2023 Honda ZR-V

The Honda ZR-V joins its CR-V sibling in an already congested mid-sized SUV field

Honda has ridden the SUV tsunami since it was no more than a ripple, with its mid-size CR-V and small HR-V SUV debuting in the 1990s.

Honda’s first new model in 20 years, the ZR-V, will play an interesting role for the brand, sitting squarely in the mid-size segment with the new CR-V’s more generous proportions and seven-seat option pushing it towards the larger end of the segment.

Given mid-sized SUVs represent the second-biggest category in the Australian market, Honda’s decision to include two models in it could prove a masterstroke.

How is the 2023 Honda ZR-V priced?

The ZR-V range has four spec levels, starting with the VTi X which has a drive-away price of $40,200, followed by the VTi L ($43,200) and VTi LX ($48,200).

2023 Honda ZR-V specs

A 131kW/240Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine powers all three.

Rounding out the range is the e: HEV LX ($54,900) with a 135kW/315Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine/hybrid package.

All variants are FWD, leaving AWD the domain of the new CR-V.

How are the 2023 Honda ZR-V's features and design?

The inventory of standard features includes a 10.2-inch electronic instrument display, nine-inch audio display, front and rear parking sensors, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and adaptive LED headlights.

The VTi L gains 18-inch alloys, leatherette covered seats, and a hands-free powered tailgate with walk away closing, while the VTi LX features power-adjustable seats with leather trim and driver memory, heated rear seats, 12-speaker Bose audio, wireless charging, sat-nav and a 360-degree camera.

The hybrid’s list of features mirrors the VTi LX with unique badging to set it apart. While the ZR-V doesn’t have an ANCAP rating, there’s plenty of safety tech on offer, including autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, and road departure mitigation.

The more expensive LX and hybrid gain blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert, with 11 airbags part of their passive safety armoury.

Designs in this segment are either sharp and edgy or rounded and organic, and the ZR-V is firmly in the latter camp.

Front on, it looks like no other Honda in the current range, its black oval grille and sporty diffuser setting it apart, while the sloping C-pillar is more coupé than boxy SUV.

Inside, a binnacle houses the driver’s instruments while in the centre dash is a tablet-style infotainment screen.

Honeycomb air vents and a strip running across the dashboard lift an otherwise subdued interior.

Front seat comfort is typically Honda, not overly firm or too heavily bolstered, and ergonomically the interior is well laid out.

The overriding impression, though, is the excellent forward vision.

The dash tapers down from the windscreen and there’s a gap between the external mirrors and door frame that expands the view ahead.

Despite the interior’s dark surfaces, it feels light and airy.

Climbing into the second row reveals plenty of room for average-size adults and behind the seats is 380 litres of cargo volume.

2023 Honda ZR-V driving and handling

The 1.5-litre turbocharged engine is the same used in the Civic and CR-V and is matched to a CVT driving through the front wheels.

It feels spirited in most scenarios, the turbo delivering maximum torque between 1700 and 4500rpm.

The ZR-V is confident through the bends with well-weighted linear steering and occupants are nicely insulated from poor quality sections of bitumen.

It’s also quiet at freeway speeds and under acceleration.

The whole package seems balanced and bang on for the target market.

2023 Honda ZR-V – Final thoughts

As well competing alongside the new CR-V, the ZR-V is up against 20 other brands vying for consumer attention – time will tell if there’s enough room to accommodate the pair.

Pros: Engine performance; forward vision; airy cabin
Cons: Some safety tech not on all models

Specs:

• Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo
• Transmission: CVT
• Power: 131kW
• Torque: 240Nm
• Fuel consumption: 7.2L/100km
• Spare tyre: temporary use
• ANCAP: Not tested
• Price: From $40,200 (drive away)