The new Honda ZR-V crossover has become a rather unexpected novelty. However, it turned out to be a very pleasant novelty! In this detailed review, I will tell you everything about the Honda ZR-V: its history, driving experience, technical features, available and future configurations, real fuel consumption, and the car’s safety level. But I can’t do without mentioning the cons. Let’s get going!
Content
For the simplest and most understandable positioning, the Honda ZR-V is a crossover of the C-SUV segment. Or like this: in the Honda model range, the car occupies a position between the Honda HR-V and the Honda CR-V. And I’ll add one more point about the model’s positioning: the Honda ZR-V crossover is based on the new generation Honda Civic. Everything seems simple, but…
Crossover Honda ZR–V currently produced in the first generation, the history of the model began in April 2022, when this car was introduced to the US market, but with the name Honda HR–V. The bottom line is that for Americans, the original European crossover Honda HR–V was too small, so we had to create a larger model; but one that would not overwhelm the size of the Honda CR–V. But if the car already exists, why not launch it in other markets? However, other markets already have Honda HR–Vso we had to come up with another name. This is how Honda ZR–Vfirst in the Chinese market (2022) and then in Europe (2023) – and the car will be launched exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. This is exactly the kind of crossover Honda ZR–V e:HEV in European specification and with hybrid technology and became the hero of this article.
In a nutshell, it’s just gorgeous! The Honda ZR-V crossover offers an incredible combination of a soft and smooth hybrid with a soft and smooth suspension.
Interestingly, the Honda ZR-V crossover uses a hybrid powertrain similar to the Honda CR-V model: an electric motor with 184 hp of power and 315 Nm of torque. However, the car itself is smaller and lighter, which promises good dynamics. For example, the Honda ZR-V is claimed to accelerate to «hundred» in 7.8 seconds, making it the most dynamic car in the current Ukrainian Honda «officials» lineup. Unfortunately, due to the weather and winter tires, I was not able to make accurate measurements of dynamics, but the Honda ZR-V crossover really accelerates quickly.
And what’s very important is that it always accelerates smoothly and without pauses in reaction. After all, the main driving force is the electric motor, so you can always count on its power and torque at any time. There are no delays in pressing the accelerator pedal, no pauses in shifting the gearbox. Just press the pedal and drive forward, controlling only the acceleration rate and not being distracted by anything else.
For example, on small or medium-sized pits and protrusions on the road. The Honda ZR-V crossover overcomes bumps very gently and comfortably, it protects the peace in the cabin as much as possible, it is as careful as possible with its passengers. At the same time, the car miraculously avoids swaying the body on the waves of asphalt, it has excellent front and rear suspension – the latter holds on to the road even in a tight turn. And thanks to such a soft suspension, you can even «play» with the weight distribution on the axles, which is especially noticeable when entering a corner while braking. It seemed that there would be a lot of roll, but everything is fine here: thanks to the low and «flat» body, the Honda ZR-V does not lean too much, which makes it look more like a regular car than a tall crossover. And now add a steering wheel with medium sharpness (about 2.5 turns from stop to stop), which very easily and naturally transmits information about the turn to the driver’s hands. And the result is not a sporty crossover, but definitely a crossover that is very pleasant and comfortable to drive. It’s just gorgeous!
Neutral appearance Honda ZR–V At first, it makes you expect similar neutral driving sensations, but in fact, there is a great character here: the hybrid provides good acceleration, the suspension provides good comfort. An interesting and cool aftertaste that I realized only with time: every trip to the Honda ZR–V and end with relaxation and quiet satisfaction somewhere deep inside. There is a possibility to adjust the intensity of the recovery thanks to the steering wheel paddles, as well as several driving modes that affect the operation of the hybrid system; however, in any case, you will enjoy no pauses and delays in operation, as well as good fuel economy.
And what awaits in the cabin of the Honda ZR-V? For example, a good «design» front panel and center console: ventilation deflectors are hidden behind a perforated strip, below this strip there is a separate «climate» unit, and above it is a 9-inch touchscreen display, for which a couple of real buttons and physical switches were not spared. The center console with a push-button selector «P-R-N-D» is made in the form of a dumbbell, with additional niches for small items below. The digital instrument panel is actually only 2/3 digital, as there is a familiar real speedometer next to the color 7-inch display.
