Changing federal incentive rules made the vehicle less competitive. Limited marketing investment and a small dealer network compared to Tesla, Ford, and Chevrolet hindered momentum. The discontinued status doesn’t reflect fundamental product flaws but rather challenging market positioning and timing issues.