Honda ZR-V vs Suzuki Vitara
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 Suzuki Vitara opens at $38,490. That makes the Suzuki Vitara the more affordable entry point by $410.
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 $42,339 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda ZR-V and Suzuki Vitara hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
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 6 in the Suzuki Vitara.
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 6 in the Suzuki Vitara.
Feature Showdown
The Honda ZR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Suzuki Vitara gets a 9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda ZR-V stands out with power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Suzuki Vitara. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda ZR-V lines up producing 140kW and 243Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The Suzuki Vitara lines up making 95kW and 220Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The Honda ZR-V has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 95kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda ZR-V is 2.2s 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, 393mm longer than the Suzuki Vitara at 4,175mm (2,500mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda ZR-V generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 339L in the Honda ZR-V and 375L in the Suzuki Vitara, giving the Suzuki Vitara a 36L advantage.
For towing, the Honda ZR-V leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,653/year for the Honda ZR-V and $1,653/year for the Suzuki Vitara.
Estimated annual total: $1,653 (Honda ZR-V) vs $1,653 (Suzuki Vitara). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Honda ZR-V) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki Vitara). The Honda ZR-V has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda ZR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda ZR-V if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Suzuki Vitara if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda ZR-V takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Suzuki Vitara has a clear edge. The Honda ZR-V adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (18 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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 18 April 2026
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