Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX review: Tweaks make the underrated hybrid SUV even better

The Honda ZR-V has always been a slightly difficult SUV to pigeonhole. It slots between the smaller HR-V and larger CR-V – both of which are more popular than it – yet its dimensions sneak it into the popular medium SUV segment, which is where almost every manufacturer is fighting for a slice of the sales action.

Perhaps that anonymity is a little unfair, because underneath the ZR-V’s relatively conservative skin is one of the better-driving and more polished SUVs in its class.

For 2026, Honda has given the ZR-V a useful update, expanding the availability of its excellent e:HEV hybrid drivetrain, adding more technology and – in the case of the top-spec LX tested here – a useful $3000 price cut, now priced from $51,900 driveaway. That’s not cheap, but spend some time with the ZR-V and it’s obvious where your money goes.

How much does the ZR-V cost to buy?

The updated ZR-V range now starts at $39,900 for the petrol VTi X (+$2000 on 2025), but the big news is that buyers no longer need to stretch all the way to the flagship LX for hybrid power. The new e:HEV X starts at $43,400, while the better-equipped e:HEV L costs $45,900 and the flagship e:HEV LX tested here asks $51,900. Those prices are driveaway across Australia.

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That makes the e:HEV LX a substantial $6000 jump over the e L, although its standard equipment list is appropriately long. Highlights include black leather upholstery, heated front and outboard rear seats, an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated leather steering wheel, a 360-degree camera and an excellent 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Honda has also upgraded the ZR-V’s infotainment tech for 2026, including Google built-in functionality, giving occupants access to features such as Google Maps and Google Assistant, as well as the Google Play Store to download apps like Spotify. The system also includes over-the-air updates and is free for the first three years of ownership. Although it might look a little dated against newer systems in the market, the screen itself is breathtakingly easy to use, and the 12-speaker Bose audio is punchy.

There’s a good suite of Honda Sensing active safety equipment, including a full 11 airbags, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive high beam and a 360-degree camera.

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It’s definitely well equipped, though there are some caveats. For instance, there’s no sunroof available in Australia, which is something we think would brighten up the dark cabin, nor a head-up display, ventilated front seats or even lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat.

For that reason we think the $45,900 ZR-V e:HEV L is the sweet spot of the range – sure, it gives up some features like a 360-degree camera, electric front seat adjustment and the Bose sound system, but it’s otherwise still quite well equipped and uses the same excellent drivetrain. Regardless of model chosen, however, we think the ZR-V is a good value medium SUV.

How luxurious is the ZR-V?

Inside, the ZR-V’s cabin shows off Honda’s traditional strengths, like excellent ergonomics, thoughtful design and impressive build quality. The materials used in most places in the cabin are soft to the touch, and there’s a pleasing solidity to almost everything you touch, from the beautifully weighted climate control dials to the tactile click of the buttons on the steering wheel. Praise be as well: Honda hasn’t buried every commonly used function inside the touchscreen.

The driving position is excellent and the front seats are supportive enough for longer journeys, although the aforementioned lack of lumbar support does grate. Storage is excellent, with useful door pockets, a fairly open centre console with multiple storage areas, useful cupholders and a large box underneath the centre armrest. Visibility is generally excellent as well.

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If there’s an area where the ZR-V is perhaps not as good as some rivals, it’s the rear cabin. Put simply, its more compact dimensions compared to many rivals mean that rear seat space isn’t as roomy. Don’t get us wrong, two six-footers will be fine there, but rivals like the Hyundai Tucson – and Honda’s own CR-V – are noticeably more spacious. Marks are restored for practicality – the rear doors open quite wide, the ISOFIX points are easy to find and there are amenities on offer such as bottle holders in the doors, two map pockets, air vents, two USB-C ports and a central armrest with cup holders.

The ZR-V’s more compact dimensions also mean that its cargo capacity just isn’t as plentiful as rivals either. At 370 litres with the rear seats up and 1302L with them folded, it’s on the small side for the segment and while there are some hooks and net points in there, the only under-floor storage is a deep but shallow section as the battery takes up a lot of room. There’s also no spare wheel, but folding the rear seats is easy and because the seat base lowers, the floor is almost completely flat with the seats folded.

