Honda ZR-V 2024 review: Long-term test of petrol-powered VTi LX flagship rival to Mazda CX-5 Akera

The 2024 Honda ZR-V is an all-new SUV that's stuck in the middle. Below it is the second-generation HR-V small SUV and above it is the sixth-generation CR-V mid-size SUV. As such, the Japanese brand's latest model is a segment-straddler, which is great news if you're a family car buyer that wants to balance size with practicality.
As such, the ZR-V finds itself going tyre to tyre with the popular Mazda CX-5, which is also attempting to offer families a more premium driving experience. So, what is the Honda like to live with? CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Andrew Chesterton has spent three months living with its petrol-powered flagship, the VTi LX, to find out.
In this expert, long-term review, he goes into detail about the ZR-V VTi LX's value equation, design, practicality, engine, fuel consumption, safety and ownership credentials as well as sharing his all-important driving impressions.
#Honda #ZRV #Review
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Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
00:32 Pricing and features
01:24 Design
02:45 Practicality
04:00 Under the bonnet
04:21 Driving
07:10 Efficiency
07:31 Safety
08:04 Ownership
08:25 Verdict
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Read Andrew's full review: bit.ly/3V0Pg7d
Check out our Honda ZR-V hub: bit.ly/3XWLhbV
Find more SUVs: bit.ly/3QCM93w
Visit our Urban Guide: bit.ly/3NAZFDa
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[@ytyndale3643]

I've had my Vti-L ZRV for nearly 6 months now, it is amazing. Take it through the winding roads and it will drive like a dream. Hondas sportiest suv ever.

[@simonjebb8180]

Great review. Such a good car to drive, should be more on the road. HRV and CRV are definitely better looking though

[@ayfj4572]

I wonder if this 1.5 Turbo still oil dilutes like crazy, like my 2018 CRV did.

[@ytyndale3643]

Nah it doesn't

[@fephenstuller]

Pull your pants up Andrew! 😂

[@kenphillips7594]

A face that even a mother couldn't love. And while I'm at it, I have a 2021 HRVRS that allegedly had a fixed price service thing. However, that proved to be a fib because Honda Australia increases their "fixed price" every year, so it's a fixed price that isn't fixed.

[@ayfj4572]

Yes Honda Aus are extremely unscrupulous IMHO.

[@campbellreither550]

I don't think the quality in the Hondas is there, after driving a HRV for an extended period. Its nice on a surface level.

[@harryrose6254]

Thats woeful fuel economy. Could understand it, if you had only driven in stop-start city traffic. But not when you have done a lot of long distance driving. Put me off even considering it.

[@michaelsch.7830]

Looks like a Ford Kuga copy.

[@ellisrochlin2267]

Honda a well respected brand but sorry this new SUVs body shape looks like it was designed 2013/ 2014 with very little inspiration parked on yer drive plus even with a Z in the name. 70 odd thousand Aussie dollars to buy a midrange one in UK.

[@JarvisDevonDariel-nv3io]

not sure what u meant, none of the zrv are near 70k pricing. Also the euro one is made in China while this is made in Japan

[@lucassitanggang5154]

That so you say ZRV Is Zed ar vee. Not zee ar vee?

[@JarvisDevonDariel-nv3io]

Yeah bro go leant some actual English

[@fairgo4156]

The 1.5T is too loud, the boot too small and it's not exactly compelling value. I had a look at a ZRV and immediately purchased a VW T-Roc City Life for $7K less, better equipped, drives better, better packaged. Sorry Honda, no sale.

[@raazz8848]

so sad now honda is luxury brand.....

[@wrigzzx]

I feel the exterior design doesn't fit in Honda's design language. I also think it's ugly

[@charl12]

It looks a generation behind already.

[@JarvisDevonDariel-nv3io]

I actually like how it looks modern on the spot not too modern like kia hyundai with disgusting ipad screen. The infotainment is not old at all.

[@keiths314]

That’s an ugly car. What on earth are you designing, Honda?

[@ytyndale3643]

I love the design it's one of Honda's best designed vehicles since born.

[@JarvisDevonDariel-nv3io]

​@ytyndale3643 I purchase this instead of corolla cross because of how it looks

[@ytyndale3643]

@@JarvisDevonDariel-nv3io great choice Jarvis

[@Discovery2024-rn8kn]

Other than Euro Accord, Prelude, S2000 and NSX. All other Honda's are ugly and complete miss in aesthetic department.