Honda’s New CX-5 Rival Is Pretty Decent! (Honda ZR-V 2023 Review)

[@chasingcars]

Starting at $40K driveaway with a turbo, the ZR-V is a bit of a (necessary) course correction from Honda on pricing. What do you think of it?

[@kenphillips7594]

It does not come even close to the Kia lineup. It's overpriced by at least $5k and more likely $8k.

[@puxiaotian611]

In contrast to its Japanese-made competitor, ZRV boasts a 360-degree camera, a power tailgate, a heated steering wheel, Bose audio, and electrically adjustable seats on both sides, Honda connect 5 years, also all safety feature. have to say the pricing is fair. Compared to models such as the Mazda CX-5 or CX-30 in a similar category. @@kenphillips7594

[@BryptoBurrency]

Can't rely on a KIA engine

[@RodneyW]

It is odd... that the cheapest Civic is $47.2k driveaway, and yet... the cheapest ZRV is currently $39.9k driveaway. From a competitive perspective: size wise, the ZRV sits between the CX-30 (which is fairly cramped in the rear and the boot) and the CX-5 (which is not quite as good as the ZRV in the rear seat, but has ~18% bigger boot).. From a price perspective, it is around $3k cheaper than a CX-5 (with the 2.5 litre motor) and around $4k more expensive than the cheapest CX-30 (with the weaker 2 litre motor). This makes the ZRV compelling value, which is most unlike Honda in recent years.

[@davidperry3531]

I have been looking for a local review of the ZR-V and this is a very comprehensive report. Based on the Civic will make it a good drive I'm sure and being made in Japan is a bonus. Although Honda has copped criticism over their agency model with a drastic drop in sales numbers, this model and the new CR-V will boost Honda sales and I believe we want Honda to be a strong presence in Australia.

[@chasingcars]

Thank you.

[@daweigo6851]

Honda has sacked half the dealership, can't build sales with out market presence

[@arokh72]

@@daweigo6851 agreed. The nearest Honda dealer to me is over 100km away, vs about 50km for the other major dealers.

[@c.s2001]

“Kick up the arse” welcome back Nathan.

[@kamaldaruwalla6172]

Good to see you once again! Enjoy your reviews!

[@TalismanPHX]

Definitely the hybrid powertrain only on this Honda. Excellent review Ponch!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks! 👍

[@johnwhalley4926]

Great review. Very balanced and fair. We opted out of the Corolla Cross (waiting for 12 months). Excited to pick up our VTi LX next week.

[@chasingcars]

Enjoy.

[@Nobrainer19073]

That is very quick for delivery

[@anilsunda3318]

Ponch has nailed this video. I'm now seriously considering this car vs hyundai tucson, rav4 etc. Well done. You guys are the australian Mat Watsons. Keep up the great work. Thank you for all the hard work you put in.

[@aygeeninty771]

Its a very good size. So easy to drive and has great vision. Comfortable seats for long trips. Should be long lasting dependable if you service it on a regular basis.

[@JinendraBandara]

I actually did a test drive with these 2 cars. Tucson has more tech, but ZRV has quieter, stable and better interior.

[@KarlByriel]

It's way more fun to drive than a RAV4 hybrid (I owned one for a year and have never been more bored driving), also much more sporty than Corolla Cross hybrid.

[@johnbassett5407]

Thanks for sharing your review. I am going to test drive the hev soon. We’ve always had Hondas. They are pretty reliable cars.

[@ytyndale3643]

Is the 0-100 time of 8.02 secs for the 1.5 turbo that you tested or hybrid?

[@Cust0mBuilder]

The HRV is dangerously underpowered in my opinion. Insane that a new car can be so slow.

[@rjc-ii]

The US model really needs the 1.5T option that every other market seems to be getting

[@chasingcars]

Yes, the HR-V (non-turbo) took the wooden spoon for 0-100km/h times in our recent small SUV megatest. This ZR-V with standard turbo is almost 5sec quicker in the sprint.

[@XQzMEH]

You’re a hundred percent right. I would’ve bought one had they at least put the 1.5T and AWD. Honda gonna Honda.

[@Paradoxical124]

It’s an suv, what’s the need for it to be fast? If you want something quick, buy a performance car.

[@rjc-ii]

@@Paradoxical124 It’s just nice having adequate grunt so you’re able to pass and merge onto the Highway comfortably. Especially when you’ve got it loaded up with passengers or cargo

[@Ageratos01]

Love your reviews Ponch! Great video.

[@chasingcars]

Thankn you!

[@smoothcall01]

How did they manage to make the boot smaller than the Civic?

[@FlameMirage]

I am thinking the pricing is very reasonable, I was looking at the CX-5 and I am not willing to pay more than 55k for a top spec without any hybrid tech. I think this is the car I'm looking into the most atm.

[@chasingcars]

Especially when CX-5 still lacks a full hybrid.

[@daweigo6851]

Missing awd and sunroof

[@kenphillips7594]

A face that only a mother could love. If only Honda Australia had more faith in their dealers, they might sell a few more but, right now, dealers are not in love with HA when other makes give them more latitude. Or at least it seems that way in multi-make dealerships where Honda is treated like an unwanted stepchild.

[@ValueCarsAU]

Pretty enjoyable review. Prob the only mainstream automotive channel I personally watch.

[@chasingcars]

Much appreciated

[@eDENTECHNOCYBERHUB]

YOUR BIGGEST KENYAN FAN RIGHT HERE, 18/07/2023

[@karl6203]

Dumping the fix priced model would help them reach popularity again.

[@chasingcars]

Undoubtedly, that would up the volume - but let's see how it goes with fixed price but arguably better value than their other models

[@_nayl7288]

Did you do video about coolray?

[@haymont78]

Glad to finally see some local reviews... I'm looking forward to *crosses fingers* getting my e:Hev delivered in November. It's been a long wait since we ordered it but will hopefully be worth it. I was drawn to it because the of the hybrid drive was one of the nicests I've driven in the field. Like the Civic the ZR-V is actually nicer looking in hte flesh than in photos. It's weirdly not the most photogenic car for some reason. As a Mazda owner I was starting to get a bit fed up with Mazda focusing on the premium larger SUV models and they offered little in fuel efficiency improvements. I almost bought the eHev Civic but when i found out the ZRV was coming my mind was made up and i ordered one as soon as they went on sale. My only gripe is that Honda didn't include a panoramic sunroof or even a standard sunroof in the top spec model but i will learn to live without it.

[@chasingcars]

Enjoy the car!

[@bb55ii]

Only the Chinese models have sunroof. Sunroof not popular in Japan

[@haymont78]

@@bb55ii the left hand drive models also have heads up display. These are 2 things I currently have on my 9 yr old Mazda which is a bit frustrating. But other car options for similar price have more things I dislike so I went with the lesser of the two. It's also very disappointing Honda has removed the auto lock on drive off from all cars. My partner has had 3 people try to get into the car whilst sitting at lights and it was one thing she really wanted to have on our new car.

[@manishkumar31191]

Maserati Grecale left the chat

[@UPat5]

I don't know if I missed something but did you mention it had enough 'grunt' to overtake, what was the acceleration like? I now know all about the ride and interior but your review was very distracting when you are driving a BLUE vehicle but all the road video is with a BURGUNDY vehicle. We are seriously looking for an SUV to replace our wonderful 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, at the moment the Skoda Kamiq Signature (has everything and is a great drivers' car with good acceleration) is top of the list but my wife thinks it's a bit low for her bad back. The Nissan Kashqi is there as well but we haven't driven it yet?

[@c.s2001]

Hello Nathan and Chasing Cars. I would like to see a comparison between mid level Ice suv’s and suv BEV’s. When will we see this comparison? It would be interesting.

[@chasingcars]

What cars are you thinking? RAV4 vs Model Y, that kind of thing?

[@c.s2001]

@@chasingcars the comparisons would have to be on a like for like basis or as close as possible. Maybe the BEV’s don’t have the models at the moment for a direct comparison. Maybe you guys can roundtable a discussion between yourselves to see if this sort of comparison would be feasible. It would be a first as I have not seen a test between an ICE vehicle and a BEV.

[@daweigo6851]

Only model in segment that does not have sunroof😮

[@simonjebb8180]

Hi Nathan, awesome review we are seriously considering the vtilx or Vtilx Honda's company car dis you drive both models, if so which seats did you fine comfy there is only 2 50 year old and a dog but now have to drive elderly parents around and our current HRV EHEV is not too king in space for that very interested in the Tiggo 7 and also the Xtail your thoughts would be greatly appreciated

[@andrithio]

Being lifted Civic, i wouldnt conasider it a medium suv, its more like small suv.. like the vw t-roc, mazda cx-30, corolla cross etc

[@chasingcars]

At 4568mm in length it’s firmly in midsize SUV territory here in Australia. It’s longer than a Tiguan or a CX-5 (clearly midsize). Sharing components with Civic doesn’t change that.

[@stizzygrayson5541]

Top non hybrid model is the go. The 12 speaker boss sound system rocks

[@chasingcars]

Yes, the Bose is a nice upgrade.

[@marktevault57]

Could you possibly do an article on new and upcoming hybrids?

[@chasingcars]

Good idea.

[@chriskuhl9961]

I have a 2018 honda CRV with the 1.5l. I highly rate the engine and vehicle for its reliability. I would never buy another though as there are no dealers near me any longer since Honda axed them all. I have never needed to use the warranty but I want a dealer near by incase I do. Its a real shame as they are a very well built vehicle.

[@kenphillips7594]

Dealers are NOT the arbiters of warranty claims. I have THREE Honda Centre people saying that I have a valid claim but head office denied the claim from a photo - a photo while the local people could see it in the flesh. Honda's warranty is worthless.

[@ProductofNZ]

Interestingly, in it's spiritual homeland, the ZR-V replaces it's bigger sibling the CR-V because of sluggish sales.

[@chasingcars]

That is interesting.

[@FlameMirage]

wow I just msged about this like this morning HAHA. WOO!

[@chasingcars]

Hope it satisfied!

[@AbdullaRedha-od9bt]

If it's 1.5 litre Turbo it's new, then it's not good for the hot climate , don't taje risk ,will not last long , I doubt it will be reliable, go go for mazda cx 5 2.5 litre powerful engine or buy honda crv 2022 models Reliable

[@yahyah07]

It’s is overpriced when you realise the lack of standard safety tech other makes give you.

[@Ankit_letsdebate]

No AWD option and no Panaromic roof could be a deal breaker for many. If Honda hadn't overlooked these things, I reckon it would have been a great seller for Honda. Don't know how come they keep on missing crucial things. They missed some important bits with Honda HR-V too keeping it only 4 seater instead of 5

[@chasingcars]

Both would be nice to have.

[@Ankit_letsdebate]

@@chasingcars yes as almost all competitors offer those at this price point. Really loving your reviews. Keep up the great work

[@chasingcars]

Will do.

[@XQzMEH]

Totally agree with the AWD. would’ve added that extra reassurance for all-weather traction and gravel/dirt roads. Honda really is making it easy to look elsewhere.

[@SuperSymbol]

In Japan ZRV is AWD

[@johnedds2327]

I like the rear end styling , but the front end is almost cartoonish to me. Good review Ponch; good to see you and hear some straight talking.

[@andrewlucan9017]

I really love the front end. It's what initially attracted me the most. It looks sporty and reminds me of a Maserati

[@billparker5425]

He’s back? I thought he went back to SA.

[@DS-en4et]

You can't get a sunroof/panoramic roof. Absolutly absurd from Honda, and i say that as someone with a Type-R on order, due in April. In a sports car like the type-r, its no big deal. In a mid size SUV in 2023 its bordering on taking the piss

[@worrywart1311]

The motoring views of anyone who buys a Type R should be taken with a large pinch of salt, imho. Moreso if they are prepared to wait months for delivery.

[@darktinx]

Why couldn’t they have a similar front fascia that the HR V (Latin America) gets?!

[@chasingcars]

Not sure. Some of us like the 'Panamericana' style grille, others do not…

[@Schaneification]

What is funny the ZR-V cost much more than a HR-V while they are both the same car . One is only sold in the states for much less Money .

[@ជួងសុវណ្ណគីរីរាជ្យ]

Why Japan have to be Italian ?

[@grinster399]

Top end, hybrid pricing is so close to the X-Trail e-Power range, the latter would surely be a much better choice? Or even an e-Power Qashqai? In my opinion, the overall specs and looks of the ZR-V are, by comparison, rather boring, and lacklustre.

