It’s been a year since Miami Art Basel 2024, and somehow, that drive still lingers. Maybe it’s because time has a way of clarifying what moments actually matter. Or maybe it’s because some experiences don’t reveal their full weight until you’ve lived a little more life afterward. Either way, when I think back on that trip, one memory rises above the rest: Riding through Miami in the2024 Acura ZDX, getting to know someone who would quickly feel less like a stranger and more like a friend.
Art Basel has a way of throwing people together across multiple disciplines. From creatives to tastemakers and thinkers, everyone moves at the same fast pace. That’s how I met Ashley Bianca Jones. A Miami native and influencer whose work centers on mental health and authenticity, Ashley brought a grounded energy to a city that never stops moving. So what began as a simple ride across town became something quieter and more meaningful: Two people learning from each other in motion.
The Acura ZDX felt like the perfect setting for that kind of connection. Comfortable without being stiff, tech-forward without feeling cold, it allowed the moment to breathe. The Bang & Olufsen sound system delivered a richness that made rapper Trina’s music feel like a live performance, which was fitting, given we were moving through her city. It wasn’t about blasting the volume but more about clarity, intention, and mood.
As we drove, Ashley shared stories about growing up in Miami and how the city shaped her perspective on wellness and balance. I listened, reflected, and shared pieces of my own journey as a Detroit native. The ZDX’s quiet cabin made space for that exchange, while features like wireless Apple CarPlay and the intuitive 10.2-inch Acura Precision Cockpit ensured we stayed connected without distraction. Navigation was seamless, the ride smooth — which matters when you’re hopping between galleries, conversations, and spontaneous detours.
A year later, what I appreciate most about the ZDX is how naturally it supported the experience rather than overpowering it. The turbocharged performance moved us through the city with ease, while the thoughtful interior design kept us present in the moment. Even the subtle details — the spaciousness, the calm of the drive — contributed to the sense that this opportunity, in the form of a test drive, was about connection and the creation of newfound friendships.
Friendships don’t always announce themselves when they begin. Sometimes they unfold in small, shared moments, whether in the form of a drive, a playlist, or an honest conversation. Looking back now, that ride through Miami feels like the foundation of something meaningful, anchored by a vehicle that understood the assignment: Meet the moment, support the connection, and keep moving forward with intention.
One year later, the memory still feels vivid. The city. The music. The conversation. And the 2024 Acura ZDX quietly carrying it all, prove that the best drives aren’t just about where you’re going, but who you’re becoming along the way.
