Honda ZR-V Hybrid Review

The Honda ZR-V was launched in 2023, and that’s the history lesson done. Anyway, it’s a mid-sized “piggy in the middle,” positioned above the compact HR-V and below the full-size CR-V. And yes, they’re all SUVs. That said, these days every car seems large. Honestly, I’m not even sure what counts as small, compact, mid-size, or large anymore—everything feels bigger than expected. But I see that as a good thing.

In the UK, the Honda ZR-V is offered in three trim levels. At the time of writing, prices start at £40,780 for the entry-level Elegance model, £42,445 for the mid-range Sport, and £44,330 for the top-spec Advance.

Black paintwork comes as standard, with four optional finishes available in white, blue, and red hues. The ZR-V rides on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard.

The Exterior

Some have said the ZR-V looks a bit bland, but as an ex-designer, I’d say I like the understated exterior. It’s a clean, simple, and well-proportioned design that’s easy on the eye.

This toned-down, refined design philosophy is hard to master, and I know a lot of time and thought went into letting the designers get it right. In other words, it’s a thumbs up from me.

The Interior

Honda has simplified its interior design language in recent years, and the ZR-V follows this trend seen across its newer models. It’s cleaner, more focused, and delivers a better user experience.

The materials are a mix of hard and soft-touch plastics, along with leatherette, with the harder surfaces strategically placed in low-contact areas. The overall build feels solid, and the few buttons, reserved for the heating functions, have a reassuring tactile feel.

That said, Honda could and should tweak the interior quality, especially with Chinese car brands now offering more premium-feeling cabins, because premium is now the new entry-level standard.

Still, the ZR-V’s interior is a pleasant place to be. There’s plenty of space in the front, and even tall adults will be comfortable in the rear seats.

Boot space isn’t class-leading, but I had no issues with the 390 litres (with seats up), which includes underfloor storage. Fold the rear seats down, and you get 1,322 litres.

Equipment Levels

Equipment levels are generous, even on the entry-level model. You get Honda SENSING, the brand’s suite of driver assistance technologies—including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Also included are heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, keyless entry, a digital driver’s display, and a 9-inch infotainment system. The infotainment software is fairly straightforward, featuring a no-nonsense user interface, and comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay.

The Advance trim tested here adds a powered tailgate, privacy glass, panoramic glass roof, electrically adjustable front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging, a premium Bose sound system, and upgraded anti-dazzle Adaptive Driving Beam headlights.

As I always say, give me heated seats and a decent sound system, and I’m happy—everything else is a bonus, even in the top-tier spec.

The Ride

The chassis and suspension setup are well-executed. The ZR-V handles the UK’s rough roads with composed assurance, soaking up bumps with ease. It’s an easy car to drive, feeling stable and planted, especially on the motorway.

Does the ZR-V deliver razor-sharp sports car handling? Of course not—and why should an SUV be judged by that tired journalistic trope? I’d rather it be comfortable and confident, like it’s gliding on rails, even if that means some compromise in outright cornering dynamics.

The Drive

Powering the ZR-V is Honda’s bulletproof hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing 184 hp and 314 Nm of torque. The electric motor incorporates a small 1.1kWh battery

Power is delivered via a CVT automatic gearbox. CVTs aren’t my favourite, but Honda has refined this one—it feels smoother and less strained under acceleration, pulling confidently and quietly.

The ZR-V is what is now commonly referred to as a self-charging hybrid. The battery provides a total range of approximately 1 mile before it recharges, which occurs continuously through braking and coasting. In fact, the battery and motor primarily serve as an assist during most driving conditions.

Pure electric driving is only possible at crawling speeds, although if the battery is sufficiently charged, it can support speeds of up to 30 mph.

Previous-generation Honda hybrids felt underpowered by comparison; this one feels far more capable, no matter which drive mode you’re in. Fuel economy is also impressive—over 60 mpg around town and consistent 50+ mpg on longer motorway journeys.

The Verdict

With its subtly enigmatic premium-looking styling inside and out, the Honda ZR-V Hybrid is another solid effort from the company.

It may not shout for attention, but the ZR-V delivers where it counts.