ZR-V 2025 Hybrid Powertrain: What You Need to Know
The 2025 Honda ZR-V comes to the UK market only as a hybrid. It packs Honda's advanced e:HEV powertrain
that delivers great efficiency without losing performance. This smart
system shows Honda's push toward electrification while keeping the drive
fun and engaging.
2.0L e:HEV Engine and Twin Motor Setup
The
Honda ZR-V hybrid's heart is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle
petrol engine that works with two electric motors. The petrol engine
puts out
143PS (105kW) at 6000rpm and 186Nm of torque at 4500rpm. The electric propulsion motor brings the real punch with 184PS (135kW) and 315Nm of torque. This combo lets the ZR-V sprint from 0-62mph in just 7.8 seconds.
Honda's fourth-generation two-motor hybrid technology
places the electric motors side by side instead of in-line. This setup
makes room for a bigger, more powerful propulsion motor while keeping
things compact. The new layout also lets the motors spin up to
14,500rpm, helping the ZR-V reach a top speed of
107mph.
The
Honda ZR-V's powertrain works differently from regular hybrids. The
petrol engine mostly acts as a generator to power the electric motors
that drive the front wheels. This design makes the car more efficient
and refined.
The system runs at about 40% thermal efficiency, which beats conventional petrol engines' 25-30%. This helps the ZR-V achieve 49.6mpg combined and cover up to 621 miles on one tank.
How the Hybrid System Works
The
ZR-V uses Honda's intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) technology. It
watches driving conditions and picks the best power source on its own.
The system has three driving modes:
- Electric Drive
- The car runs on battery power alone, just like an EV. It's quiet and
responds right away. You'll feel this mode most in city driving and when
starting from a stop.
- Hybrid Drive -
The petrol engine powers the generator motor to create electricity. This
powers the car and charges the lithium-ion battery when needed. You get
great performance with low emissions and good range.
- Engine Drive - The petrol engine connects directly to the wheels during steady high-speed driving, which works best for motorway cruising.
The
system also captures energy during braking and stores it in the
battery. Metal paddles behind the steering wheel let you adjust the
regenerative braking strength, though it goes back to normal once you
let go.
EV-Like Driving Feel Explained
The Honda ZR-V
feels like an electric car even though it's a self-charging hybrid.
Electric motors do most of the work at low speeds, giving you that
smooth, instant response EVs are known for. City drives become more
relaxing thanks to the quiet operation and steady power delivery.
The
car switches between power sources without you noticing. The engine
revs up to make more electricity when needed, and there's no traditional
gearbox to cause shifting jolts. Honda has added simulated gear changes
to make the car feel familiar to drivers used to regular automatics.
Reviews
say the Honda ZR-V hybrid "strikes an excellent balance between
efficiency, performance, and drivability". The powertrain works "without
fuss" and gives smooth acceleration with "no delay on throttle". The
petrol engine stays quiet even when pushed hard and works well with the
e-CVT transmission.
You might notice a small pause when you floor
it while cruising in electric mode. The petrol engine needs a moment to
kick in. Beyond that, the system brings together the best of electric
and petrol cars in one smooth package.
Real-World Driving: Town, Motorway and Country Roads
The
Honda ZR-V's true character shines through once you get behind the
wheel. This family SUV proves how Honda's e:HEV system delivers on its
promises in real-life conditions. A test drive in different settings
will show you the strengths and occasional trade-offs of this mid-sized
crossover.
City Driving: Smooth and Quiet
The Honda ZR-V
excels in urban environments. The car feels like an electric vehicle at
low speeds, and electric motors handle all propulsion duties. You'll
notice exceptional smoothness and better responsiveness compared to
regular petrol-powered SUVs.
The car's light steering makes city
navigation a breeze. Good visibility helps drivers position the vehicle
confidently on the road. The wide-view cameras prove invaluable in
multi-storey car parks and take the stress out of tight spaces.
The
hybrid system really comes into its own during city drives.
