Honda ZR-V 2023: Australian pricing and release date confirmed for hybrid SUV

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Honda Australia has announced pricing and specification for the ZR-V, ahead of the midsize SUV’s local launch on the 19th of May, 2023 .

A total of four ZR-V variants will be sold in Australia, ranging from the $40,200 driveaway entry-level VTi X, to the range-topping hybrid-powered $54,900 e-HEV LX. 

In  America, the ZR-V is sold as a small SUV on the HR-V moniker. In Australia, it’s more of a fit in the midsize SUV segment, considering that the ZR-V’s wheelbase is 47mm off that of the CR-V’s.

Once on sale, it’s likely that the Honda ZR-V will face competition from the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-5 in the extremely popular midsize SUV segment. 

Hybrid and turbocharged engines confirmed

In Australia, the entry-point to the ZR-V range will be the VTi X at $40,200 driveaway. It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. 

It’s worth noting that this should be a significant power and torque increase over the naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre engine that is present in the HR-V in Australia. 

This engine is paired with a CVT transmission that sends power exclusively to the front wheels.

This engine and transmission pairing is also used across the VTi L at $43,200, and the VTi LX at $48,500, both driveaway. 

At the top of Honda Australia’s ZR-V range is the e-HEV LX which starts from $54,900 driveaway. 

The ZR-V e:HEV makes use of a 2.0-litre petrol engine that’s paired with two electric motors on the front axle, sending power exclusively to the front wheels.

Though Honda Australia is yet to release power and torque figures for each engine that powers the ZR-V range, it’s likely to be similar to the New Zealand specification that was released earlier this week. 

On the other side of the ditch, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine in the ZR-V makes 134kW/240Nm, and hybrid gets 135kW/315Nm.

In New Zealand, the turbo-petrol model gets a leather-accented interior, whilst the range-topping e:HEV gets full leather upholstery, as well as an uprated audio system. 

Back in Australia, a total of five colour choices are available on the ZR-V including grey, white, garnet, black, and blue. It’s worth noting that the last two colours listed aren’t options on the entry-level VTi X.

Honda Australia notes that further details on each specification will be released ahead of the ZR’V’s local launch. 

Honda ZR-V 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are driveaway.

• VTi X: $40,200
• VTi L: $43,200
• VTi LX: $48,500
• e-HEV LX: $54,900