2025 Honda ZR-V assessment | CarExpert

The Honda ZR-V isn’t the apparent selection for a smaller mid-sized SUV, however it’s not instantly clear why.

Certain, there are higher sellers within the mid-sized SUV phase just like the Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage, which each have better breadth of their respective mannequin ranges.

The ZR-V, in the meantime, is much less fashionable and and neither is it essentially the most reasonably priced, whereas its styling is bound to polarise for one purpose or one other.

Certainly, it chalked up simply 4092 gross sales for everything of 2024, in comparison with the 22,835 and 22,210 recorded by the CX-5 and Sportage respectively.

That sees the ZR-V slot in between the HR-V and CR-V not solely by way of dimension but additionally gross sales throughout the Japanese model’s native SUV lineup. Final yr the HR-V discovered 3350 new houses in Australia, whereas the CR-V racked up 5547 gross sales.

Nonetheless, there’s quite a bit to love concerning the ZR-V when you begin delving into the spec sheets. It’s primarily based on Honda’s Civic hatchback, which is significantly dearer.

The long-running small hatch is hybrid-only, whereas the ZR-V is obtainable in three petrol variants and a top-shelf hybrid flagship, which makes it extra accessible price-wise.

There aren’t lots of normal options lacking regardless of the lower cost both, and you continue to get the identical high quality inside seen within the Civic and most of its important security tools.

On take a look at right here is the range-opening Honda ZR-V VTi X+, which has no hybrid tech and is the one variant with an inventory value beneath $40,000. Does it need to promote higher, or is its unpopularity justified?

How a lot does the Honda ZR-V value?

The VTi X+ opens the ZR-V vary at $37,900 drive-away.

Its most direct rival is the Mazda CX-5, which ranges in value from $36,950 to $55,000 earlier than on-road prices and is obtainable with three engine configurations and both front- or all-wheel drive, however with no hybrid help.

The ZR-V can be in contrast in opposition to the Skoda Karoq, priced from $39,990 to $56,590 earlier than on-roads. Just like the Mazda it’s accessible with each front- and all-wheel drive and no hybrid tech, although with solely two engines.

It additionally differs from the Honda with its inclusion of both a torque converter or dual-clutch automated transmission as an alternative of a constantly variable transmission (CVT).

To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device

What’s the Honda ZR-V like on the within?

Clear, easy, and classically Honda.

By way of format, every thing simply is smart. Which means you gained’t spend an excessive amount of time making an attempt to get used to all of it, and Honda’s rock-solid construct high quality is instantly obvious.

Just like the Civic it’s primarily based on, you’ll discover the hexagonal mesh that spans the width of the sprint. It’s a easy but efficient design component, to not point out a intelligent method to conceal the 4 air vents up entrance.

Controlling these vents is completed through the bodily local weather system under, which – very similar to the Civic, once more – contains three dials and a handful of buttons. There are, understandably, some button blanks for capabilities like seat heating which might be solely discovered on higher-spec ZR-Vs.

Even so, it provides to the inside’s extra premium look, which helps make it one of many nicest interiors on this phase. It’s a very good area to spend time in, because the buttons across the cabin – particularly as a part of the local weather system – are very satisfying to work together with.

The whole lot in right here feels top quality, with button actions feeling agency and dials turning with a crisp, notchy motion. We now have no purpose to imagine these gained’t stand the take a look at of time both.

That every one continues as much as the 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the place you’ll discover some extra shortcut buttons and one other a kind of notchy dials.

It might be small by fashionable requirements, however its show is sharp and straightforward to navigate. A choice of giant shortcuts are proven on its residence display screen, and there are many settings so that you can dive into and tinker with.

As a bonus you get wi-fi Apple CarPlay, which labored reliably throughout our week with the automobile. Android customers will nonetheless have to plug in to function their native smartphone mirroring software program, which might be performed by both the USB-A or USB-C port discovered on both aspect of the ‘bridge’ in the course of the cabin.