Electric-first operation means you'll enjoy near-silent progress through
urban areas, creating a peaceful atmosphere that regular engines can't
match. The petrol engine kicks in so naturally that passengers might not
even realise the change.
The urban ride quality has a few minor
drawbacks. Some reviewers mention the suspension feels "a little fidgety
over smaller bumps", while others describe it as "unapologetically firm
at lower speeds". Notwithstanding that, Honda's clever suspension
tuning handles potholes well and offers a more composed ride than its
slightly firmer HR-V sibling.
Motorway Performance and Noise Levels
The Honda ZR-V hybrid
finds its groove at higher speeds. Stability stands out on motorways,
and the powertrain packs enough punch for confident overtaking. Test
drivers achieved impressive economy figures on mixed routes, from
44-45mpg to an indicated 52mpg – close to Honda's official claims.
Motorway
refinement tells a mixed story. The Honda ZR-V's interior stays quiet
during electric cruising, but road noise becomes obvious at higher
speeds. Reviews point out excessive noise from the rear axle, especially
in wet conditions. Wind noise around the front windscreen pillars and
door mirrors needs improvement.
Ride quality actually improves at
motorway speeds compared to urban driving. The ZR-V feels "more settled
at motorway speeds than the Austral and the Hyundai Tucson". Long
journeys benefit from solid high-speed stability that builds driver
confidence.
Handling on Twisty Roads
This family SUV might
surprise you with its agility on winding country roads. Reviews
consistently praise the car's handling. Testers note it feels "more
nimble" than the larger CR-V and "more agile and smaller than its
rivals".
The ZR-V shows "plenty of useable, instant power and impressive grip and stability"
on challenging B-roads. Most SUVs feel unwieldy here, but this one
inspires confidence. The car controls body roll well, and precise
steering allows accurate corner placement, despite limited feedback.
Reviewers
agree this ranks among the more engaging SUVs in its class. It "handles
neatly and precisely, aided by plenty of grip" and "relishes twisty
tarmac far more than many of its peers". The steering provides "swift
responses" with "little of the body roll that afflicts less capable
SUVs".
Honda engineered the ZR-V with drivability in mind. The car
sits lower than the CR-V and wider than the HR-V. Honda designed it as
"a safe and predictable" vehicle, yet it delivers a car-like driving
experience that outshines most competitors. The shared platform with the
Civic contributes to this engaging character.
Interior Design and Comfort: A Civic-Inspired Cabin
The
Honda ZR-V's cabin takes its cues from the Civic hatchback. You'll
notice a sophisticated yet practical space that Honda fans will
recognise right away. The interior strikes a perfect balance between
clean design and smart ergonomics.
Dashboard Layout and Materials
A
clean, uncluttered dashboard defines the Honda ZR-V's interior. The
standout feature is a horizontal honeycomb-effect air vent strip that
runs across the entire cabin. This eye-catching element looks great and
has practical air-flow toggles built right in. Honda made a smart choice
by keeping physical buttons and dials for climate control. These are
much easier to use while you're driving than the touchscreens many
rivals have switched to.
The cabin's material quality really
impresses. Soft-touch plastics and padded surfaces cover the dashboard,
centre console, and doors. Synthetic leather wraps the dashboard top and
high-contact areas. The lower cabin sections use harder plastics, but
they have a clever ripple texture that keeps them looking good.
Everything
feels rock-solid, put together with real attention to detail. The
centre console storage tray might wobble a bit on its mounts. The piano
black trim looks sleek but picks up scratches and fingerprints easily.
Honda didn't use too much of this material though.
Front Seat Adjustability and Driving Position
The
front seats offer great comfort with plenty of padding and support. You
get six-way manual adjustment for the driver's seat and four-way for
the passenger seat as standard. Sport and Advance models step up to
electric adjustment. These upgraded versions let you tilt the seat base
forward and back - great for better leg support during spirited drives.
