The UK car market is buzzing about the Honda ZR V, a sporty new addition to the hybrid SUV line-up. British drivers love a practical family car, but they also want style and value for money. The Honda ZR V positions itself as a serious contender, sitting between the popular HR-V and the larger CR-V. It appeals to those looking for something modern, efficient, and well-equipped, without forking out for a premium badge.
Are Honda ZR V Good Cars?
Honda’s track record for reliability gives the ZR V a strong start. Test drives and expert reviews highlight its real-world efficiency, generous kit, and solid hybrid powertrain. The ZR V uses Honda’s e:HEV hybrid technology, blending a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors. This system delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially during urban journeys, and the car averages 48.7mpg in official tests. Owners and journalists have often achieved even better results, with some reporting over 50mpg in steady driving conditions.
The ZR V’s cabin stands out for comfort and usability. There is plenty of rear legroom and a well-planned dashboard with a nine-inch touchscreen and proper climate controls. All models come with heated front seats, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, and wireless smartphone connectivity. Visibility is excellent, and even entry-level trims offer a reversing camera and parking sensors as standard.
Practicality is mixed. While rear passenger space impresses, the 380-litre boot is smaller than many rivals. However, the split-fold seats and flat floor make up for its modest size when you need to carry bulkier items.
Honda ZR V 2024 Long-Term Review: What British Drivers Say
Long-term reviews reveal that the Honda ZR V settles nicely into daily family life. Motoring journalists praise its comfort and how easy it is to drive around UK towns and countryside. The hybrid powertrain works smoothly, delivering quiet electric-powered driving in slow traffic, then switching to petrol power when needed. The ride can feel slightly firm over poor surfaces, and road noise gets more noticeable at motorway speeds, though not enough to be a dealbreaker for most families.
Over months of driving, the ZR V demonstrates excellent fuel economy on mixed routes in the UK, often returning around 50mpg. The hybrid system requires no plugging in, so you can simply fill up and go. Maintenance routines are straightforward, with annual or 12,500-mile service intervals recommended. Honda offers several flexible servicing plans to help budget running costs.
Reviews point to high reliability, with Honda’s reputation supported by real-world testing. Owners find the infotainment system easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay working seamlessly for most. Some testers wish for larger door bins and a quieter motorway ride, but these are minor gripes in an otherwise well-rounded family SUV.
How Much Is the Honda ZR V in the UK?
Pricing is a hot topic, especially with families keeping a close eye on premiums. The Honda ZR V is available in three main trims Elegance, Sport, and Advance. Prices in the UK currently start around £35,995 for the Elegance version, moving up to over £40,000 for the Advance trim. Special paints or extra packs can add to the final figure.
- The Sport trim (£38,195 to £41,000) adds electric tailgate, privacy glass, wireless phone charger, and electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
- The top-level Advance trim (£40,295 to £43,000) features a panoramic glass roof, adaptive headlights, Bose audio, and heated rear seats.
Used Honda ZR V models are starting to appear under £30,000, offering a good route for buyers wanting value.
Honda ZR V Features: What Sets It Apart?
The Honda ZR V is packed with features that UK drivers value. All models get the Honda SENSING suite, which includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Forward collision warning
- Road departure mitigation
A nine-inch touchscreen and digital instrument panel are standard. Higher trims add goodies like a 12-speaker Bose sound system, panoramic roof, and leather seats. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensure easy smartphone syncing, and there’s wireless phone charging from the Sport trim up.
The e:HEV hybrid system stands out for offering full hybrid capability. You get EV-like silence in town and petrol power on the open road. Four selectable drive modes (Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow) allow drivers to tailor the ZR V’s response to conditions.
Safety and UK-Specific Ratings
Euro NCAP gave the Honda ZR V a four-star safety rating due to a specific issue in side-impact tests. Still, adult and child occupant protection scores were strong at 79% and 86%. Honda’s suite of safety tech comes as standard, and the ZR V includes 11 airbags for added peace of mind.
Insurance groups for the ZR V are relatively high for the segment, mostly reflecting its value and power output. The basic three-year/90,000-mile warranty lags behind Kia’s seven years, but Honda allows extensions for those wanting added reassurance.
Running Costs and Efficiency
With official CO2 emissions from 130g/km and real-world economy close to 50mpg, the Honda ZR V keeps fuel and road tax costs in check. Annual VED is a touch higher for the top trims that tip over the £40,000 mark, which includes a luxury car supplement for years two to six. Servicing is required every 12,500 miles or annually, with affordable fixed-price plans available.
Running costs compare well to rivals, especially for a non-plug-in hybrid. Owners highlight smooth power delivery and the lack of charging cables as simple benefits, especially if you do not have regular off-street parking.
The Final Word for UK Buyers
Honda ZR V has become one of 2024’s most searched-for hybrid SUVs in the UK, for good reason. The Honda ZR V combines a proven hybrid system, a reassuring safety package, and modern tech in a stylish body. While it is pricier than some alternatives and carries a less generous warranty, it brings dependability, comfort, and real efficiency to the mid-size SUV market. If you are seeking a petrol hybrid with standout fuel economy, generous standard kit, and the feel of a well-built family SUV, it is easy to see why so many are asking: are honda zr v good cars? The answer from British reviewers is yes, they make a solid case for themselves in a crowded field.