It’s a pity, but behind the Honda ZR-V, all the enthusiasm of designers and ergonomists fades away. A small door opens access to an ordinary sofa: there is enough legroom and headroom, but no excess space, no heated seats, no backrest angle adjustment. Only ventilation deflectors and an armrest are provided – thanks, but this is already a «minimum program» for cars of this class. And the situation with the trunk is similar: sufficient volume, a side pocket, a couple of hooks – it seems to be good, but without specific advantages.
Overall impression of the cabin: interesting front end, fairly high-quality materials, low seating position – almost like in a regular passenger car, not a crossover. Because of this, the model Honda ZR–V can be perceived not only as a crossover, but also as a Civic-Universal. Although for maximum versatility, the excellent split-folding rear seats are missing Magic Seats – They became impossible due to the design of the rear suspension and the traditional location of the fuel tank. What exactly are we talking about? Read on!
As mentioned above, the Honda ZR-V crossover is built on the same platform as the new Honda Civic: among other things, this means a rather low engine layout and rear independent suspension. It seems that these design features were decisive for the pleasant driving character of the Honda ZR-V in terms of comfort and handling.
But the e:HEV hybrid, which was first described in detail on the example of the car, is decisive in terms of acceleration and dynamics Honda CR-V (of the previous generation). Let me remind you briefly: the electric motor is the main thing here, and it is most often the one that drives the wheel – during starts from a standstill and accelerations, when reaching high speeds. A 2-liter gasoline engine usually only serves to drive a generator that generates electricity and powers the electric motor. However, in highway driving (speed range of around 80-120 km/h), the gasoline engine can be directly mechanically connected to the front wheels.
It all starts quite traditionally: a load-bearing body made of various grades of steel, a lightweight aluminum hood, independent suspensions «around», and a front-mounted engine. However, we will continue with an interesting e:HEV hybrid, which means a powerful electric motor, an atmospheric 2-liter engine, the absence of any conventional gearbox, and a battery in the rear of the body. It is interesting to note for the American or Chinese markets, there are variants of the car with a traditional atmospheric 2-liter gasoline engine (not a hybrid) or a 1.5-liter turbo engine, a variator acts as a transmission, and there are versions with all-wheel drive. However, for the European market, the crossover Honda ZR–V is available only as a hybrid and with front-wheel drive, the declared ground clearance is 180 mm – that is, this is not a variant of «uncompromising conqueror of the elements», but rather a «car with enhanced capabilities to overcome bad roads».
At present, the Honda ZR-V is available in the Ukrainian market in only one Elegance trim. Although this configuration is very, very good – it has crossover Honda ZR–V Elegance immediately offers the following: front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, driver/passenger center airbag, stabilization system, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, keyless entry and engine start, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, split 2-zone «climate», adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rearview camera, heated front seats, Honda Connect media system with 9-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, fabric seats, LED headlights with automatic dipped beam, 18-inch Gun Metallic gray alloy wheels, etc. Price Honda ZR–V e:HEV Elegance – from UAH 1.69 million or $44 thousand.
It’s already a lot, but at the same time, I want to add a few more items to the package. For example: electric trunk lid, heated steering wheel and rear seats, wireless charging. To the maximum, I want a panoramic glass roof, leather or combined (fabric/leather) interior trim, a projection display, etc. All of this should be available this summer with the introduction of two new Sport and Advance trims, which will bring new bumpers and grille, black glossy trim, protruding exhaust pipes, and new 18-inch wheels. However, it’s hard to imagine how much such variants of the Honda ZR-V will cost – $50 thousand?
Everything you need for a modern middle-class car or higher is present at once: heated seats and «climate», LED headlights, a rear camera, many safety assistance and support systems, a large touchscreen, alloy wheels. However, something «extra» is missing: I would like to add an electric trunk lid, rear heating, and a «panorama».
As for competitors: I will allow myself to repeat myself, as I did in the Jeep Compass review – here the first C-SUV buyer’s guide, here the second C-SUV buyer’s guideAlmost all of these cars can already compete with the Honda ZR-V. There are a lot of rivals, the choice is wide: different brands and models, gasoline or diesel engines, hybrid options, you can choose cars with front or all-wheel drive. So, first, the choice is very wide. Second, competitors are usually much cheaper.
By the way, about the above Jeep CompassJust remember and compare how much cheaper it is. But note that there were a lot of questions about the hybrid’s performance or suspension behavior. So, in general, I said that it cannot be compared to premium cars. But the Honda ZR-V crossover can be compared; for example, with cars from Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA. That’s how highly I rate the driving performance of the Honda ZR-V; even if this car «falls short» in terms of exterior design or interior trim.