Every model comes with heated front seats. The top-end Advance adds luxuries like a heated steering wheel.
The
ZR-V's driving position has sparked some interesting discussions in
reviews. The seat sits lower than typical SUVs. Some might miss that
high-up SUV feeling, but the low dashboard means visibility stays
excellent. This car-like position makes sense since the ZR-V shares its
platform with the Civic and helps make it more fun to drive.
Reviews
point out one missing feature - no adjustable lumbar support, even in
pricier versions. The built-in lumbar support might not be enough for
everyone on long trips.
Rear Seat Space and Comfort
Back
seat passengers get plenty of legroom in the Honda ZR-V hybrid. Headroom
works well in Elegance and Sport models. The Advance trim's panoramic
sunroof cuts into overhead space a bit. Six-footers still have about two
inches of headroom though.
Honda got creative with the rear
seating. The back seats sit higher than the front ones, like in a movie
theatre. Kids love this setup - they can see through the windscreen
better. The trade-off? A low seat base means less thigh support, which
might bug some people on longer drives.
Rear passengers get some
nice extras: a centre armrest with cupholders, AC vents, and two USB-C
ports. The door bins hold water bottles, and you'll find good-sized
pockets on the seatbacks. Parents will appreciate the clearly marked
ISOFIX points. Child seats fit through the doors without too much hassle, even though they're not the widest.
The
rear seats don't recline or slide, which some rivals offer. You do get
60:40 split folding, so the boot space can grow a lot when needed.
Infotainment and Controls: Simple but Dated?
The
Honda ZR-V's tech package strikes a balance between simple operation
and usefulness, but looks a bit dated next to the advanced systems in
competing SUVs. The clean layout makes everything easy to use, yet the
smaller screen size and simple graphics show Honda focused on usability
rather than tech glamour.
9-Inch Touchscreen and Features
The
9-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits high on the dashboard as
the ZR-V's tech centrepiece. The screen size doesn't match up to what
rivals offer, and the graphics aren't as sharp as the best in class.
Notwithstanding that, the system makes up for it with a user-friendly
interface that has big, easy-to-spot icons on the home screen.
The
system has a complete set of connection options, with wireless Apple
CarPlay standard on every model. Android Auto needs a physical
connection through USB-A or USB-C ports in the centre console bridge.
Built-in satellite navigation comes standard, but several reviews point
out it's not as clear or refined as smartphone maps.
One great
thing about the Honda ZR-V's interior tech setup is the physical
shortcut buttons next to the touchscreen. These buttons help you quickly
access key functions without going through multiple menus. You'll also
find wireless charging and various USB ports under the centre console
bridge.
The optional 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, which
you can only get on Advance trim models, sounds much better than the
standard eight-speaker setup in lower trims. This upgraded system
delivers noticeably better sound quality throughout the cabin.
Physical Climate Controls
Many
car makers have moved climate controls to touchscreens, but the Honda
ZR-V hybrid keeps traditional physical knobs and buttons. Three rotary
dials with clearly marked buttons sit right below the infotainment
display.
These controls have Honda's signature mechanical feel,
with a satisfying click that lets you know they're working. The layout
makes sense and puts the most-used functions right where you need them.
Physical
controls make a real difference in day-to-day use. You can adjust the
temperature or fan speed more safely while driving because you don't
need to look away from the road. The climate system responds quickly and
keeps the cabin temperature steady in any weather.
Digital Driver Display and HUD
A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
behind the steering wheel shows your essential driving info clearly.
The display works well but doesn't have the creative touches or
extensive customization you'll find in other cars. It sticks to
traditional gauge layouts with customizable sections for audio, fuel
efficiency, and driver assists.
Steering wheel controls make it
easy to navigate the digital instruments. The display might look
conservative, but it presents information in a clear, organised way.
The
top-end Advance trim adds a 6-inch head-up display that projects key
driving info onto your windshield. This lets you see your speed,
navigation directions, and safety alerts while keeping your eyes on the
road.