Chances are you’ll not even discover this bridge whenever you first get within the automobile, however it’s one other means Honda has been in a position to squeeze out some extra cupboard space, due to the tray beneath.

Its inclusion has allowed for a handful of driving-related buttons to be fitted on prime for ease of entry, however it means the cupholders have been moved forward of the traditional-style gear selector. Fortunately, there’s simply sufficient area above these two cupholders to nonetheless have the ability to match taller bottles.

In entrance of that could be a storage cubby suitably sized for telephones and wallets, in addition to a 12V outlet above it. It’s all very sensible and nice in look, thanks principally to the leather-based end on the centre console.

Our solely gripe with supplies within the cabin is the usage of shiny black plastic across the gear selector, which attracts mud and smudges even when it shouldn’t be a high-touch space.

Extra of that plastic is sadly additionally discovered on the steering wheel spokes, however the wheel itself is a high quality unit. It’s properly sized and leather-wrapped, which suggests it’s satisfying to carry on the highway and throw round if crucial.

It might not be flashy or exceptional by any stretch, however that works to its benefit. The identical might be mentioned for the buttons on the wheel, that are all completed in boring plastic and work as reliably as every thing else within the cabin.

On the appropriate are driving help controls we’ll delve into later, and on the left are the infotainment controls.

That small curler on the backside might be pressed too, which is the way you work together with the settings discovered throughout the 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.

Unsurprisingly, it’s a easy setup headlined by clear graphics. It’s in keeping with different Honda merchandise in its presentation and is simple to navigate and regulate.

One other energy is the ZR-V’s seats. As this can be a base-spec mannequin you don’t get leather-appointed upholstery, however the fabric various stays extremely comfy – to not point out friendlier to the cabin’s occupants on scorching Australian days.

Place adjustment is expectedly guide, however there’s a very good vary of motion that will help you get located. You’ll additionally benefit from tilt and attain adjustment from the steering wheel to assist.

We’d cease wanting calling the second row of the ZR-V spacious, however there’s greater than sufficient room again there to remain comfy on longer drives.

The ZR-V’s excessive roofline means head room isn’t a problem, although you could run into some points for those who’re unfortunate sufficient to have to sit down behind somebody tall up entrance.

That fabric upholstery continues right here, and the bench itself is surprisingly gentle. To assist get comfy, there’s a fold-down centre armrest and – in contrast to the smaller HR-V – an precise center seat.

Slim as it could be, it’s nonetheless a profit to have all three seats able to go, even when they’re solely going for use on uncommon events. Practicality within the again is boosted by Honda’s fitment of three top-tether factors and two ISOFIX anchors for baby seats.

Moreover, passengers could make use of two USB-C ports and the twin rear-facing air vents on the again of the centre console, whereas storage is proscribed to bottle holders within the doorways and a map pocket on the again of the motive force’s seat.

The ZR-V’s boot gives beneficiant flooring area, although vertical capability is compromised by the roofline that drops aggressively as soon as it passes the rear seats. On the prime is at the least a sturdy privateness cowl, which might be eliminated for somewhat additional respiration room.

On both sides is a lightweight that may activate whenever you open the guide tailgate, in addition to small plastic cargo hooks. An extra 12V outlet and a small cargo web are discovered on the motive force’s aspect solely.

Luckily, all non-hybrid ZR-V fashions are fitted with a space-saver spare wheel as normal, and beneath the boot flooring is the place you’ll discover a handful of instruments to make an impromptu swap doable. On the boot’s rearmost edge can be an underfloor nook for smaller odds and ends.

All up it’s a wonderfully usable area, although it’s smaller than a CX-5 (438L) and Karoq (521L). It’s price remembering you gained’t have the best time transporting tall objects or giant pets again right here, and it’s unlucky that that is the one ZR-V and not using a powered tailgate.

