2026 Honda ZR-V VTi X review: Updated SUV is the 'Goldilocks' of the segment

There was some head-scratching when Honda launched the ZR-V in 2023, the first all-new model for the Australian market from the storied Japanese brand.

Why the headscratching? Because the ZR-V was designed to fill the gap between the smaller HR-V and larger CR-V SUV siblings. Except there isn’t a gap between small and medium SUVs in the established segment pecking order.

That hasn’t deterred Honda, and the resulting ZR-V, ostensibly a medium SUV, has proven a nice little earner, finding almost 13,000 new driveways to call home over the last two-and-a-bit years.

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Honda refreshed the model line-up earlier this year, essentially flipping the range on its head. Where previously the range comprised four petrol variants and a single hybrid, today’s ZR-V model walk runs to three hybrids and a lone petrol variant. And it’s the latter we have on test here, a survivor in an age where hybrids of all shapes and sizes roam the landscape like apex predators.

The Honda ZR-V VTi X, to give it its full title, serves as the entry-point into the range. It’s priced from $39,900 driveaway, no more to pay. There are no options to be had – none, not even paint colour. The three-colour palette – white, grey and red – is available at no extra cost.

Power comes from a turbo 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, good for 131kW and 240Nm, placing it amongst the more powerful non-hybrid petrol mid-size SUVs in the segment. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) sends those outputs to the front wheels.

The mid-life refresh, as well as realigning the model range, brought some minor updates including a larger suite of advanced driver assist and safety tech, as well as updated infotainment connectivity that now runs the latest Honda Connect Gen 2 operating system.

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It might be entry-level, but there’s nothing low-rent about the ZR-V petrol. Gear-heads will love the tech while the expansion of the ZR-V’s suite of safety and assist technologies brings it more in line with much of its competitive set.

Inside, the ZR-V doesn’t try to impress with overly large screens. Instead, the focus is on practicality and the user experience, with large dials and buttons for many of the most used features. Glory be.
The patterned-cloth seat upholstery looks smart, while the seats themselves – manually adjustable – remain comfortable, even on longer journeys.

Second-row comfort is excellent with decent amounts of space in all key areas, even for taller occupants. Three adults across row two will be tight but two people will have no trouble getting comfy.

Boot space is average, a claimed 380L with the second row in use, expanding to 1312L. The seats fold flat to make for a very usable load area. Bonus points to Honda for the 17-inch space-saver spare, too.

On the road, the ZR-V, despite being tagged as medium by VFACTS, drives and behaves much like a small SUV. Sharing a platform with the excellent Honda Civic imbues the ZR-V with some perky characteristics.

The 1.5-litre turbo-four offers more than enough poke to haul the relatively svelte (1470kg kerb) SUV. It’s responsive and linear in its power and torque delivery with enough of a grumbly engine note to heighten the senses.

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The oft-maligned CVT is perfectly fine in the Honda, able to deliver torque as needed with minimal fuss. Does it drone like some CVTs are wont to do? A little, but there are far worse applications of the tranny-tech on the market.

Ride comfort errs on the side of firm. It’s not bone-jarringly annoying, but lumps and bumps are transmitted into the cabin. Road noise, which can be a touch too much on rough surfaces, is also a constant companion.

Body roll and movement is kept nicely in check, the ZR-V’s well-sorted chassis more akin to a hatchback than an SUV, hardly surprising considering its Civic underpinnings.

The big ask comes at the bowser, where it drinks 91-octane regular unleaded at 8.5L/100km, based on our testing. Its hybrid siblings regularly return a consumption figure of low-to-mid 5L/100km, based on our previous tests.

And therein lies the quandary for prospective buyers. Spend more up-front for the hybrid (the cheapest ZR-V hybrid commands a $3500 premium) and save on fuel? Or opt for the most-affordable ZR-V, period, and pay more at the pump?

Either way, the Honda ZR-V is a brilliant little urban vehicle, the Goldilocks SUV for buyers because it deftly bridges the gap between small and medium SUVs in a smart, well-equipped and fun-to-drive package.

Specs

This story first appeared in the October 2026 issue of Wheels magazine, now on sale. Subscribe here and gain access to 12 issues for $109 plus online access to every Wheels issue since 1953.