The Honda ZR-V's tech package focuses on practical function
over flashy features. Some Honda ZR-V reviews call the infotainment
system "old-hat" and say it lacks the processing power of its
competitors. Still, this approach has its benefits with easy operation
and a quick learning curve—something many drivers will appreciate in
their daily drives.
Boot Space and Practicality: Is 380 Litres Enough?
The Honda ZR-V makes some interesting trade-offs in terms of practicality. The boot space
might not wow you at first if you're looking for the biggest cargo
area, but some clever design features make up for its smaller size.
Boot Size vs Competitors
The Honda ZR-V gives you 380 litres of boot space with the back seats up (Elegance and Sport trims). The range-topping Advance model has 370 litres because of its Bose premium audio system's subwoofer. These numbers don't look great next to other family SUVs.
The
ZR-V falls way behind its popular rivals. The Nissan Qashqai fits
504-591 litres, and the Kia Sportage packs in 587 litres. The Hyundai
Tucson leads the pack with a huge 616-litre capacity – that's almost 40%
more than the Honda ZR-V hybrid. Honda's own Civic hatchback beats the
ZR-V with 410 litres.
The ZR-V's boot works fine for regular
shopping trips or a small pushchair. All the same, families who need
lots of space for holidays or sports gear might wish they had more room.
Seat Folding and Load Floor
The ZR-V makes up for its standard capacity with some practical features. Fold those rear seats down and you'll get 1,312 litres of space (up to the roof). Advance trim owners get a bit more with 1,322 litres total.
The
back seats split 60:40 instead of the more flexible 40:20:40 setup
you'll find in some rivals. You'll need to open the rear doors to drop
the seats since there aren't any release handles in the boot.
The
good news? The load floor stays almost perfectly flat with folded seats.
The Honda ZR-V's interior doesn't have much of a lip at the boot
entrance, so you can slide heavy stuff in without breaking your back.
Storage Features and Limitations
Looking
past the numbers, Honda ZR-V reviews point out both smart features and a
few missed opportunities. The boot area has handy hooks on both sides
for shopping bags and Sport and Advance models come with a 12V power
outlet. You'll also find some extra storage space under the boot floor.
The cabin's storage setup is a mixed bag. The centre console
has a big shelf with charging ports and a handy phone tray sits below
the climate controls. You'll find plenty of room for your stuff in the
storage bin under the centre armrest.
The door bins show the car's
limits - they won't hold bottles bigger than 500ml. This small detail
shows how the Honda ZR-V's interior puts style ahead of maximum
practicality sometimes.
The ZR-V's practicality is about balance - trading pure space for smart design that works well in daily life.
Trim Levels and Pricing: Elegance, Sport, Advance
The
Honda ZR-V lineup has a simple three-tier structure that makes choosing
easier. Since its UK launch in July 2023, all models share the same
2.0-litre e:HEV hybrid powertrain but come with different features to
match your needs and budget.
ZR-V Elegance: Entry-Level Features
The
Elegance trim starts at Ł35,995. This base model packs plenty of
features. You get 18-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors in front and
back, and a detailed rear-view camera system.
The ZR-V's interior
features cloth seats, heated front seats, and a 9-inch touchscreen that
works with wireless Apple CarPlay. Android Auto needs a cable connection
though. The tech package includes Honda CONNECT with built-in
navigation, a digital driver display you can customise, and keyless
entry with push-button start.
Safety comes standard with Honda's complete SENSING suite
of driver assistance features. Smart buyers can find deals on Carwow
starting around Ł31,995, which saves about Ł4,000 off the list price.
ZR-V Sport: Mid-Tier Upgrades
The
Sport trim costs Ł2,200 more than the base model, starting at Ł38,195.
Honda expects this middle option to be their best seller. It adds useful
features and some style upgrades.
You'll find a powered tailgate,
tinted windows, and wireless phone charging. The driver's seat gets
power adjustment, while the exterior looks sportier with a honeycomb
front grille and matt black 18-inch wheels.