Is the ZR-V good to drive?

It may not be the most practical medium SUV, but it’s definitely one of the best to drive and this is where the ZR-V starts making a much stronger case for itself. While there is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine available in the entry-level model, the rest of the ZR-V range uses the same excellent 2.0-litre hybrid drivetrain found in the Civic hatchback. If you’re considering a ZR-V, don’t bother with the petrol because the hybrid is wonderful.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with Honda’s two-motor hybrid system, producing total outputs of 135kW of power and 315Nm of torque. Unlike some hybrids where the electric motor just assists the petrol engine, depending on your driving, the ZR-V is capable of spending a lot of its time behaving like an EV. At lower speeds, the electric motor drives the wheels while the petrol engine can operate as a generator, with direct engine drive for higher speeds.

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It’s impressive because there’s an immediate response when you press the accelerator, and around town the ZR-V easily moves away under electric power. Put your foot down and performance is strong rather than quick, but the instant electric torque makes it feel punchy in everyday driving. Better still, Honda has avoided the droning sensation that can plague some rival hybrid systems because it has stepped ratios for its gearbox, though the gear selector buttons are finicky to use in a three-point turn situation.

Fuel consumption is officially rated at 5.0L/100km with CO2 emissions of just 114g/km, and we achieved 5.2L/100km in our week with it, which isn’t as low as a Toyota Corolla Cross, but the ZR-V is better to drive because it feels more natural. Its Civic-derived underpinnings give it a level of composure that many medium SUVs lack and its steering is nicely weighted, body control is good and the chassis feels connected to the steering wheel. It can be a bit loud at highway speeds for road noise though is otherwise well insulated.

How much does the ZR-V cost to service?

Honda covers its products with a five-year/unlimited km warranty with five years of roadside assistance and both can be extended up to eight years in total if serviced through a Honda dealership. The hybrid battery is covered for eight years/160,000km. The ZR-V’s first five services cost just $199 each for a total five-year service cost of $995, which is one of the lowest on the new car market. The servicing intervals are a bit short at 10,000km, however.

Should I buy a Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX?

there’s a lot to like about the updated ZR-V e LX. Honda’s excellent e:HEV hybrid drivetrain is smooth, responsive and efficient, but unlike some economy-focused hybrids, it’s installed in a chassis that actually delivers some driver enjoyment. The cabin is excellent quality with good quality switchgear and fantastic ergonomics, while it’s also well equipped for the money and very inexpensive to run and service.

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The ZR-V’s weaknesses are largely the same as before. Its boot is small for the class, rear-seat packaging could be better, there’s no spare wheel and although it received a $3000 price cut, we think the top-spec LX should be better equipped for the money. The cheaper new hybrid models present better value for money. But as we’ve seen with pretty much all recent Honda products, the ZR-V gets so much correct, and for that, it’s easy to recommend.

ZR-V e:HEV LX standard features:

• 18-inch alloy wheels with a tyre repair kit
• Dusk- and rain-activated automatic LED exterior lighting
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Keyless entry with push button start
• Rear privacy glass
• Electric tailgate with easy-open and easy-close functionality
• Heated and auto-folding mirrors with passenger side auto-dropping in reverse
• Leather upholstery
• 8-way driver/4-way front passenger electric seat adjustment
• Heated front and outboard rear seats
• Heated leather steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents
• Honda Connect live services
• 10.2-inch digital driver’s display
• 9.0-inch touchscreen with inbuilt Google features like Google Maps
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• FM/AM/DAB+ digital radio
• Bluetooth calling and audio streaming
• 12-speaker Bose sound system
• Wireless phone charger
• 4x USB-C ports
• 11x airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
• Lane keeping assistance with adaptive lane guidance
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver attention monitoring
• Traffic sign recognition
• Adaptive high beam
• Front and rear parking sensors
• 360-degree camera
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Security alarm

ZR-V specifications: