New Honda ZR-V SUV inbound for autumn 2023

• Hybrid powertrain only
• Sporty styling
• Available from Autumn 2023

Honda is set to add another SUV to its lineup later this year. The Honda ZR-V will sit between the HR-V and CR-V, and it’s intended to offer a sportier look and driving experience, but with low running costs thanks to the brand’s e:HEV hybrid technology.

The ZR-V will share a platform with the Honda Civic e:HEV hatchback – effectively becoming a crossover version of that car – with its lightweight chassis intended to offer a satisfying driving experience and plenty of agility for an SUV its size. When it goes on sale this autumn, the ZR-V will rival other small hybrid SUVs such as the Toyota C-HR, Renault Captur E-Tech, plus the latest Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan.

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The ZR-V will get a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to two electric motors. Exact power figures are yet to be released for the upcoming ZR-V SUV, but we wouldn’t expect it to differ greatly from the Civic’s e:HEV powertrain, which delivers 181bhp. Honda says the ZR-V’s fuel economy will be around 49mpg and CO2 emissions start from 130g/km.

According to the Japanese brand, the ZR-V gets a ‘purposeful stance’ that reinforces the model’s road presence to complement its punchy performance. Its design features slim headlights and a gloss black grille, placing the emphasis on sporty looks rather than luxury. At the rear, the compact SUV gets sleek tail lights that blend into the rear hatch. Honda’s designers say the ZR-V has been optimised not just for style but also for functionality, with good visibility for its occupants and slippery aerodynamics.

The SUV will come with plenty of space to bolster practicality, despite its compact package, with ample storage solutions by way of trays and pockets, a load partition, a retractable parcel cover and underfloor storage. The ZR-V gets a boot capacity of 380 litres, with total load capacity increasing to up to 1,291 litres with the rear seats folded down. It also has a low loading lip and a large tailgate to make life easier when transporting bulky items.

The upcoming ZR-V should also provide a good level of comfort and convenience; soft-touch materials will be used around the cabin for a high-quality feel combined with ambient lighting. There are multiple charge points and a nine-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash, that’s expected to be compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It’s likely higher spec models may also include a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel and a more fully-featured sound system.

Across the trim levels, there’s an extensive range of kit on offer, including heated front and rear seats, eight-way driver’s seat adjustment, a panoramic roof, 18-inch alloys and a whole range of safety features as part of Honda's 'Sensing’ safety suite.

Full technical specs will be revealed closer to the car’s launch, though more recent Honda models give us an idea of what to expect from the new SUV.

Prices for the Honda ZR-V will be announced closer to launch, though we anticipate its position between the smaller Honda HR-V and the mid-size Honda CR-V models suggests a potential base price of around £31,000. The ZR-V will go on sale in Autumn 2023.

In addition to the ZR-V, Honda plans on launching additional cars in 2023. One has been confirmed as the next-generation version of the Honda CR-V, which will be available with regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, whereas the other will be a small electric-only SUV to rival the Vauxhall Mokka-e, Hyundai Kona Electric and MG ZS EV, previewed by the Honda e:Ny1 Prototype.

Looking to keep fuel costs to a minimum? Why not read our list of the Top 10 best hybrid SUVs?