The Sport keeps all
the good stuff from the Elegance and adds sport pedals. The seats get a
mix of fabric and faux-leather that looks more upscale.
ZR-V Advance: Premium Additions
The
top-end Advance trim starts at Ł40,295. This flagship version comes
with luxury touches like a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with
light.
Music lovers will enjoy the Bose 12-speaker sound system
that takes the audio experience to another level. The comfort features
expand with heated rear seats and a heated leather steering wheel.
The
Advance also includes smart headlights, more ambient lighting choices,
and full leather seats. Honda makes this premium version more affordable
through finance deals, with monthly payments starting at Ł489 and a
Ł2,000 deposit contribution.
The ZR-V hybrid range gives you great
value for money with its equipment levels, even though prices might
seem high at first glance compared to similar-powered rivals.
Fuel Economy, Emissions and Running Costs
The
decision to buy a family SUV often depends on running costs that
continue well after the original purchase. Honda's ZR-V, equipped with
e:HEV hybrid technology, delivers economical operation without
compromising performance.
Official vs Real-life MPG
The
Honda ZR-V shows impressive WLTP economy figures that range between 48.7
and 49.6mpg. The base Elegance trim proves slightly more efficient at
49.6mpg than Sport and Advance models at 48.7mpg. Honda proudly claims a
maximum range of 621 miles per tank - this is a big deal for drivers
who take longer trips.
Many hybrids fall nowhere near their
official figures in actual use, but the Honda ZR-V hybrid delivers what
it promises. Independent tests show actual economy between 44-45mpg in
mixed driving conditions. Parkers recorded around 45mpg even during
performance testing. The economy figures can reach 50mpg under lighter
driving conditions. This makes the ZR-V one of the few vehicles that
lives up to its claimed efficiency.
CO2 Emissions and Tax Bands
The
ZR-V produces carbon emissions between 130-132g/km, which puts it in a
reasonable Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) band. These figures might not match
plug-in hybrids or electric vehicles, but they represent good
performance for a conventional SUV of this size.
The Ł40,000 tax
threshold creates an important distinction. The Elegance model stays
just under this cut-off point and saves owners from the luxury vehicle
surcharge. Sport and Advance variants cost more than this threshold,
which means owners pay over Ł500 extra each year between years two and
six of ownership.
Warranty and Maintenance
Honda backs the
ZR-V with a three-year/90,000-mile warranty, which beats the typical
60,000-mile limit from other manufacturers. The e:HEV hybrid system gets
even better coverage with a five-year/90,000-mile specific warranty.
Service
intervals come yearly or every 12,500 miles. Honda's service plans
range from one to four years, with options to pay upfront or monthly.
This helps owners manage their maintenance costs effectively.
Safety Features and Reliability Expectations
Safety
tops the list for family SUV buyers. The Honda ZR-V delivers detailed
protection systems that give peace of mind. The best part is you don't
need to be tech-savvy to use them.
Honda Sensing Suite Overview
The
Honda SENSING safety package comes standard with every Honda ZR-V. A
single-camera system powers this smart suite with a wider field of view
and better processing power. This helps detect potential hazards faster
and more accurately. The package has several key features: Collision
Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed
Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation.
The
system spots vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists automatically. It
applies brakes when a collision cannot be avoided. Traffic Sign
Recognition and Traffic Jam Assist are standard features in all trim
levels.
Airbags and Driver Assistance
The Honda ZR-V's
cabin protection is robust with 11 airbags. The setup has front, knee,
front-centre, side, rear side and full-length curtain airbags. These
work with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure.
ACE redirects crash energy around the cabin.
The ZR-V scored four
stars out of five in Euro NCAP testing. This rating falls short of what
most expect from a modern family vehicle. The bright side shows good
scores for Adult Occupant (79%) and Child Occupant protection (86%).
Every model has automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance,
and smart headlights that follow your steering.
Reliability Track Record and Warranty
The
Honda ZR-V might be new but shows great promise for reliability. Honda
ranked fourth among 31 manufacturers in the 2024 What Car? Reliability
Survey.
The standard warranty covers three years or 90,000 miles.
This is a big deal as it means that the coverage exceeds the usual
60,000-mile limit from other brands. Hybrid system owners get extra
protection with a five-year/90,000-mile warranty. The coverage package
includes three-year surface corrosion protection, five-year exhaust
corrosion coverage, ten-year chassis corrosion coverage, and twelve-year
structural corrosion protection.
Conclusion
The Honda
ZR-V makes a strong case as a midsize family SUV. It hits the sweet spot
between efficiency and driving dynamics. This new model sits perfectly
between the compact HR-V and larger CR-V, bringing Honda's proven e:HEV
technology in a package that feels right for UK drivers.
Our
review shows how the ZR-V drives almost like an EV but without any range
anxiety. The 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain with twin electric motors
gives you quick acceleration and great efficiency. You can actually get
close to the claimed 49mpg in ground driving. This means you could drive
up to 600 miles before needing to refuel.
The ZR-V's modest
exterior hides a spacious passenger cabin, especially when you have
people in the back seats. Honda took inspiration from the Civic for the
interior, and it shows. Quality materials and smart ergonomics make the
driver's seat a great place to be. Honda also made the right call by
keeping physical climate controls instead of hiding them in touchscreen
menus.
In spite of that, the 380-litre boot space remains the
ZR-V's weak point. Families who need more cargo room might struggle with
this limitation. Other rivals give you much more space. The flat load
floor and low lip height help make the most of what's available.
The
ZR-V comes in three flavours - Elegance, Sport and Advance. Each trim
level packs detailed equipment as standard. The base Elegance model has
features that cost extra in other cars. The price might seem high at
first, but it makes sense when you look at the hybrid system and long
feature list.
Safety stands out too. The Honda SENSING suite comes
standard on every model. The four-star Euro NCAP rating sits just below
the best in class, but the ZR-V still protects adults and children
well.
The Honda ZR-V should be on your list if you value smooth
driving, efficiency and a quality interior more than boot space. It
delivers a premium feel without being complicated. While it's not the
biggest family SUV out there, its mix of talents makes it a strong
competitor against its 5-year old rivals.
FAQs
Q1. How does the Honda ZR-V perform in terms of fuel efficiency?
The Honda ZR-V delivers impressive real-world fuel economy, with
drivers reporting between 44-45mpg during mixed driving conditions.
Under less demanding circumstances, it can potentially reach 50mpg,
closely matching Honda's official claims of 48.7-49.6mpg.
Q2. What are the key safety features of the Honda ZR-V?
The ZR-V comes standard with the Honda SENSING safety package, which
includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane
Keeping Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. It also features 11
airbags and an Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure for
enhanced crash protection.
Q3. How does the Honda ZR-V's boot space compare to its rivals?
The ZR-V offers 380 litres of boot space (370 litres in the Advance
trim), which is smaller than many competitors. For comparison, the
Nissan Qashqai provides 504-591 litres, while the Kia Sportage offers
587 litres. However, with rear seats folded, space expands to
1,312-1,322 litres.
Q4. What does the 'ZR-V' designation stand for?
According to Honda, 'ZR-V' stands for 'Z Runabout Vehicle', a reference
to Generation Z. This naming is unrelated to Honda's previous Z
microcars.
Q5. How does the Honda ZR-V's hybrid system work?
The ZR-V uses Honda's e:HEV hybrid system, combining a 2.0-litre petrol
engine with two electric motors. It operates in three modes: Electric
Drive for low speeds, Hybrid Drive where the engine powers a generator
to drive the electric motors, and Engine Drive for high-speed cruising.
This system provides an EV-like driving experience with the range of a
conventional vehicle.
