The ZR-V is the most recent mannequin in Honda’s Australian lineup, and we’re gearing as much as spend three months behind the wheel of the flagship e:HEV LX variant of the mid-size SUV vary.
Maybe it’s not the primary mannequin that involves thoughts when one thinks of Honda, however the ZR-V has confirmed itself as a quiet performer within the Japanese model’s comparatively small native lineup.
It repeatedly data robust gross sales numbers in comparison with its smaller HR-V and bigger CR-V siblings, and in November 2025 it even surpassed these two SUVs to be Honda Australia’s best-selling mannequin for the month.
That’s good going for an SUV with a small-ish physique, particularly one which competes in Australia’s booming mid-size SUV class towards juggernauts just like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Thoughts you, within the context of these automobiles, its gross sales numbers don’t look all that spectacular.
Nonetheless, we’ve accepted an prolonged mortgage (past the common seven-day press check) of a top-spec 2026 Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX, with the intention of supplying you with a extra detailed thought of what it’s wish to stay with.
In fact, we’ve reviewed loads of ZR-Vs previously, however by no means for longer than every week at a time. This could give us not less than a glimpse of what the primary few months of ZR-V possession may appear like when you resolve to drag the set off on one, notably by exposing flaws that will not usually floor in our common short-term loans.
Our tester is the one hybrid ZR-V at present on sale in Australia, although it joins the remainder of Honda Australia’s lineup in being obtainable with an e:HEV powertrain.
I’ll be the first driver on this check, which suggests I can present context for long-distance day by day commuting, constant city errand-running, a number of airport runs, and loads of countryside jaunts for good measure. I’ll additionally embrace suggestions from any colleagues who will inevitably borrow the keys on occasion.
So, keep tuned within the coming months to see how this long-term overview pans out.
How a lot does the Honda ZR-V price?
We’ll be behind the wheel of the top-spec ZR-V e:HEV LX for the following few months, which prices $54,900 drive-away… yikes.
| Mannequin | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|
| 2026 Honda ZR-V VTi X+ | $37,900 |
| 2026 Honda ZR-V VTi L+ | $43,400 |
| 2026 Honda ZR-V VTi LX | $49,000 |
| 2026 Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX | $54,900 |
The e:HEV LX’s pricing gives an attention-grabbing context for this overview. The near-$55,000 price ticket locations it in the same league to bigger (and extra well-liked) SUVs, in order that’ll be taking part in behind my thoughts.
These fashions embrace the all-wheel drive Toyota RAV4 XSE hybrid at $51,910 earlier than on-road prices, and the Mazda CX-5 G25 Akera for $52,650 plus on-roads. Each are bigger, but each are in the identical market section as our ZR-V.
Within the medium SUV section there are in fact a number of newer rivals from China, together with the electrical BYD Atto 3 and the MG HS, which have each outsold the ZR-V thus far in 2025 – even when by small margins.
To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
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What’s beneath the bonnet?
The only real hybrid ZR-V is powered by a 2.0-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electrical motor. Peak system outputs are quoted at 135kW of energy and 315Nm of torque.
| Specs | Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl non-turbo hybrid |
| Engine outputs | 104kW/186Nm |
| Peak electrical motor outputs | – |
| Peak system outputs | 135kW/315Nm |
| Battery | Li-ion |
| Transmission | e-CVT |
| Drive kind | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1586kg |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 5.0L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 57L |
| Gas requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 114g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 6b |
| Braked tow capability | 750kg |
It’s value noting that Honda doesn’t quote a battery capability for the ZR-V e:HEV, but it surely’s understood to be about 1.1kWh. The time period ‘e-CVT’ additionally stands for “Electrical Repeatedly Variable Transmission”.
This introductory piece doesn’t go into inside or driving impressions, however we’ve listed the ZR-V’s dimensions beneath in your reference.
| Dimensions | Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX |
|---|---|
| Size | 4568mm |
| Width | 1840mm |
| Top | 1620mm |
| Wheelbase | 2655mm |
| Cargo capability | 370L (rear seats up) 1302L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
What do you get?
