Honda ZR-V: 'I test drove Honda's new midsized SUV - it's like a raised up Civic'
The Honda Z-RV Advance is a decent looking mid-sized SUV that is not without its merits – especially its acclaimed e:HEV hybrid powertrain. Steve Teale reports.
The mid-sized SUV market is incredibly crowded but also very lucrative, hence there are no shortage of fresh challengers trying to win new custom. Honda should have it easy. It has a good name for reliability and a fabulous sporting image.
Honda owners are insanely loyal to the brand. Actually, that’s unfair – they are loyal for a good reason: Hondas are solid and dependable and what they sometimes lack in charisma they make up for in usability.
So here we have the latest challenger, the ZR-V. You’re forgiven if the name doesn’t ring a bell because I confess the name didn’t mean much to me either. Only Lexus has a more confusing set of names.
It’s a shame Honda doesn’t use proper names for all their models – Civic is a good name, Prelude is simply fabulous.
So, what is the ZR-V? It is in Honda’s words a stylish and powerful C-segment SUV. In my words, it’s a decent looking mid-sized SUV which has its work cut out to be noticed.
It bridges the gap between the HR-V and CR-V – two longer established and more familiar models – but few people have heard of the ZR-V.
Z-RV does have its merits. It feels solid, dependable and has terrific road manners considering many SUVs are uncomfortable and tend to wallow. It feels very much car-like, no doubt thanks to the fact that it is essentially a raised-up Civic – one of the most under-rated cars on the planet.
Central to the ZR-V's appeal is Honda’s highly acclaimed e:HEV hybrid powertrain. Honda says it blends exceptional performance and efficiency, making it suitable for all road types, from highways to country lanes. It’s hard to argue with that.
ZR-V features a refined 2.0-litre, four-cylinder direct injection engine working with two electric motors.
Honda compares it to a sports hatchback. Steady on – that might be going too far but it is reasonably rapid and very refined.
The hybrid system enables seamless transitions between EV, Hybrid, and Engine Drive modes without driver input.
In towns and cities, the ZR-V primarily operates in EV Drive mode, producing zero emissions. For stronger acceleration, the system shifts to Hybrid Drive, using the electric motor for propulsion while the internal combustion engine generates electric power. At constant high speeds, the vehicle operates in Engine Drive mode, powered directly by the petrol engine with assistance from the electric motor as needed.
This system ensures remarkable real-world efficiency, with CO2 emissions from 130g/km and fuel economy of 50mpg.
ZR-V also comes equipped with Honda’s advanced suite of Honda Sensing technologies, ensuring high levels of active and passive safety. This includes a comprehensive airbag system, impressive all-around collision performance, and features designed to aid visibility and enhance aerodynamic performance.
Forgive the poets at Honda who declare “ZR-V is defined by the timeless mixture of smooth uninterrupted surfaces that flow from front to rear, with precise panel gaps and tightly defined detailing features, such as the sharply creased belt line”.
It isn’t an ugly car by any means but there are prettier ones.
It is a very spacious model though. Its dimensions place it at the centre of Honda’s European SUV range, and give it exceptional practicality, and comfort within a compact package.
ZR-V is the latest Honda vehicle to feature the company’s advanced suite of Honda Sensing technologies as standard. These include adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
Combined with a comprehensive airbag system and impressive all-round collision performance, the ZR-V achieves high levels of both active and passive safety.
At 1,620mm tall unladen, 1,840mm wide and 4,568mm long, with a 2,657mm wheelbase, the ZR-V slots neatly into the current Honda SUV line up. Being wider than the HR-V and lower than the CR-V, the vehicle is compact yet spacious, offering a compelling balance of capability, spaciousness, and versatility.
Meanwhile, Honda’s all-new Prelude e:HEV sports coupe has been named ‘Best Coupe’ by the Best Cars of the Year organisation at the 2025/2026 New Car World Championships following the return of the model after 25 years away.
Prelude has arrived in Europe, allying an advanced hybrid powertrain and innovative Honda S+ Shift with a striking design approach to deliver the ‘joy of driving’ for which the model has always been known.
Upon hearing of the ‘Best Coupe’ accolade, Tomoyuki Yamagami, Prelude’s chief engineer, said: “We thank Best Cars of the Year / The New Car World Championships for this prestigious award.
"What we have done with the Prelude is like creating a wonderful dish using the best ingredients you have close at hand. And then we added a bespoke topping that makes our dish special, tasty and unique in the world. Then, the more of this dish you eat, the better it tastes. That’s what we believe we’ve created here, especially with the powertrain, handling and S+ mode.”
Prelude features Honda’s full hybrid e:HEV powertrain. Pairing a 2.0-litre petrol engine with the company’s lightweight dual electric motor automatic transmission, the 184PS (135kW) system offers exhilaration with responsive power delivery, excellent efficiency, and superb refinement.
Honda Z-RV Advance: £38,795. Range starts at £34,595 for the Elegance; 2.0 litre petrol engine and two electric motors delivering a total power output of 135kW and 315Nm of torque; Top speed 107mph and 0 to 60mph in 7.8 seconds; Economy 49.6mpg; Emissions 130g/km; Three years warranty, 90,000 miles but it can be extended. An optional Customer Care Package extends this with a two-year Extended Guarantee and two years of Hondacare UK and European Roadside Assistance that starts after the initial warranty expires, giving you up to five years of coverage