And I’ll make one more interesting offshoot about the competition. First, if you need a small but cool hybrid crossover from Honda, there is a model Honda HR-Vsmaller in size and inferior in power, but much more affordable (a noticeable difference of minus $5-9 thousand, depending on the configuration) and even better equipped. Secondly, if you have already found $45 thousand for a Honda ZR-V, then you can probably find money for a Honda CR-V. Yes, you need to invest a lot (plus $8-10 thousand), but for many advantages: larger size and all-wheel drive, better interior trim and equipment.
The car has no competitors Honda ZR–V more than a dozen; the most direct and likely rivals are Nissan Qashqai (especially in the version e–Power) and Toyota Corolla Cross. I will also mention Jeep Compass and Hyundai Kona (I’ll tell you about it soon). And finally, I’ll mention two competing relatives: a smaller crossover Honda HR–V and a larger crossover Honda CR–V of the new generation.
On average, the car consumes 6-6.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers in the city. On empty roads and with the most careful driving style, you can get a fuel consumption of about 5.5 liters; in traffic jams and/or dynamic driving, the maximum can reach 7-7.5 liters – but this is still not much. When driving on the highway at a speed of 80-90 km/h, fuel consumption is about 5.5 liters per 100 km; at a speed of 110-120 km/h, it is already about 7 liters per 100 km.
The warranty is three years or 100 thousand kilometers; the hybrid system has a separate warranty of up to five years or 100 thousand kilometers. Periodic maintenance is required every 15 thousand kilometers or once a year. The cost of a simple basic maintenance is UAH 7.5-8.7 thousand, while the cost of more complex and extensive maintenance is UAH 13-18 thousand.
The cost of the car and maintenance is as of the end of February 2024. The cost of maintenance is given for one of the Kyiv dealers and may differ depending on the dealer.
During Euro NCAP tests, the car received four stars out of five possible. The biggest comment is the protection of the driver’s and front passenger’s head in a side impact. Increased loads (orange zone) on the driver’s chest in a frontal impact were also noted. Overall, however, the car provides a high level of protection: almost all body protection zones are marked in green in frontal or side impacts; plus good protection for children.
You’ve probably already understood everything – both the advantages and the disadvantages. Of course, the disadvantage is the high price, as well as the price-to-equipment ratio. Even if you simplify the equipment (which is quite difficult) and try to lose $5-7-10 thousand (which is almost unrealistic) and reach the price tag of $35-38-40 thousand, the Honda ZR-V crossover would only be somewhere «within the class», but it still would not be a guaranteed attractive offer in terms of price.
But if you close your eyes to the price tag (even if it sounds very strange), the Honda ZR-V crossover is just great! First of all, it feels great on the road, provides lively acceleration and excellent economy. It is also remarkable for its good comfort and ease of handling. Finally, the car is great because of how easy it is to use the secondary functions. So, if you have enough money to overcome only one drawback, then in almost everything else, the Honda ZR-V is ready to give you a lot of advantages and pleasant impressions.
Pros:
+ A great hybrid: powerful and economical, pleasant to drive and accelerate
+ Good suspension comfort combined with easy handling
+ Interesting design and thoughtfulness in the details of the front of the cabin
Cons:
– Price in general, price and equipment ratio
– I would like to see other engine options and all-wheel drive
| Honda ZR-V e:HEV | |
| Body, type | crossover, 5 doors, 5 seats |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4.57 x 1.84 x 1.62 m |
| Wheelbase | 2,66 м |
| Declared clearance | 180 mm |
| Trunk volume | 380 л |
| Minimum curb weight | 1 589 kg |
| Engine | e:HEV hybrid, 4 cylinder 2.0 liter gasoline plus electric motor |
| Power | 184 hp (electric motor) |
| Torque | 315 Nm (electric motor) |
| Specific power and torque | 116 hp per 1 ton and 198 Nm per 1 ton |
| Type of drive | front-wheel drive |
| Transmission type | gearbox for electric motor |
| Dynamics 0-100 km/h. | 7.8 seconds |
| Maximum speed | 173 km/h. |
| Fuel consumption, combined cycle, WLTP | 5.7 liters per 100 km |
| Minimum cost | from UAH 1.69 million or $44 thousand. |