Honda ZR-V vs Lexus LBX
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 ZR-V starts from $38,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus LBX opens at $47,550. That makes the Honda ZR-V the more affordable entry point by $8,650.
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. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $42,790 and $52,305 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus LBX by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda ZR-V and Lexus LBX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 79% for the Honda ZR-V and 82% for the Lexus LBX.
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 Lexus LBX.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda ZR-V stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Lexus LBX. The Lexus LBX counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda ZR-V uses a Petrol producing 131kW and 187Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The Lexus LBX responds with a Hybrid making 100kW and 185Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Honda ZR-V has the clear power advantage at 131kW vs 100kW. 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 ZR-V measures 4,568mm long on a 2,655mm wheelbase, 378mm longer than the Lexus LBX at 4,190mm (2,580mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda ZR-V generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 339L in the Honda ZR-V and 332L in the Lexus LBX, giving the Honda ZR-V a 7L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m diameter
Good
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 $1,653/year for the Honda ZR-V and $1,311/year for the Lexus LBX. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Lexus LBX.
Estimated annual total: $1,653 (Honda ZR-V) vs $1,311 (Lexus LBX). The Lexus LBX 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 ZR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus LBX). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda ZR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda ZR-V if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus LBX if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda ZR-V takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus LBX will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Honda ZR-V and Lexus LBX?
The Honda ZR-V is the cheapest at $38,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus LBX by $8,650.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus LBX uses the least fuel at 4.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Honda ZR-V and Lexus LBX 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 339L.
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.
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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