[@chasingcars]

Interesting observation, and a ZR-V Hybrid LX vs X-Trail ST-L E-Power comparison would be quite interesting, because they are both $54K driveaway.

[@haymont78]

The Quashqai was nice but lacked any soul in its drive to me in comparison to the ZR-V. Also whilst it had a panoramic roof it was fixed glass which defeats the purpose for me

[@patrickgagnon9662]

Mazda CX-5 rival ... I think not , CX-5 turbo at 256 hp/320 torque ....blows the honda out of the water , and the Mazda handles better and is a sleeping beast on the road , and beautiful inside ....This Honda is lacking !

[@chasingcars]

Subjective opinions on CX-5 aside, they are indeed direct rivals.

[@patrickgagnon9662]

@@chasingcars That is your opinion , but if you drive CX-5 turbo maybe you'll get it ...maybe your a Honda fanboy ...don't know how you could compare the two .

[@chasingcars]

@@patrickgagnon9662 I think you’re the one coming off as a fanboy.

[@patrickgagnon9662]

@@chasingcars I have had all different brands every car we owned ....just so sick of people making excuses for these tiny engine screamers because it's a Honda .

[@harryrose6254]

The turbo is a $57,000 car. The more directly comparable Mazdas are 140kw/252Nm. Even then, the base CX5 is $49,300

[@michaelgoh5830]

No AWD & a panoramic sunroof even as an option for the two top spec variants, could be a deal breaker for some. Otherwise, the ZRV is a nice fit for Honda in its SUV lineup.

[@chasingcars]

Agree, both things would have been nice options

[@markward573]

The sunroof I find annoying af

[@daweigo6851]

No roof, deal breaker for me

[@daweigo6851]

​@@chasingcarsshows honda stupidity or arrogance towards buyers

[@reonbarrett5546]

if want pwer you pay for it at the pup

[@GlowingTube]

Test drove it and found the engine too loud and the boot too small. Honda's service network was also very small. I walked into a VW dealership and purchased a T-Roc City Life for $36,990 drive away, no comparison really.

[@vustatube]

Been waiting for this review but wished you tested the hybrid instead.

[@zaamuro8408]

Plenty of hybrid reviews out today too.

[@chasingcars]

We did drive the hybrid, and it's discussed in the driving commentary. But we filmed with a VTi LX, which is a model that will make sense for plenty of people. Full hybrid review later oin.

[@serpex77]

It looks like a Ford ... Very original design...

[@chasingcars]

Late 00s Ford face? I kinda see it

[@DMT267]

Gosh, that grille.....no thanks. The CV transmissions let honda down time after time. Im surprised they still use them.

[@daweigo6851]

Millions of buyers disagree😅

[@topher.m]

It's lovely to see Honda reuse 2012 Audi Q8 rear lights. A lovely green initiative.

[@AKayC77]

Hmmm would have bought the HRV but lack of guts was an absolute bore to drive. This one looks a bit big for me unfortunately!

[@chasingcars]

They really should stick the turbo in the HR-V

[@bb55ii]

@@chasingcars shoud bring in the HRV based EV

[@aiboltoleu155]

Personally it doesn't look great or sexy. The design reminds me Toyota Rav4 4th generation.

[@revrickbibletalks5546]

Honda has lost its balls! It has just priced itself out of the market.

[@aygeeninty771]

No it's not. If you get the LX 1.5t its only a couple grand more than cars like Qashqai STL and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Exceed. It's cheaper than the new Kona 1.6t Premium. You'd be nuts to buy them over this car being a Japan made Honda.

[@davidarter6271]

You don’t sound the slightest bit enthusiastic about this car, Ponch……

[@TenzWang88]

Cx5 has 6 speed torque converter automatic transmission and Honda has cvt transmission that won’t last 100k kms. Also Big red flag for Honda’s 1.5t engine has oil dilution issue over the years.

[@Mexxx65]

....new mid sized Puma

[@chasingcars]

Looks a bit like it.

[@andrewmihaleff]

Lol, CX-5 universally regarded as one of the best designed SUVs out there and still looks classy years on. Chasing Cars: "looks a lot less dumpy than the Mazda does" OK.........

