Priced: 2010 Acura ZDX

TORRANCE, California — Honda's all-new 2010 Acura ZDX luxury crossover will start at $46,305 when it goes on sale officially on December 15. The price includes an $810 shipping charge.

The ZDX is one of two new CUVs for 2010 from the Japanese automaker, the other being the Honda Accord Crosstour. The ZDX is likely to square off against the BMW X6.

Honda notes that the ZDX, which was formally unveiled earlier this year at the 2009 New York Auto Show, was designed and developed in North America and is being built here as well.

The 2010 ZDX is being offered in three trim levels. In addition to the base model, a Technology package boosts the sticker to $50,805, while the ZDX with Advance package is priced at $56,855.

The Technology package bundles a navigation system, an upgraded audio system, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate controls and smart key with push-button start.

The Advance package builds on the Technology package, adding blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigating brakes, active damping, heated/ventilated front seats with perforated leather and a sport steering wheel.

The all-wheel-drive ZDX is powered by a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 that is rated by the EPA at 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 23 mpg on the highway.

Inside Line says: We're hoping the unfortunate "sport utility coupe" movement begins and ends with BMW and Acura. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent