Acura Discontinues ZDX Electric SUV Production
Acura, Honda's luxury division, has officially halted the production of its ZDX electric SUV, marking a significant shift in its electrification strategy. This decision, influenced by current market dynamics and consumer demand for electric vehicles, comes despite the ZDX being the brand's first all-electric offering. The move underscores a broader industry trend where automakers are recalibrating their EV plans to better align with real-world sales and preferences, moving towards a more diversified approach that integrates hybrid-electric options.
The Acura ZDX, a luxury electric SUV, was born from a collaboration between Honda and General Motors, leveraging GM's Ultium battery technology. While its counterpart, the Honda Prologue SUV, is manufactured in Mexico alongside other GM electric models like the Cadillac Optiq, Chevrolet Blazer EV, and Equinox EV, the ZDX itself was produced in the United States at GM's Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee. This plant also builds the Cadillac Lyriq. Despite this joint venture, the ZDX's journey has been cut short, although Honda has confirmed that production of the Prologue will continue as planned.
Reports from various sources, including Car Dealership Guy and CNBC, confirm that Acura has concluded ZDX production. A spokesperson for the brand stated that this decision was made to better align its product portfolio with customer needs, market conditions, and long-term strategic goals. The ZDX's discontinuation does not signify the end of Acura's electric ambitions, as the brand intends to launch the all-electric Acura RSX, to be produced at the EV Hub in Ohio in the latter half of 2026. Additionally, Acura is actively developing new hybrid-electric models, signaling a more flexible approach to its future lineup.
The ZDX's sales performance has been a critical factor in this decision. In 2024, Acura sold only 7,391 ZDX units in the U.S., contributing to a total of approximately 19,000 models sold since its introduction last year. These figures were only achievable through substantial incentives, with Honda reportedly spending an average of over $21,000 on discounts and promotions for each ZDX sold during the April-June 2025 quarter. This level of incentive spending highlights the challenges faced by the model in a cooling EV market.
The cessation of ZDX production also follows a temporary halt in its manufacturing, which removed it from the 2025 model year lineup. While there were earlier plans to restart production for the 2026 model year, these have now been canceled. Messages conveyed to the Spring Hill plant workers emphasized that this adjustment in production by Honda and GM is a direct response to slower demand for electric vehicles, and it does not reflect any deterioration in the relationship between the two automotive giants.
Acura's shifting strategy was further articulated by American Honda CEO Kazuhiro Takizawa at Monterey Car Week, where he indicated a pivot towards incorporating hybrid-electric vehicles alongside EVs. Takizawa candidly admitted that the initial plan for full electrification was "not realistic" given current consumer preferences. He stressed the need for flexibility, acknowledging that the pace of electrification has been slower than anticipated, necessitating a reevaluation of their approach.
The timing of the ZDX's discontinuation is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the impending end of the $7,500 Federal EV Tax Credit on September 30. While other recent EV cancellations, such as the Nissan Ariya and Ram 1500 REV, have occurred, Acura's long-term electric vehicle plans are not entirely derailed. The brand remains committed to its all-electric future with the upcoming Ohio-made Acura RSX crossover, slated for a late 2026 launch. The ZDX, despite its short run, is acknowledged by Acura as a valuable foundational step in its electrification journey, providing insights and experience that will inform future electric and hybrid models.