[@patrickgagnon9662]

This is a Honda fanboy

[@andrewmihaleff]

@patrickgagnon9662 is he? I'm not surprised. Hey by all means we all have our biases but that just sounded, yeah, fanboyish

[@pradeepmagan6951]

They are hopeful as everyone is buying EV’s and their biggest market is China and they are losing sales and using cvt please

[@daweigo6851]

Ev is a very small part of the new car market

[@coldude2559]

Something just doesn't look right🤔🤔🤔and the engine..1.5liter...it's just anaemic!

[@chasingcars]

But the engine goes more than OK in testing.

[@ausspace87]

First time I’ve heard anybody describe the Mazda CX-5 as ‘dumpy’. I’m betting the circa 200K+ owners in Australia may disagree lol I found the road noise in the ZR-V to be quite high with an echoey cabin particularly on the motorway. The ‘sedan’ seating position felt a bit odd in an SUV, and no adjustable lumbar support for the driver is a strange omission in the top spec.

[@videos1332]

Australians are sheep when it comes to buying cars, hence the success of the RAV4

[@chasingcars]

Not all of us here agree, but design is subjective and we’re all allowed our opinion about it

[@daweigo6851]

Personally I think cx5 looks olf fashion and clumsy, but do know they are a good cars...😮

[@JarvisDevonDariel-nv3io]

lmao a cx5 owner got piss and jealous because a zrv looks better and drives better

[@FFXIVArtist]

Who honestly finds that gaping catfish mouth attractive though?

[@chasingcars]

Some do. Some don’t. We are internally split.

[@FlowerHarley-q5v]

Davis David Martin Sandra Rodriguez Patricia

[@zaamuro8408]

Just realised the ZR-V is cheaper than the Civic...do they just don't want to be Civic anymore?

[@chasingcars]

The problem is that you can only get the Civic in VTi LX guise (and the HR-V VTi LX is, duly, more expensive than a Civic VTi LX). If they had cheaper Civic grades on sale in Australia, it would be a cheaper car than this SUV…

[@zaamuro8408]

@@chasingcars Ah yes, I was only comparing the Hybrid as that the one worth the money...

[@ThompsonUpton-k7l]

Clark Paul Garcia Edward Thomas Ruth

[@fredwalsh4108]

Honda Australia no thanks

[@JarvisDevonDariel-nv3io]

honda japan yes please

[@MelvilleAlbert-h2j]

Anderson Jason Jones Nancy Johnson David

[@HarrimanLennon-o1c]

Hall Angela White Ruth Jackson Brenda

[@kenphillips7594]

My son has a base model mazda cx30 and it's panels of fencing better than this for a whole lot less.

[@aygeeninty771]

No it's not. Especially if it's a 2.0. The ZRV is a lot more spacious and has rear seats you can use.

[@kenphillips7594]

​@@aygeeninty771I disagree. I've looked closely at the ZRV at a dealer and compared it with my son's cx30 and, in my opinion, I've started looking at the Mazda to replace my 2021 HRV rs.

[@aygeeninty771]

@@kenphillips7594 A CX30 in 2.5 form would be better than the previous HRV yes but not a ZRV. I ordered a ZRV LX 1.5T to replace my mums Mazda 3 G25 GT. (Back issues getting in and out for her with the low car) It's a fine car and I lose money by needing to sell it off with low kms. I did the test drive of the ZRV and thought it was really good if it was an everyday car. Better vision, better mirrors, smoother, slightly faster, quieter, superior interior size and comfort. Both are good high quality Japanese built cars. If you're going CX30 please get the 2.5 litre because the fuel consumption is possibly even better and obviously its faster than the 2.0. Our G25 has been flawless in terms of reliability and it's my third Mazda all have been literally perfect.

[@samsung8831]

Ugly looking front grille

[@nzelm0]

Honda make ugly SUVs

[@HaruHaruman]

Oh god, this looks even uglier than the Maserati Grecale...

[@chasingcars]

We had a Grecale in recently (vid coming soon) and it didn't look so bad in the metal IMO

[@JarvisDevonDariel-nv3io]

honestly I was looking at corolla cross at the beginning and got attracted by the look of Ziv. so ugly prop someone can't afford it