Review: 2025 Honda ZR-V e:HEV
If Goldilocks were in the market for a Honda SUV, the 2025 Honda ZR-V e:HEV would be her "just right" moment. Slotting neatly between the HR-V and CR-V, the ZR-V is Honda’s latest attempt to balance compact city agility with spacious practicality and a dash of off-road flair. But how does it measure up when we dive into its on-road ride, off-road prowess, interior spec, comfort, practicality, efficiency, and safety? Let’s break it down and see where this new SUV shines – and where it might need a bit of polish.
On-Road
Honda’s e:HEV system has been making waves, and the ZR-V benefits greatly from this hybrid setup. Equipped with a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired with two electric motors, the ZR-V delivers a refined and fuel-efficient on-road experience. The hybrid powertrain, designed for seamless transitions between electric and petrol modes, provides ample power for urban commuting and motorway cruising. It doesn’t have the raw punch of the CR-V’s plug-in hybrid variant, but for a family SUV, it’s more than capable.
Where the ZR-V truly excels is in its ride quality. Thanks to Honda’s clever suspension tuning, the ZR-V soaks up bumps and potholes with ease, delivering a smooth and composed ride. It feels more refined on the road than the HR-V, which is slightly firmer in its suspension setup. Compared to the CR-V, the ZR-V feels more nimble, making it a great choice for those who often navigate tight city streets but still want something capable of longer trips.
The steering is light, which makes it a doddle to manoeuvre, though some may wish for a bit more feedback on twistier roads. Still, it’s perfectly adequate for most drivers, especially considering the ZR-V’s intended audience. The quiet cabin, especially when running on electric power, is another highlight. Honda has clearly prioritised comfort and refinement for day-to-day driving.
Off-Road Ability: More Soft-Roader than Rock-Crawler
Let’s be clear: the ZR-V isn’t going to compete with a Land Rover Defender or even its big brother, the CR-V, when it comes to serious off-roading. However, for those weekend warriors who occasionally venture off the tarmac, it performs admirably. The ZR-V comes with Honda’s Real Time AWD, which automatically kicks in when additional traction is needed. It’s ideal for gravel tracks, wet fields, or even the odd snowy road, but don’t expect it to conquer rugged ‘lanes.
In comparison, the CR-V offers a bit more off-road prowess thanks to its larger size, higher ground clearance, and more advanced all-wheel-drive system. The HR-V, on the other hand, is more of an urban crossover, with limited off-road capability, so the ZR-V finds a nice middle ground between the two. For most UK drivers who just need a bit of extra traction on slippery roads or for light off-road excursions, the ZR-V will do the job without breaking a sweat.
Interior Spec: Modern and Minimalist
Step inside the ZR-V, and you’re greeted with a cabin that’s both sleek and functional. Honda’s latest design language is evident here, with a minimalist dashboard layout, high-quality materials, and a sense of airiness that makes the interior feel more premium than you might expect at this price point. Soft-touch plastics, brushed metal accents, and a clean, uncluttered design set the ZR-V apart from some of its more budget-friendly rivals.
The central infotainment system is a 9-inch touchscreen, which is easy to navigate and responsive to inputs. Honda’s infotainment systems have come a long way, and the ZR-V’s is no exception. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, which is always a bonus. The digital driver’s display adds a modern touch, though it’s not as flashy as the one found in the CR-V.
Compared to the HR-V, the ZR-V feels a step up in terms of both materials and tech. The CR-V, being the flagship, still holds the edge in terms of sheer luxury, but the ZR-V strikes a nice balance for those who want something more premium without splashing out for a full-on family hauler.
Comfort: Built for Family Life
The ZR-V is a comfortable place to spend time, whether you’re doing the school run or heading out on a weekend getaway. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, and there’s plenty of legroom both front and rear. Taller passengers will appreciate the generous headroom, even in the back, where the HR-V can feel a bit cramped by comparison. It’s not quite as spacious as the CR-V, but that’s to be expected given its slightly smaller footprint.
Noise insulation is excellent, particularly at lower speeds where the hybrid system allows the ZR-V to run on electric power. Even at motorway speeds, the cabin remains quiet, with minimal wind or road noise. Honda has clearly worked hard to make the ZR-V a relaxing place to be.
Practicality: More Than Meets the Eye
One of the ZR-V’s strengths is its practicality. Despite its compact size, Honda has managed to pack in a decent amount of storage space. The boot offers a respectable 380 litres, which expands to 1,300 litres with the rear seats folded flat. It’s not class-leading, but it’s certainly enough for most families. The boot floor is flat, making it easy to load and unload bulky items.
In comparison, the CR-V obviously has the edge when it comes to boot space, but the ZR-V outshines the HR-V, which has a noticeably smaller cargo area. For those who don’t need the full-size SUV practicality of the CR-V but still want something capable of handling family life, the ZR-V is a solid compromise.
Inside, there are plenty of cubbies, cupholders, and useful storage spaces. The rear seats also feature Honda’s “Magic Seat” system, which allows for flexible configurations, making it easy to transport larger items. This is a feature also found in the HR-V, but it’s still a welcome addition in the ZR-V.
Efficiency: Hybrid Power Wins the Day
As a hybrid, the ZR-V impresses when it comes to efficiency. Honda’s e:HEV system has been fine-tuned for maximum fuel economy, and in real-world driving, it’s capable of returning around 50-55 mpg. For a car of this size and capability, that’s a strong performance. The CR-V’s plug-in hybrid variant can achieve better efficiency in pure electric mode, but if you’re not ready to make the leap to plugging in, the ZR-V’s hybrid system strikes a great balance between power and economy.
In comparison, the HR-V also uses Honda’s e:HEV system, but due to its smaller size, it’s marginally more efficient. That said, the difference is unlikely to be a dealbreaker for most drivers.
Safety: Tech-Heavy and Reassuring
Honda has equipped the ZR-V with an impressive array of safety features, many of which come as standard. The Honda Sensing suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. There’s also a rear-view camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, which are particularly useful in urban settings.
In terms of safety tech, the ZR-V is on par with both the CR-V and HR-V, and it benefits from Honda’s strong reputation for reliability and safety. You can drive with confidence knowing that the ZR-V has your back, whether you're tackling the daily commute or venturing off the beaten path.
Conclusion
The 2024 Honda ZR-V e:HEV is a welcome addition to Honda’s SUV lineup, offering a great middle ground between the compact HR-V and the larger CR-V. It excels in providing a smooth on-road ride, practical interior, and efficient hybrid performance, while still offering enough off-road capability for most drivers. It’s not the ultimate off-roader, but for UK families looking for a reliable, well-rounded SUV with a bit of hybrid magic, the ZR-V is hard to beat.
If the CR-V feels a bit too big and the HR-V a tad too small, the ZR-V might just be the perfect fit – it’s Honda’s Goldilocks SUV.
