Compare the2024 Subaru SolterraVS 2024 Acura ZDX

The Solterra has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The ZDX doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the Solterra. But it costs extra on the ZDX.

The Solterra’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The ZDX doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Solterra and the ZDX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The Subaru Solterra has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The ZDX has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Subaru’s powertrain warranty covers the Solterra 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Acura covers the ZDX. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the ZDX ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 2 times as many Subaru dealers as there are Acura dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Solterra’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Acura vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 10 more problems per 100 vehicles, Acura is rated lower.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Acura With 18 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Subaru higher than Acura.

On the EPA test cycle the Solterra gets better mileage than the ZDX:

For better stopping power the Solterra’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the ZDX:

For better maneuverability, the Solterra’s turning circle is 2.9 feet tighter than the ZDX’s (36.7 feet vs. 39.6 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Solterra has a 1.3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the ZDX (8.3 vs. 7 inches), allowing the Solterra to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Subaru Solterra may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1050 to 1550 pounds less than the Acura ZDX.

The Solterra is 1 foot, 1.1 inches shorter than the ZDX, making the Solterra easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Solterra uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The ZDX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Solterra has 1 inch more front headroom, .7 inches more front legroom and 1 inch more rear headroom than the ZDX.

The Solterra has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the ZDX with its rear seat folded (63.5 vs. 63 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Acura. J.D. Power ranks Subaru 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 7% lower rating, Acura is ranked 9th.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Solterra Limited/Touring has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The ZDX doesn’t offer cornering lights.