There are 4 variants within the ZR-V vary, with the e:HEV LX on the high.
2025 Honda ZR-V VTi X+ tools highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- House-saver spare
- LED headlights
- Adaptive high-beam
- Energetic cornering lights
- Nightfall-sensing
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- Hill descent management
- Electrical parking brake with auto maintain
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- 8-speaker sound system
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Rear air vents
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
- Material upholstery
- LED map lights
- 5-year Honda Join subscription
ZR-V VTi L+ provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Arms-free energy tailgate with walk-away closing
- Heated exterior mirrors
- LED ambient lighting
- Leatherette and material upholstery
- Heated entrance seats
- Paddle shifters
ZR-V VTi LX provides:
- 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels
- Physique-coloured bumpers and wheel arches
- Selectable drive modes
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Heated steering wheel
- Leather-based upholstery
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- 12-speaker Bose sound system
- 8-way energy driver’s seat
- 4-way energy passenger seat
- Heated rear seats
- Plasmacluster air purification system
ZR-V e:HEV LX provides:
- Hybrid powertrain
- Tyre restore package (replaces space-saver spare)
- Sensible KeyCard
To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
Is the Honda ZR-V secure?
All Honda ZR-V variants have a four-star ANCAP security ranking based mostly on testing carried out on hybrid fashions by sister organisation Euro NCAP in 2023.
| Class | Honda ZR-V |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 79 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Susceptible highway person safety | 81 per cent |
| Security help | 68 per cent |
Customary security tools contains:
- 11 airbags, incl:
- Twin entrance and entrance knee airbags
- Centre airbag
- Entrance and rear facet airbags
- Full-length curtain airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Bike 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 digital camera.
To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
How a lot does the Honda ZR-V price to run?
Honda Australia backs the ZR-V vary with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, and servicing is required each 12 months or 10,000km – whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years ($199 every) |
| Complete capped-price service price | $995 |
To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX
Upon first impressions, it’s not possible to be dissatisfied by this ZR-V.
A number of family and friends have remarked on how ‘good’ the automobile is inside, and issues just like the metallic shift paddles behind the steering wheel had me pondering the identical factor. I’ve all the time appreciated the way in which this Civic-based SUV is laid out, and it’s exceptionally straightforward to hop into and really feel at residence.
Constructive remarks in regards to the automobile’s inside high quality naturally led to questions on value, and sadly most passengers guessed across the low-to-mid $40,000 vary. That might be one thing that influences our judgement of this specific ZR-V, as $54,900 is quite a bit to fork over, even when there’s no extra to pay.
Nonetheless, we’re impressed with the perceived construct and materials high quality early doorways, as every little thing feels exceptionally sturdy. The air vents transfer confidently, the touchscreen is responsive and graphically nice regardless of its smallish measurement, and there aren’t any rattles or squeaks to talk of but.
Moreover, hooking your cellphone as much as wi-fi Apple CarPlay takes however a second, and hopping out and in of the ZR-V within the first few days of our mortgage has had my cellphone connecting rapidly and persistently with little or no ready.
Electrical seat adjustment additionally permits straightforward tweaks on the transfer, which I’ve needed to make full use of. It’s taken me ceaselessly to get the seat good, after fiddling endlessly with every little thing I may modify.
It was ultimately sorted, and I’ve made good use of the seat place reminiscence operate to verify I wouldn’t must do it once more. This characteristic will little doubt show exceptionally helpful as different group members borrow the automobile.
In any other case, every little thing has been straightforward to regulate to. Poking and prodding the varied buttons across the cabin rapidly jogged my memory of what every does, and it’s straightforward sufficient to configure the instrument show to point out particular menus and data.
Up to now, so good. We’re trying ahead to the following few months of ZR-V ‘possession’, so stick round for our full evaluation in early 2026.
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