Honda HR-V vs Honda ZR-V
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Honda HR-V starts from $30,300 before on-road costs, while the Honda ZR-V opens at $34,300. That makes the Honda HR-V the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $32,900 for the Honda HR-V and $37,900 for the Honda ZR-V.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda HR-V by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda HR-V and Honda ZR-V hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Honda HR-V and 79% for the Honda ZR-V.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda ZR-V packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Honda HR-V.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Honda HR-V and 7 in the Honda ZR-V.
Feature Showdown
The Honda HR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Honda ZR-V gets a 9-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda HR-V stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Honda ZR-V. The Honda ZR-V counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda HR-V uses a Petrol producing 89kW and 145Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The Honda ZR-V responds with a Petrol making 131kW and 240Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Honda ZR-V has the clear power advantage at 131kW vs 89kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda ZR-V is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda HR-V measures 4,345mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 223mm shorter than the Honda ZR-V at 4,568mm (2,655mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda ZR-V generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 339L in the Honda HR-V and 380L in the Honda ZR-V, giving the Honda ZR-V a 41L advantage.
For towing, the Honda ZR-V leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,767/year for the Honda HR-V and $2,109/year for the Honda ZR-V. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Honda HR-V.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Honda HR-V) vs $2,109 (Honda ZR-V). The Honda HR-V saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda HR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda ZR-V). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda HR-V) / 5yr (Honda ZR-V).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda HR-V if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Honda ZR-V if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda ZR-V takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Honda HR-V will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Honda ZR-V has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Honda HR-V and Honda ZR-V?
The Honda HR-V is the cheapest at $30,300 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda ZR-V by $4,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda HR-V uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Honda HR-V and Honda ZR-V all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Honda ZR-V has the largest boot at 380L.
Which can tow the most?
The Honda ZR-V has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Honda ZR-V makes the most power at 131kW. The Honda ZR-V is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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