The ZR-V is the latest model 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 range.
Perhaps it’s not the primary model that involves mind when one thinks of Honda, however the ZR-V has proven itself as a quiet performer within the Japanese brand’s relatively small local lineup.
It commonly records strong sales numbers in comparison with its smaller HR-V and bigger CR-V siblings, and in November 2025 it even surpassed those two SUVs to be Honda Australia’s best-selling model for the month.
That’s good going for an SUV with a small-ish body, especially one which competes in Australia’s booming mid-size SUV category against juggernauts just like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Mind you, within the context of those cars, its sales numbers don’t look all that spectacular.
Still, we’ve accepted an prolonged loan (beyond the regular seven-day press test) of a top-spec 2026 Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX, with the intention of supplying you with a more detailed idea of what it’s wish to live with.
After all, we’ve reviewed loads of ZR-Vs prior to now, but never for longer than per week at a time. This could give us at the least a glimpse of what the primary few months of ZR-V ownership could seem like in case you resolve to tug the trigger on one, particularly by exposing flaws that won’t typically surface in our regular short-term loans.
Our tester is the one hybrid ZR-V currently on sale in Australia, though it joins the remainder of Honda Australia’s lineup in being available with an e:HEV powertrain.
I’ll be the first driver on this test, which suggests I can provide context for long-distance each day commuting, consistent urban errand-running, multiple airport runs, and lots of countryside jaunts for good measure. I’ll also include feedback from any colleagues who will inevitably borrow the keys every now and then.
So, stay tuned in the approaching months to see how this long-term review pans out.
How much does the Honda ZR-V cost?
We’ll be behind the wheel of the top-spec ZR-V e:HEV LX for the subsequent few months, which costs $54,900 drive-away… yikes.
| Model | 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 provides an interesting context for this review. The near-$55,000 price tag places it in the same league to larger (and more popular) SUVs, in order that’ll be playing at the back of my mind.
Those models include the all-wheel drive Toyota RAV4 XSE hybrid at $51,910 before on-road costs, and the Mazda CX-5 G25 Akera for $52,650 plus on-roads. Each are larger, yet each are in the identical market segment as our ZR-V.
Within the medium SUV segment there are after all several newer rivals from China, including the electrical BYD Atto 3 and the MG HS, which have each outsold the ZR-V to date in 2025 – even when by small margins.
To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up against the competition, use our comparison tool
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What’s under 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 power and 315Nm of torque.
| Specifications | Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl non-turbo hybrid |
| Engine outputs | 104kW/186Nm |
| Peak electric motor outputs | – |
| Peak system outputs | 135kW/315Nm |
| Battery | Li-ion |
| Transmission | e-CVT |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1586kg |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 5.0L/100km |
| Fuel tank capability | 57L |
| Fuel requirement | 91-octane regular unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 114g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b |
| Braked tow capability | 750kg |
It’s price noting that Honda doesn’t quote a battery capability for the ZR-V e:HEV, nevertheless it’s understood to be about 1.1kWh. The term ‘e-CVT’ also stands for “Electric Constantly Variable Transmission”.
This introductory piece doesn’t go into interior or driving impressions, but we’ve listed the ZR-V’s dimensions below to your reference.
| Dimensions | Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX |
|---|---|
| Length | 4568mm |
| Width | 1840mm |
| Height | 1620mm |
| Wheelbase | 2655mm |
| Cargo capability | 370L (rear seats up) 1302L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up against the competition, use our comparison tool
What do you get?
There are 4 variants within the ZR-V range, with the e:HEV LX at the highest.
2025 Honda ZR-V VTi X+ equipment highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Space-saver spare
- LED headlights
- Adaptive high-beam
- Lively cornering lights
- Dusk-sensing
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power-folding exterior mirrors
- Hill descent control
- Electric parking brake with auto hold
- Proximity entry with push-button start
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- 8-speaker sound system
- Dual-zone climate control
- Rear air vents
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
- Fabric upholstery
- LED map lights
- 5-year Honda Connect subscription
ZR-V VTi L+ adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Hands-free power tailgate with walk-away closing
- Heated exterior mirrors
- LED ambient lighting
- Leatherette and fabric upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Paddle shifters
ZR-V VTi LX adds:
- 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels
- Body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches
- Selectable drive modes
- Wireless phone charger
- Heated steering wheel
- Leather upholstery
- Satellite navigation
- 12-speaker Bose sound system
- 8-way power driver’s seat
- 4-way power passenger seat
- Heated rear seats
- Plasmacluster air purification system
ZR-V e:HEV LX adds:
- Hybrid powertrain
- Tyre repair kit (replaces space-saver spare)
- Smart KeyCard
To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up against the competition, use our comparison tool
Is the Honda ZR-V protected?
All Honda ZR-V variants have a four-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted on hybrid models by sister organisation Euro NCAP in 2023.
| Category | Honda ZR-V |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant protection | 79 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 88 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 81 per cent |
| Safety assist | 68 per cent |
Standard safety equipment includes:
- 11 airbags, incl:
- Dual front and front knee airbags
- Centre airbag
- Front and rear side airbags
- Full-length curtain airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Cyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Driver attention monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Tyre pressure monitoring
ZR-V VTi LX and above receive a surround-view camera.
To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up against the competition, use our comparison tool
How much does the Honda ZR-V cost to run?
Honda Australia backs the ZR-V range with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000km – whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Warranty | Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years ($199 each) |
| Total capped-price service cost | $995 |
To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up against the competition, use our comparison tool
CarExpert’s Tackle the Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX
Upon first impressions, it’s inconceivable to be disillusioned by this ZR-V.
Multiple family and friends have remarked on how ‘nice’ the automotive is inside, and things just like the metal shift paddles behind the steering wheel had me pondering the identical thing. I’ve all the time liked the way in which this Civic-based SUV is laid out, and it’s exceptionally easy to hop into and feel at home.
Positive remarks concerning the automotive’s interior quality naturally led to questions on price, and unfortunately most passengers guessed across the low-to-mid $40,000 range. That may very well be something that influences our judgement of this particular ZR-V, as $54,900 is lots to fork over, even when there’s no more to pay.
Still, we’re impressed with the perceived construct and material quality early doors, as every part feels exceptionally robust. The air vents move confidently, the touchscreen is responsive and graphically nice despite its smallish size, and there aren’t any rattles or squeaks to talk of yet.
Moreover, hooking your phone as much as wireless Apple CarPlay takes but a moment, and hopping out and in of the ZR-V in the primary few days of our loan has had my phone connecting quickly and consistently with little or no waiting.
Electric seat adjustment also enables easy tweaks on the move, which I’ve needed to make full use of. It’s taken me endlessly to get the seat good, after fiddling endlessly with every part I could adjust.
It was eventually sorted, and I’ve made good use of the seat position memory function to be certain I wouldn’t must do it again. This feature will little doubt prove exceptionally useful as other team members borrow the automotive.
Otherwise, every part has been easy to regulate to. Poking and prodding the varied buttons across the cabin quickly jogged my memory of what each does, and it’s easy enough to configure the instrument display to indicate specific menus and info.
To this point, so good. We’re looking forward to the subsequent few months of ZR-V ‘ownership’, so stick around for our complete assessment in early 2026.
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This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
