Honda ZR-V Review, Specs & Performance
Introducing the ZR-V. A smaller and sportier alternative to the fully sized CR-V. This full hybrid (not a plug-in) brings a practical and economical feature set to the Honda SUV lineup.
View all Honda ZR-V
Overview of the Honda ZR-V
Finding the sweetspot between the HR-V and CR-V, in comes the ZR-V from Honda. The ZR-V has a smaller boot capacity than the Civic, due to the shape of the space, but when the seats are folded flat, it more than makes up the difference with a large square shape to help carry bulkier cargo. The model is only available as a hybrid and delivers a sound alternative with a premium look and feel for the interior.
Honda ZR-V in a nutshell
The Honda ZR-V is a compact SUV that aims to combine practicality, efficiency and style. Honda's new ZR-V is based on the same platform as the Civic and adds strong competition to the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota Rav4, Kia Sportage, the Ford Puma and the Nissan Juke.
HONDA ZR-V - ENGINES & ECONOMY
The new ZR-V comes with one power train configuration. It's a mild-hybrid set-up borrowed from the new Civic, which is frankly astonishing.
A two-litre petrol engine mated to two electric motors and a small battery. There are three modes for the hybrid system: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive.
In EV Drive, the ZR-V can run on electric power alone for short distances, using the battery that is charged by regenerative braking.
In Hybrid Drive, the engine acts as a generator to supply electricity to the motor, which drives the wheels.
In Engine Drive, the engine directly drives the wheels, with the electric motors helping when needed. The ZR-V can switch between these modes automatically, depending on the driving conditions and the driver's input.
The ZR-V has a smooth and refined performance, with a seamless transition between the modes. The hybrid system delivers a good balance of power and efficiency. The total output is a hearty 184ps, meaning the ZR-V can hit sixty mph in under eight seconds.
The fuel economy is decent too, which you would expect if you'd spent time in the new Civic. Being a little bigger and more powerful means the ZR-V can return 48.7 mpg. Which is excellent considering the size of the car.
HONDA ZR-V - DRIVING, SPACE & EQUIPMENT
Driving
The ZR-V is meant to be a lighter and sportier drive than some competition. And we enjoyed the responsive and agile handling, thanks to its lightweight chassis and low centre of gravity. The steering was precise and well-weighted, while the suspension was firm but overall comfortable. The ZR-V is easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces thanks to its compact dimensions and good visibility.
Space
To help explain Honda's naming policy: the ZR-V is larger than the HR-V but smaller than the CR-V. That means the ZR-V is one of the smallest SUVs in its class, measuring just 4.1 metres in length and 1.8 metres wide.
However, it does not compromise on interior space, thanks to its clever packaging and flexible seating system. It could be a little better in the rear, as the Civic is excellent but seems loose out a little. Don't get us wrong; it's still comfortable enough for most. But if you're 5ft 10" or more, it might begin to feel cramped.
The boot is very usable, with 380 litres of capacity that can be expanded to 1,100 litres by folding the rear seats flat.
Equipment
Honda has given its compact SUV a stylish and modern design, with a sleek silhouette and a bold front grille. It also boasts distinctive features, such as LED headlights and taillights, hidden rear door handles and a neat roof spoiler.
The ZR-V is available in six colours and three trim levels: Elegance, Sport and Advance.
Standard equipment for the Honda ZR-V:
- Apple Carplay and Android Auto
- 18-inch alloys
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 11 airbags
- Dual Climate
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Rear-view camera
- Heated Front Seats
- 8-speaker audio system
- 9.0-inch touchscreen with satnav
- 7.0-inch digital instrument display
- Leather steering wheel
The Sport version adds a unique grille and bumpers, sports pedals, ambient LED lighting, a hands-free power tailgate, wireless charging and extra USB ports.
The Advance model range-topper offers full leather, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof with the option for a premium 12-speaker BOSE sound system, a 10.2-inch multi-information display, and an all-new 6.0-inch head-up display (HUD).
SUMMARY
We found the ZR-V a fun driving alternative to other mid-sized SUVs. Although the interior practicality may not be as good as others, it makes up for it definitely with economy, comfort and driveability.
So it comes down to where your requirements lay. It has a spacious, versatile interior, a smooth, refined hybrid powertrain, and a stylish and modern design. The ZR-V also has high safety and technology features, making it an innovative and reliable car to enjoy. All in all a well-designed SUV certainly worth considering.