2023 Honda ZR-V review: First international drive

July 2023: The Honda ZR-V is now on sale in Australia, and we've driven it

Sorry, CR-V – ZR-V is the medium SUV poised to bring Honda back to the pointy end of the sales race. Read our full review at the link below.

▶ Story continues: Honda ZR-V first international drive

Honda's new entrant into the competitive medium SUV segment is the 2023 ZR-V – and it's got two very big tricks up its sleeve.

The ZR-V coming to Australian shores is a version of the HR-V from North America, where it replaces the small and reliable but homely HR-V sold from 2016 through 2022 in contrast to Australia getting the third-generation HR-V.

Honda has taken all of the lessons learned from that SUV's six-year run, which benefits Australian buyers.

For the ZR-V, Honda has gone up a size category over the HR-V (which continues to be based on the Jazz light hatch that is no longer sold in Australia) and based it on the current Civic platform.

The result is a larger and more spacious model, which is good news for the Honda faithful in Australia who might feel limited by the HR-V but a find a CR-V too large.

With dimensions that are 229mm longer and 77mm wider than the outgoing HR-V and a wheelbase that's 50mm longer, the ZR-V has generous passenger and cargo volume.

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When is the Honda ZR-V due in Australia?

The ZR-V lands on our shores in July this year with petrol and petrol-electric hybrid drivetrains.

The hybrid uses Honda's 2.0-litre four-cylinder with dual electric motors and continuously variable transmission (CVT). The non-hybrid has a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder paired with a CVT.

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What's it like to drive?

The driving experience is dominated by the spaciousness of the cabin and the fact Honda has made good use of the additional wheelbase and width of the ZR-V.

From the driver’s seat, the front row feels as spacious as it looks, with clever cargo space carved into the centre console.

Drivers will be happy with the supportive and modestly bolstered seat, while the adjustable steering column enables the majority to find a comfortable and effective driving position. The wheel is pleasantly similar in shape and size to the one found in the latest Civic. The interface of the North American-spec infotainment system lacks polish but is remedied by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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Two adults will fit comfortably in the second row and the rear doors open wide to make it easy for children to get in and out.

For cargo, the ZR-V’s liftover height is low and the boot load floor is perfectly flat, which makes loading objects of any size easy.

One of the ZR-V’s tricks is two engine choices. With its HR-V badge, the North American ZR-V is available with only Honda’s 2.0-litre petrol engine and while it’s a smooth-running four, it lacks the power and torque of the Australian-spec 1.5-litre turbo and 2.0-litre hybrid power units. Our US-spec tester would have benefited from either of these versus the naturally aspirated 2.0L.

In this test vehicle, the CVT optimises the engine speed to allow for maximum acceleration or maximum efficiency, depending on what the driver is asking for at a given moment. Acceleration is modest and 0-100km/h times are well over eight seconds, so both Australian engine choices will be a boon for day-to-day performance and efficiency.

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The CVT itself is refined, but without shift paddles on the US-spec Honda, the driver has to rely on a meek Sport mode or judicious throttle inputs to muster acceleration.

However, while driving the ZR-V on Southern California’s mountainous roads, the CVT optimises shifts for downhill engine braking, which is an unexpected and pleasant surprise.

Another ZR-V trick is its handling package, which is a genuine highlight. Steering, braking and handling are simply best in class with much of that credit due to its Civic DNA.

Steering is responsive and effort is light, which will satisfy most buyers. The brakes are strong with clear modulation, similar to what we’ve come to expect in the Civic.

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The ride is comfortable in daily driving and it’s one of the few mid-sized SUVs that’s a joy to carve through California’s gorgeous canyon roads.

Body roll is at an absolute minimum and, considering that the ZR-V isn’t fitted with fancy dampers, it absorbs road imperfections with barely any secondary body movement over larger bumps.

Its suspension is so well resolved that the additional power of the two Australian engine choices will make the ZR-V even more enjoyable to drive.

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Is it worth waiting for the Honda ZR-V?

The ZR-V has all of the modern creature comforts and technology that buyers have come to expect in a modern SUV.

What promises to make this Honda a leader in the segment is its spaciousness, powerful and efficient drivetrains, and excellent chassis.

If Americans knew that Australians have two superior engine options, nobody could blame them for feeling short-changed.