2025 Honda ZR-V Hybrid Review – Compact Yet Surprisingly Premium

Honda’s New Contender in the Hybrid SUV Segment

The 2025 Honda ZR-V Hybrid arrives in Australia at a time when buyers are spoiled for choice in the small SUV market—but few can match what the ZR-V offers: refined interior design, efficient hybrid powertrain, and upscale driving feel. Positioned between the HR-V and CR-V, the ZR-V seeks to blend the versatility of an SUV with the comfort of a mid-size hatch—all while keeping emissions and fuel costs low.

Honda describes the ZR-V as a “driver's SUV,” and for once, that tagline feels justified. But does it live up to its premium aspirations in a competitive landscape?

Let’s dive into the specs, performance, features, and real-world impressions of the 2025 Honda ZR-V e:HEV.

🛠️ Powertrain & Hybrid Performance

🔋 Engine & Hybrid Setup

The ZR-V Hybrid uses Honda’s e:HEV powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with two electric motors. It’s not a traditional hybrid setup—Honda’s system operates more like an EV most of the time, with the petrol engine acting as a generator.

Specs:

• Petrol Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder
• Electric Motors: Dual motors
• Total System Output: Approx. 135kW and 315Nm
• Transmission: e-CVT (Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission)
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)

⚡ Driving Dynamics

On the road, the ZR-V Hybrid impresses with seamless transitions between petrol and electric drive. It accelerates confidently, feels planted around corners, and offers a refined and near-silent urban drive.

In Sport Mode, throttle response tightens and the ZR-V delivers surprising mid-range grunt for overtaking or freeway merges.

0–100 km/h time hovers around 7.8 seconds, which is brisk for a hybrid SUV in this segment.

⛽ Fuel Efficiency – Is It Really That Good?

Fuel economy is a highlight:

• Claimed economy: 5.0L/100km (combined)
• Real-world average: Between 5.2–5.8L/100km in mixed driving
• Fuel tank capacity: 57 litres

Compared to other hybrids like the Toyota Corolla Cross or Haval Jolion Hybrid, the ZR-V offers competitive efficiency with a more refined drive experience.

The regenerative braking is smooth and adjustable, helping reduce wear on the discs while also recharging the battery during deceleration.

🧍 Interior – Premium in Look and Feel

🪑 Cabin Quality & Layout

Step inside the ZR-V Hybrid and you’ll notice Honda has gone upmarket. The cabin is wrapped in soft-touch materials, leather-like finishes, and minimalist, modern design lines.

Key interior highlights:

• Honeycomb mesh air vents (like Civic and CR-V)
• Digital instrument cluster (10.2-inch)
• High-mounted infotainment screen (9-inch touchscreen)
• Ambient lighting
• Heated front seats & steering wheel in higher trims

📏 Interior Space & Comfort

Despite its compact appearance, the ZR-V offers ample room for five adults.

Boot space:

• 370L with rear seats up
• 1,320L with seats folded down

Rear seat comfort is commendable for a vehicle in this class, with wide door openings and a flat floor contributing to comfort and accessibility.

The only drawback? No panoramic sunroof, even on the top trim.

🧠 Infotainment & Tech – All the Modern Must-Haves

Honda’s tech game has improved significantly, and the ZR-V benefits from this.

Standard Features Include:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Satellite navigation (top trims)
• USB-C & USB-A charging ports
• Wireless phone charging
• 8-speaker audio system

The system is easy to use, responsive, and logically laid out. The digital instrument panel is crisp and customisable with real-time hybrid efficiency data.

🛡️ Safety & Driver Assistance – Honda Sensing as Standard

The ZR-V Hybrid comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes a suite of active safety tech:

Key Features:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• 360° camera system (on top trim)

The ANCAP rating is expected to be 5 stars, though official 2025 results are pending at the time of writing.

📊 2025 Honda ZR-V Hybrid Models & Pricing in Australia

The ZR-V Hybrid is offered in two trim levels locally:

✅ ZR-V e:HEV X

• Approx. $47,000 drive-away
• Fabric seats, 18-inch wheels, Honda Sensing, wireless CarPlay

✅ ZR-V e:HEV LX

• Approx. $54,000 drive-away
• Leather trim, heated/ventilated front seats, 360° camera, premium audio

While not the cheapest hybrid SUV in the market, it offers value through refinement, reliability, and tech features.

🔍 How Does It Compare? ZR-V vs Rivals

Let’s benchmark the ZR-V Hybrid against some popular competitors:

The ZR-V might lose slightly on paper fuel efficiency to the Toyota, but wins in cabin quality, quietness, and overall driving polish.

📦 Practicality & Ownership Experience

• Warranty: 5 years/unlimited km
• Hybrid battery warranty: 8 years
• Service intervals: Every 10,000km or 12 months
• Capped-price servicing: Yes, with pre-paid plans available

Honda’s fixed-price servicing program is competitive and offers peace of mind for hybrid buyers.

🟢 Pros & Cons – Quick Summary

✅ Pros:

• Extremely refined and quiet cabin
• Strong real-world fuel efficiency
• Premium materials and design
• Well-tuned hybrid system
• Good infotainment and safety tech

❌ Cons:

• No AWD option
• Smaller boot than some rivals
• Pricey compared to some hybrid SUVs
• No panoramic sunroof

🧠 Verdict – Is the 2025 ZR-V Hybrid Worth It?

The 2025 Honda ZR-V Hybrid makes a strong case as a premium compact SUV with hybrid smarts. It’s not the cheapest, but it feels more expensive than it is—thanks to upscale interiors, responsive hybrid powertrain, and Honda’s signature build quality.

For buyers who want a smart city SUV with fuel efficiency, technology, and a touch of class, the ZR-V e:HEV stands out as a worthy contender in 2025.