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Cheaper versions of the Honda ZR-V hybrid highlight the family SUV's 2026 updates, with three grades now available with petrol-electric power.
Family Cars
Honda has launched its refreshed ZR-V in Australia, flipping the script on hybrid powertrain availability when compared with petrol, and making the fuel-sipping engine more affordable.
Last year, the five-variant ZR-V SUV line-up was offered mostly with petrol power, but now the slimmed-down four-trim range is predominately hybrid with three available e:HEV grades.
While hybrid was only offered in the top-spec $54,900 e:HEV LX last year, the powertrain can now be had in the e:HEV X for $43,400 drive-away – one step up from the petrol-only VTi X positioned at $39,900.
This brings down to the point-of-entry to the Honda ZR-V hybrid line-up down $11,500, and better positions the fuel-sipping model against hybrid versions of emerging rivals like GWM Haval H6 hybrid (from $40,990), MG HS (from $42,990), and KGM Torres (from $45,000).
It also now undercuts established – albeit slightly larger – hybrid family SUV models like the Hyundai Tucson (from $42,850 before on-road costs), Kia Sportage (from $44,450), and Subaru Forester (from $46,490).
Rounding out the new 2026 ZR-V range is the e:HEV L and e:HEV LX priced at $45,900 and $51,900, respectively.
Powering all but the base version is a 2.0-litre petrol engine and dual-motor hybrid system, outputting a combined 135kW/315Nm – sent exclusively to the front wheels via an electronic continuously variable transmission.
The petrol-electric set-up also allows a claimed fuel consumption rating of 5.0 litres per 100km.
In comparison, the base VTi X features a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine driving the front wheels, delivering a 131kW/240Nm output and combined 7.0L/100km rating.
In terms of equipment, standard features include automatic wipers, LED exterior lighting, an Eco drive mode, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, two-tone fabric interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel, eight-speaker sound system, and 17-inch wheels.
A 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen also features across the board, powered by in-built Google software such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play app store, and over-the-air-update functionality.
In terms of safety, each ZR-V features forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and tyre pressure monitoring.
Hybrid cars also have an acoustic vehicle alert system to alert pedestrians when running in EV mode.
The current ZR-V features a four-star ANCAP safety rating from testing in 2023.
Stepping up to the e:HEV X adds an auto-dipping passenger-side mirror, a Sport drive mode, and 18-inch wheels.
Buyers of the e:HEV L score a powered tailgate, heated side mirrors, rear privacy glass, heated front seats, and a leather-appointed interior.
The flagship e:HEV LX meanwhile differentiates itself with a piano-black grille, body-coloured front and rear bumpers (the latter also with integrated exhaust outputs), a wireless smartphone charger, smart keycard, powered front seats, and heated rear outboard seats.
It also adds a 12-speaker Bose sound system with subwoofer, digital radio, heated steering wheel, sports pedals, and a black leatherette interior.
2026 Honda ZR-V Australian pricing
Note: All prices above are drive-away.
2026 Honda ZR-V VTi X standard features:
2026 Honda ZR-V e:HEV X adds (over VTi X):
2026 Honda ZR-V e:HEV L adds (over e:HEV X):
2026 Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX adds (over e:HEV L):
Family Cars Guide
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
