2023 Honda ZR-V new car review

Families on the hunt for a new car have another top notch vehicle to choose from and this one ticks a lot of boxes inside and out.

Honda sales have been on the slide in recent years, but a comprehensive product upgrade has seen a return to form for the brand.

The revival has come with a steep rise in prices, though. We see if the mid-sized ZR-V represents value for money.

VALUE

The ZR-V slots between the HR-V and CR-V to give Honda another compact SUV. In top-shelf VTi-LX guise it sells for $48,500 drive-away and there’s no negotiating on price because head office now sells the cars directly through agents, rather than dealers.

That VTi-LX comes with partial leather trim, a wireless phone charger, powered tailgate, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, alloy pedals, 360-degree camera and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. A 9.0-inch touchscreen incorporates Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

2023 Honda ZR-V.

Servicing is affordable at $199 for the first five annual services, although the 10,000km limit means anyone travelling more than that each year will have to bring their car in for another service.

COMFORT

While the ZR-V’s body is slightly smaller than the CR-V, it’s still generously proportioned. Those up front are greeted with a well finished cabin that includes some interesting textures, including a mesh strip across the dash that houses the air vents.

Dials and a logical menu for the touchscreen make it easy to adjust major features while a USB-A and USB-C port keep gadgets topped up.

The cabin is well presented.

Those in the rear have respectable legroom, although head space is compromised by the high-ish seat base. It’s fine for little ones, but less accommodating of large adults. Air vents, dual USB ports and a fold-down arm rest complete the back-seat package.

Boot space is a useful 370 litres and there’s a false floor for separating items.

SAFETY

The ZR-V has 11 airbags, including knee airbags up front and a centre airbag between the front occupants. There’s also auto braking, lane-keep assist and speed-sign recognition. While lesser models miss out on rear cross traffic alert and blind spot warning, they’re fitted to this VTi-LX.

However, there’s no reverse auto braking if you are about to hit something. It only sounds a warning.

There is plenty of safety equipment and 11 airbags.

DRIVING

There’s also a more expensive hybrid model available but this VTi-LX has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine mated to a CVT auto transmission. While many rivals drive all four wheels, the ZR-V is only front-wheel drive.

Despite the diminutive capacity, the 131kW and 240Nm motor works nicely in the relatively lightweight SUV body. Having that torque available low in the rev range helps, as does a CVT automatic transmission that constantly adjusts the drive ratio to the conditions. It’s a zippy and useful unit, especially around the suburbs.

Claimed consumption of 7.2 litres per 100km is thoroughly respectable and it’s happy with regular unleaded.

There is a choice of petrol or hybrid power.

The ZR-V is solid on the road on the road, with enough athleticism to make driving enjoyable. The suspension settles quickly and disposes of bumps assertively, adding to the ease of driving. The cabin is impressively quiet, too.

VERDICT 3.5/5

Sensible size and nicely presented five-seat SUV but it comes at a price and does without the option of all-wheel drive.

HONDA ZR-V VTi-LX

PRICE From $48,500 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICE Five years, unlimited km, $995 for 5 years/50,000km

SAFETY 11 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot and lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert

ENGINE 1.5-litre 4-cylinder, 131kW/240Nm

THIRST 7.2L/100km

LUGGAGE 370 litres

ALTERNATIVES

Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport FWD, from about $44,500 drive-away

Getting on in life but still mounts a solid value case with generous equipment list and well-presented cabin. Basic 2.5-litre engine lacks fizz but delivers on suburban driveability.

Skoda Karoq Style, from $43,990 drive-away

Thoughtful interior adds to the practical size and decent smattering of standard gear. Sharp dynamics set a solid driving base, while the 1.4-litre turbo delivers decent pace.

Hyundai Tucson Highlander 2WD, from about $50,000 drive-away

Leather-clad interior comes with loads of tech and trinkets. Undernourished 2.0-litre engine on front-drive models has to work hard.