Honda ZR-V vs Kia EV5

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Honda ZR-V at 4 stars (2023) and the Kia EV5 at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2023 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 79% for the Honda ZR-V and 88% for the Kia EV5, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Honda ZR-V, against 7 on the Kia EV5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Honda ZR-V and 7 in the Kia EV5.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Honda ZR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV5 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Honda ZR-V stands out with wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Kia EV5. The Kia EV5 counters with heated front seats and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Honda ZR-V gets cloth upholstery while the Kia EV5 offers cloth & artificial leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Honda ZR-V and 2-zone in the Kia EV5.

Drivetrain

The Honda ZR-V uses a Petrol producing 131kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.

The Kia EV5 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 310Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The Kia EV5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 131kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Honda ZR-V measures 4,568mm long on a 2,655mm wheelbase, 47mm shorter than the Kia EV5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 380L in the Honda ZR-V and 513L in the Kia EV5, giving the Kia EV5 a 133L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1302L vs 1714L.

For towing, the Honda ZR-V leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 300kg. That 1,200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Honda ZR-V's turning circle is 1.3 m tighter, 10.4 m against 11.7 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Honda ZR-V costs about $1,995 a year (7 L/100km) and electricity for the Kia EV5 about $874 a year (18.2 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Honda ZR-V) and 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV5). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Honda ZR-V), no data (Kia EV5).

Where each one leads

The Honda ZR-V: the higher braked towing limit (1,500kg against 300kg).

The Kia EV5: more power (160kW against 131kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (513L against 380L) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Verdict

Honda ZR-V scores higher, 74 vs 71

The Honda ZR-V scores 74 to the Kia EV5's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: technology (Honda ZR-V ahead by 29 points), reliability (Kia EV5 ahead by 6 points). Boot space with the seats up: 380L in the Honda ZR-V, 513L in the Kia EV5. Warranty: 5 years on the Honda ZR-V, 7 on the Kia EV5.

Common questions