That being mentioned, we recognize the cabin’s presentation as an entire – it’s a cohesive design that feels prefer it’s been assembled to a powerful normal.

To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device

What’s beneath the bonnet?

Like the opposite two non-hybrid ZR-Vs, the VTi X+ is fitted with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine pumping out 131kW of energy and 240Nm of torque by means of a CVT automated transmission. The e:HEV LX as an alternative makes use of a 2.0-litre hybrid four-cylinder mated with an e-CVT.

Our week with the automobile primarily concerned freeway driving, plus some stints on regional roads and suburban streets.

A lot of the driving wasn’t notably frugal both. There have been just a few visitors jams and moments with a heavy proper foot, so we had been impressed that we bettered Honda’s gasoline financial system declare – although financial system would nearly definitely worsen with extra metropolis driving.

To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device

How does the Honda ZR-V drive?

In a surprisingly stable method, by way of each engine and chassis efficiency.

Beginning with the engine, which regardless of missing any type of hybrid help is pretty peppy. Lay into the throttle and also you’ll discover how rapidly it picks up, with little slip from the entrance wheels on dry roads.

Accelerating with some steering lock utilized will naturally induce some extent of torque steer, however it’s not unmanageable.

Below load there’s a good quantity of engine noise on account of each the small-displacement four-cylinder and the constantly variable transmission it’s mated to.

There’s additionally no method to “shift gears” your self, as there’s no guide mode on the gear selector nor any paddle shifters on the wheel. Even so, slotting the selector into Sport mode will create pretend shifts at excessive revs, that are surprisingly convincing.

It’s the identical deal within the Civic, and given the CVT can create the phantasm of lightning-fast shifts, you do get one thing vaguely paying homage to a child race automobile. It’s a enjoyable little twist in an in any other case normal commuter.

Supporting that’s properly weighted steering really feel. There’s a very good stage of response from the wheel at various speeds, and a convincing steadiness has been struck between being too gentle and too heavy.

You may’t regulate the steering really feel as there aren’t any devoted drive modes past Regular and Econ, however that isn’t a problem. The usual configuration provides to the stable development of the automobile total, making it really feel all of the extra premium – even when it isn’t a premium automobile.

Then there’s the chassis, which feels equally well-sorted. There’s a sturdy high quality to the ZR-V’s on-road traits – at the least in non-hybrid fashions – that makes it a pleasure to drive.

That’s particularly evident alongside the HR-V, which isn’t intently associated however feels considerably flimsy compared. You may really feel that the ZR-V is heavier, which is a constructive distinction.

A remaining be aware concerning its on-road really feel has to do with the ZR-V’s suspension setup. It’s on the firmer aspect and that’s definitely noticeable on tough roads, however it stays compliant sufficient to stay comfy in all places else.

A profit is that it handles higher than a number of the competitors, with lowered physique roll compared. It’s one other case of a automobile seemingly working with you to make driving simpler, and its bodily traits are straightforward to reside with.

The ZR-V additionally advantages from well-calibrated security gear. No obnoxious beeps or bongs are happening when you’re driving, although the automobile will generally throw a false warning when it thinks you stray near the lane markings.

Driver help programs like adaptive cruise management work properly to match visitors, whereas lane centring can be dependable on the freeway. Even tighter bends don’t pose an excessive amount of of a problem, however it’s not flawless to the purpose the place you’d need go away it alone on nation roads.

This base ZR-V nonetheless advantages from a breadth of security gear as normal too, which incorporates blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, however there’s no surround-view digicam.

Luckily, visibility out the edges and rear of the ZR-V is nice. The rear window is on the smaller aspect however stays completely usable, whereas the aspect home windows are appropriately sized for head checks.

Entrance and rear parking sensors help in low-speed driving, the previous of which is especially helpful due to the ZR-V’s sloping bonnet.

A reversing digicam can be normal, although like within the Civic its decision leaves somewhat to be desired.

In any other case, the ZR-V stays a simple automobile to drive. It units out to get the job performed merely, and it does that properly.

