2023 Honda ZR-V: A Comprehensive Review
For families in search of a new car that meets their needs both inside and out, the 2023 Honda ZR-V stands out as an excellent choice. In recent years, Honda’s sales had faced a decline, but a significant product upgrade has propelled the brand back into the limelight.
However, this revival has come at a price, quite literally. We’ll investigate whether the mid-sized ZR-V offers genuine value for your investment.
Outstanding Value
The Honda ZR-V expertly fills the gap between the HR-V and CR-V, adding another compact SUV to Honda’s line-up. In its top-tier VTi-LX trim, it comes with a £40,000 drive-away price, and negotiation is not an option. Honda has shifted its sales strategy, selling cars directly through agents, bypassing traditional dealers.
The VTi-LX model boasts a host of features, including partial leather trim, a wireless phone charger, a powered tailgate, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, alloy pedals, a 360-degree camera, and a premium 12-speaker Bose sound system. The 9.0-inch touchscreen integrates seamlessly with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Maintaining the ZR-V is budget-friendly, with the first five annual services costing around £150 each. However, there’s a limitation of 10,000 km per year, meaning frequent travelers might need to schedule additional service appointments.
Exceptional Comfort
Although the ZR-V’s body is slightly smaller than the CR-V, it offers generous space. The cabin is meticulously finished, with intriguing textures, including a mesh strip across the dash that houses the air vents.
User-friendly dials and an intuitive touchscreen menu make adjusting major features a breeze. USB-A and USB-C ports keep your devices powered.
Rear passengers enjoy adequate legroom, but headspace is somewhat limited due to the elevated seat base. It’s perfectly accommodating for children but less so for tall adults. The back seat includes air vents, dual USB ports, and a convenient fold-down armrest.
The ZR-V’s trunk provides a useful 370 liters of cargo space and features a false floor for better organization.
Safety First
Safety is a priority for the ZR-V, equipped with 11 airbags, including knee airbags at the front and a center airbag between the front occupants. Features like automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, and speed-sign recognition are standard.
However, the VTi-LX model goes further, offering rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot warning. While it warns of potential collisions, there’s no reverse auto-braking.
Driving Dynamics
The VTi-LX model of the ZR-V is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine mated to a CVT automatic transmission. While many of its competitors offer all-wheel drive, the ZR-V remains a front-wheel-drive vehicle.
Despite its modest engine size, the 131 kW and 240 Nm motor performs exceptionally well in this lightweight SUV. The availability of torque at low revs, along with a responsive CVT automatic transmission, ensures a zippy and efficient ride, especially in urban areas.
With a claimed fuel consumption of 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers, the ZR-V is impressively economical and accepts regular unleaded fuel.
On the road, the ZR-V offers a solid and enjoyable driving experience. The suspension swiftly handles bumps, contributing to a comfortable ride. Furthermore, the cabin remains remarkably quiet.
Verdict: A Sensible Choice
The 2023 Honda ZR-V is a well-presented, five-seat SUV that offers a sensible size for families. However, its premium features come at a price, and it lacks an all-wheel-drive option.
Honda ZR-V VTi-LX Overview:
- Price: Starting at £40,000 drive-away
- Warranty/Service: Five years, unlimited kilometers, with service costing around £800 for 5 years/50,000 kilometers
- Safety Features: Includes 11 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot and lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert
- Engine: Powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 131 kW and 240 Nm of torque
- Fuel Efficiency: Achieves a fuel consumption rate of 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers
- Luggage Capacity: Offers a spacious 370 liters of luggage space
Notable Alternatives:
- Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport FWD: Priced at approximately £36,500 drive-away, it offers a well-equipped cabin and value for money.
- Skoda Karoq Style: Starting at £36,500 drive-away, it boasts a practical interior and impressive driving dynamics.
- Hyundai Tucson Highlander 2WD: Priced at about £42,000 drive-away, it features a leather-clad interior with advanced technology, although the base engine may feel underpowered.