Honda ZR-V vs Volvo EX30

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Honda ZR-V at 4 stars (2023) and the Volvo EX30 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 Volvo EX30, 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 5 on the Volvo EX30.

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 Volvo EX30.

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 Volvo EX30 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Honda ZR-V stands out with ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo EX30. The Volvo EX30 counters with head-up display, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Honda ZR-V gets cloth upholstery while the Volvo EX30 offers nordico/microtech fabric.

Drivetrain

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

The Volvo EX30 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The Volvo EX30 has the clear power advantage at 200kW 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, 335mm longer than the Volvo EX30 at 4,233mm (2,650mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda ZR-V generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 380L in the Honda ZR-V and 318L in the Volvo EX30, giving the Honda ZR-V a 62L advantage.

For towing, the Volvo EX30 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg 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 0.6 m tighter, 10.4 m against 11.0 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 Volvo EX30 about $797 a year (16.6 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Honda ZR-V) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo EX30). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Honda ZR-V), no data (Volvo EX30).

Where each one leads

The Honda ZR-V: the bigger boot with the seats up (380L against 318L).

The Volvo EX30: more power (200kW against 131kW) and the higher braked towing limit (1,600kg against 1,500kg).

The Verdict

Volvo EX30 scores higher, 76 vs 74

The Volvo EX30 scores 76 to the Honda ZR-V's 74 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 3 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: performance (Volvo EX30 ahead by 21 points), safety (Volvo EX30 ahead by 6 points), reliability (Honda ZR-V ahead by 5 points). Boot space with the seats up: 380L in the Honda ZR-V, 318L in the Volvo EX30.

Common questions