Even with out hybrid tech it stays surprisingly environment friendly, whereas its engine – regardless of being small in displacement and counting on turbo enhance – by no means feels laggy or overly strained.

There’s an aura of high quality to the way in which the ZR-V drives, and tat’s supported by minimal highway and wind noise, which is very evident on the VTi X+ with its smaller alloys and meatier tyres.

To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device

What do you get?

There are 4 variants within the ZR-V vary, and the VTi X+ sits on the very backside.

ZR-V VTi X+ tools highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Area-saver spare wheel
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Lively cornering lights
• Rain-sensing wipers with built-in washer nozzles
• Hill descent management
• 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
• Eight-speaker sound system
• Black cloth upholstery
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
• Upholstered centre console with French stitching
• Entrance USB ports (1 x USB-A and 1 x USB-C)
• Rear USB ports (2 x USB-C)
• Rear air vents
• 60:40 cut up/fold rear seats

To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device

Is the Honda ZR-V protected?

All Honda ZR-V variants have a four-star ANCAP security score primarily based on testing carried out on hybrid fashions by sister organisation Euro NCAP in 2023.

Normal security tools contains:

• 11 airbags
  • Twin entrance and entrance knee airbags
  • Centre airbag
  • Entrance and rear aspect airbags
  • Full-length curtain airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Bicycle owner detection
• Adaptive cruise management with low-speed observe
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver consideration monitoring
• Lane-keep help
• Visitors Jam Help
• Visitors signal recognition
• Entrance and rear parking sensors
• Tyre stress monitoring

ZR-V VTi LX and above obtain a surround-view digicam.

To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device

How a lot does the Honda ZR-V value to run?

Honda backs its ZR-V vary with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, and servicing is required each 12 months or 10,000km – whichever comes first.

The Japanese model additionally gives a ‘Honda Lengthen’ program, by means of which house owners can prolong their automobile’s guarantee by as much as three years in the event that they service commonly at a Honda Service Centre.

An extra three years of roadside help is obtainable beneath the identical situations.

To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device

CarExpert’s Tackle the Honda ZR-V VTi X+

We just like the ZR-V, and even going for this base-spec model gained’t go away you wanting extra.

After all, whereas Toyota has confirmed hybrids do promote, Honda is but to observe swimsuit with the Accord or Civic, and there’s now additionally a petrol-electric model of the ZR-V if you wish to journey that bandwagon. Drawback is that variant prices almost $55,000 earlier than on-roads, which is quite a bit to cough up for a comparatively small medium SUV.

As a substitute, the petrol variations will not be solely extra reasonably priced however comfy and habitable, to not point out environment friendly sufficient to keep away from breaking the financial institution in day by day commuting.

When you’re going to go for a petroleum ZR-V, why not save your money and go for the most affordable choice when you’re at it?

The VTi L+ and VTi LX have bigger wheels, a nicer sound system, energy tailgate, and power-adjustable seats, however they’re much less environment friendly and value a good bit extra.

As a substitute, the bottom ZR-V retains a wholesome record of ordinary gear and nonetheless prices lower than $40,000 earlier than on-roads. It doesn’t actually really feel like a base-spec mannequin both, which makes it arduous to look previous.

We like its inside presentation and glorious construct high quality, and on the highway it feels composed and considerably zippy whereas remaining comfy and quiet sufficient.

As a bonus, its security tech is much from insufferable and is mostly straightforward to reside with, and early-life servicing prices are ridiculously low cost. Plus, you get extra inside area that in a HR-V, and it prices lower than a Civic.

Sure, a VTi X+ priced within the low-$30,000 vary would make extra sense and promote significantly better, and naturally it will be good if Honda additionally supplied cheaper variations of the hybrid ZR-V, as with the Hyundai Kona. However Hondas aren’t identified for his or her affordability in Australia, in order that’s simply wishful pondering.

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