Honda ZR-V 2.0 e:HEV Advance

By Bill McCarthy

Honda’s mid-range, oddly named SUV has much going for it. Designed to attract Generation Z buyers–hence the Z in ZR-V, with Runabout Vehicle completing the name–the wording hardly sets the pulse racing among younger buyers, and to some eyes it resembles staid Ford models. One reviewer likened the front end to a Nigel Mansell moustache.

Styling and facelift

For 2026 it has received a makeover–not startling, but perfectly acceptable. It has a curvaceous rather than sharp profile, rounded haunches and neat light clusters around the grille, stylish alloys and dual exhausts as a nod to sportiness. Technology has been upgraded too, with an expanded self-charging hybrid line-up combining improved styling, a high-quality interior and decent driving dynamics.

Pricing

It isn’t cheap. As I started writing this article, the range-topping Advance driven here was priced at over £40k, placing it in expensive-car supplement territory and triggering the £425–£440 annual supplement in years 2–6.

However, since the beginning of November Honda has reduced its prices on both the ZR-V and the larger CR-V.

For the ZR-V, pricing starts at £35,215 for Elegance, rising to £37,455 for Sport and £39,585 for the Advance range-topper–which now falls below the £40,000 threshold–good news for top-end buyers.

Interior and equipment

This model feels premium, adding full leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED headlights and a Bose sound system.

The cabin blends high-quality materials with good comfort and a well-built feel throughout, with honeycomb plastics adding a neat touch.

A nnew nine-inch touchscreen sits centrally in the wide upper dash, supplemented by a clear 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, providing real-time driver info.

The central screen controls smartphone connectivity and a high-end 12-speaker Bose premium infotainment system. The touchscreen now has Google built in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, and this model also features a five-inch head-up display.

A three-spoke leather steering wheel features audio, phone and cruise controls, with metal paddles for regenerative braking.

It is a comfortable place to be, with supportive leather seats on this model. The cabin feels light and airy, with good visibility via the A-pillars and a full-length powered sunroof.

Practicality

Storage includes two cup holders, a centre tray with wireless charging (Sport onwards), and a 370-litre boot expanding to 1,291 litres with fold-flat seats. An automatic power tailgate is standard from Sport grade, and a kick-operated tailgate is available for hands-free access when loading.

Five charging ports are fitted throughout, including a 15-watt wireless pad and illuminated USB-A/USB-C ports. Audio systems range from an eight-speaker set-up to a 12-speaker Bose Premium Audio system on Advance grade.

Powertrain and economy

The ZR-V comes with Honda’s impressive, tried-and-tested hybrid set-up: a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a battery. Together they deliver around 181 bhp and 315 Nm of pulling power. It drives through an automatic gearbox with front-wheel drive.

Power is blended automatically from engine and electric motors, delivered smoothly through the e-CVT to the front wheels, and the mix changes moment to moment based on speed, throttle and braking–electric for low speed and gentle driving, engine for cruising, and both together when you need maximum acceleration.

It captures energy when you brake to recharge the battery, and you can pick from four driving modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and Snow.

The overall economy is impressive, with official figures showing 49.8 mpg, but it was showing 50-plus quite regularly.

On the road

On the road, the SUV performs unexpectedly well, which shouldn’t really surprise you, given it shares the top-selling Civic platform and self-charging hybrid set-up.

For an SUV I found it nimble and agile on twisting Warwickshire roads and a pleasant cruiser on the motorway.

It delivers around 180 bhp and hits 0–62 mph in about 7.9 seconds (Honda quotes 184 PS and 8 sec). I have not always been a fan of CVT boxes, but the technology has moved on and reluctant ratio changes are now largely absent.

Nicely weighted steering allows corners to be taken with confidence, and the multi-link rear suspension keeps body roll nicely contained. This is aided by a firm ride, which inevitably can be upset on poor tarmac.

There is some wind and tyre noise, but otherwise noise can be intrusive from safety chimes, which can sound like an amusement arcade at times.

Safety

Safety features include 11 airbags and Honda Sensing as standard, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot alert. Adult occupant protection scored 79 per cent, child occupant 86 per cent, vulnerable road users 81 per cent and safety assist 68 per cent.

Verdict

The Honda ZR-V is a comfortable, well-equipped and surprisingly capable hybrid SUV, with strong refinement, useful practicality and impressive economy. Its still highish price and occasionally intrusive safety chimes are drawbacks, but the improved value and polished driving experience make it a decent all-rounder.

Factfile

• Model: Honda ZR-V 2.0 e:HEV Advance
• Price: £39,375
• Mechanical: 184 PS, 2.0-litre petrol hybrid, driving the front wheels via e-CVT auto
• Max speed: 107 mph
• 0 to 62 mph: 8 sec
• Combined mpg: 48.7 mpg
• Insurance group: 35E
• CO2 emissions: 130–132 g/km
• BiK rating: 32%
• Warranty: 3 yrs/90,000 miles