Summary
The Honda ZR-V is a mid-sized family SUV/crossover that joins the Honda range in Autumn 2023, sitting between the compact HR-V and larger CR-V SUVs.
It has received a rather mixed bag or review scores so far from the British motoring media, with many outlets praising the car for its economical hybrid powertrain, but still struggling to recommend it over the cheaper Civic hybrid hatchback.
Parker‘s Luke Wilkinson concludes that “the only reason you’d buy the ZR-V over the Civic is because you want an SUV”, and Top Gear‘s Greg Potts agrees, suggesting that buyers “just get it in the Civic rather than messing about with a heavier, uglier SUV.”
If you are looking for a crossover with more ride height however, reviewers agree that this mid-sized Honda makes a strong case against rivals like the popular Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage. Car‘s Tim Pollard says the ZR-V offers “a great driving experience, good comfort levels, and a spacious interior that’s loaded with technology”, though “its boot space might be a little lacklustre.”
Another key sticking point for motoring journalists is the SUV’s price tag, as there bigger vehicles available on the market for less money. However, as Martyn Collins of Business Car sums up, “If you like the way the Civic drives, but need an SUV, the Honda ZR-V is a good compromise.”
As of September 2024, the Honda ZR-V holds a New Car Expert Rating of B with a score of 67%. This is still a new model, however, so this rating could fluctuate up or down by a few points as more reviews are published.
ZR-V highlights
- Efficient hybrid engine
- User-friendly infotainment
- Well-equipped high quality interior
- Comfortable driving experience
ZR-V lowlights
- Only one engine option
- High starting price
- Rivals offer more boot space and seating flexibility
- Rather plain exterior looks
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV
Engines: petrol/electric hybrid
Price: From £39,495 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2023
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric Advance
Score: 6.4 / 10
“The Honda ZR-V is a solid medium SUV with an economical hybrid engine, but it doesn’t really stand out from a crowded family car market in any particular area.”
Author: Trinity Francis
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Honda’s answer to the Nissan Qashqai features a slick hybrid setup and generous cabin space, but it’s not without its flaws.”
Author: Ellis Hyde, Alex Ingram
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“Honda’s new ZR-V has the fundamentals needed to make it a compelling C-segment SUV option. It’s spacious, well built and has very impressive real-world efficiency, so is easy to recommend.”
Author: Jordan Katsianis
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid Advance
Score: 7 / 10
“The Honda ZR-V is good, but sadly not as great as its Civic hatchback sibling. What it does have going for it, though, is its driving similarities to the Civic, and that will, for sure, be a massive pull – especially for those who want the hatchback, but just need a tad more space.” (Illya Verpraet)
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Business Car
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid Advance
Score: 8 / 10
“If you like the way the Civic drives, but need an SUV, the Honda ZR-V is a good compromise.”
Author: Martyn Collins
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Honda ZR-V makes an excellent case for itself when compared against its SUV rivals. Its boot space might be a little lacklustre alongside the likes of the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai, but it compensates for that with a great driving experience, good comfort levels, impressive fuel economy and a spacious interior that’s loaded with technology.”
Author: Tim Pollard
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The ZR-V is a good effort from Honda but not a class-leading SUV. It scores well for space, equipment levels and comfort, and the in-car tech is easy to use. However, there isn’t the polish here we’ve come to expect from Honda.”
Author: Jordan Katsianis, Andy Goodwin
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Honda ZR-V is a mid-size SUV that features an efficient powertrain and a stylish cabin, but it’s a shame it’s not spacious as alternatives.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid Advance
Score: 6 / 10
“The Honda ZR-V is a practical performer, but pretty pricey.”
Author: Gareth Butterfield
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Honda ZR-V is a likeable family SUV with an upmarket interior and efficient hybrid powertrain. Its bland looks won’t do it any favours though, and nor will its relatively high start price.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The only reason you’d buy the ZR-V over the Civic is because you want an SUV. The ZR-V is a good SUV, but the Civic is a much better car.” (Luke Wilkinson)
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“In many ways, the new ZR-V is brilliant. The powertrain is as refined as it is clever, the cabin is roomy and well built, and the driving experience offers comfort and stability.” (James Fossdyke)
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Whatever you think of Honda’s legendary reliability, clever marketing and this almost-brilliant hybrid system, when all’s said there are better and bigger vehicles out there for less money; one of them even carries a Honda badge.” (Andrew English)
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Honda’s hybrid powertrain is still impressive, but just get it in the Civic rather than messing about with a heavier, uglier SUV.” (Greg Potts)
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What Car?
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“There’s a lot to like with the Honda ZR-V, but it’s pricier than most rivals and is better suited to those who don’t require the biggest family SUV. It’s hardly cramped, but rivals have bigger boots and more versatility.” (Lawrence Cheung)
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: December 2023
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 79%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 81%
Safety assist: 68%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of September 2024, the Honda ZR-V has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of September 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Honda ZR-V to generate a reliability rating as its a brand-new model.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the ZR-V, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Hybrid models | 49 mpg | C | 49 – 50 mpg | B – C |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Hybrid models | 131 g/km | A | 130 – 132 g/km | A – A |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 35 | C | 35 – 35 | C – C |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £169 | A |
Year 2 | £440 | A |
Year 3 | £709 | A |
Year 4 | £912 | A |
Year 5 | £1,292 | A |
Overall | £3,522 | A |
The Honda ZR-V has a mixed bag of running costs, according to five-year ownership cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
For a relatively compact hybrid vehicle, fuel consumption isn’t great – and that’s the biggest running costs for most people. Servicing and maintenance bills, however, should be very good compared to most vehicles.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Honda ZR-V, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
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More information
More news, reviews and information about the Honda ZR-V at The Car Expert
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