Honda will make some improvements to its new ZR-V crossover SUV, releasing it on July 3, 2026. It will be equipped with the advanced safety technology ” Honda SENSING 360. ” This article summarizes information about the major improvements to the ZR-V and discusses its impact on the market.
Regarding partial improvements to the ZR-V
The specific improvements have not yet been announced, but some of the improvements include:
- Enhanced safety features: Equipped with the next-generation safety system “Honda SENSING 360”
- Exterior and interior renewal: The latest designs may be incorporated, resulting in a more attractive exterior and interior.
- Powertrain improvements: Hybrid systems and engines may be revised to improve fuel economy and driving performance.
- Enhanced connectivity: Potentially featuring the latest infotainment systems and connected features for added convenience.
Honda’s new ZR-V gets partial upgrades and is equipped with the next-generation safety system “Honda SENSING 360”
The biggest feature of the new ZR-V is that it is equipped with the Honda SENSING 360 omnidirectional safety driving support system. This system is a significant evolution from the previous Honda SENSING system, expanding the detection range of the Honda SENSING system to all directions. It covers blind spots around the vehicle that are difficult to check visually, helping to avoid collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians, reducing driver burden and improving safety.
Honda SENSING 360
Details of advanced safety features
Honda SENSING 360 is an evolved version of Honda’s advanced safety driving support system “Honda SENSING,” and was developed with the aim of providing all-round safe driving support. The main new features are as follows:
- Omnidirectional sensing :
- In addition to the conventional Honda SENSING, omnidirectional sensing that covers blind spots around the vehicle helps avoid collisions and reduce driving strain.
- Evolution of Collision Mitigation Braking Systems (CMBS) :
- The vehicle and pedestrian detection function has been improved when turning right or left at intersections on public roads.
- Lane change collision prevention function :
- When changing lanes, it detects vehicles approaching from behind and helps avoid collisions.
- Curve speed adjustment function :
- When driving around curves on highways, the system adjusts the vehicle speed appropriately.
- Approaching vehicle warning when getting off :
- If a passenger opens a door to exit the vehicle and there is a risk of collision with a vehicle passing beside the vehicle, the indicator will flash and an alarm will sound to alert the passenger and urge them not to open the door.
- Advanced lane-based driving assistance with hands-off function :
- When driving on highways, the system operates the accelerator, brakes, and steering, helping the driver maintain speed and stay within the lane even when the driver takes their hands off the wheel.
Honda New ZR-V Partial Improvement Price
Along with the enhancement of equipment, a price revision will also be implemented. The specific price range has not yet been announced, but considering the level of equipment, a price increase is expected to be unavoidable. However, Honda will strive to maximize the added value of this improvement and maintain price competitiveness.
Honda ZR-V 2025 model price
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Current price ( including 10% consumption tax ) |
New price ( including 10% consumption tax ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| e:HEV X | 2.0L direct injection Atkinson cycle engine + 2-motor hybrid |
Electric continuously variable transmission |
2WD | 3,558,500 yen | 3,634,400 yen |
| 4WD | 3,778,500 yen | 3,854,400 yen | |||
| e:HEV Z | 2WD | 4,159,100 yen | 4,235,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 4,379,100 yen | 4,455,000 yen | |||
| e:HEV X Special Edition BLACK STYLE |
2WD | 4,000,700 yen | 4,076,600 yen | ||
| 4WD | 4,198,700 yen | 4,274,600 yen | |||
| e:HEV Z Special Edition Black Style |
2WD | 4,308,700 yen | 4,384,600 yen | ||
| 4WD | 4,506,700 yen | 4,582,600 yen | |||
| X | 1.5L direct injection VTEC TURBO |
CVT | 2WD | 3,208,700 yen | 3,284,600 yen |
| 4WD | 3,428,700 yen | 3,504,600 yen | |||
| Z | CVT + paddle shift |
2WD | 3,808,200 yen | 3,884,100 yen | |
| 4WD | 4,028,200 yen | 4,104,100 yen |
How many units have the new Honda ZR-V sold?
Sales volume in 2024
Sales in the first half of 2024 are expected to exceed those in 2023.
| year and month | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | 3,741 units |
| February 2024 | 2,609 units |
| March 2024 | 4,925 units |
| April 2024 | 3,179 units |
| May 2024 | 3,185 units |
| June 2024 | 4,470 units |
| July 2024 | 4,664 units |
| August 2024 | 3,277 units |
| September 2024 | 3,381 units |
| October 2024 | 2,424 units |
| November 2024 | 2,397 units |
| December 2024 | 2,037 units |
| total | 41,513 units |
Honda ZR-V registration numbers Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
The monthly sales target announced in April 2023 was 1,200 units. In 2024, Honda is expected to produce an average of approximately 3,800 units, exceeding the target. In other words, production and orders are exceeding the planned number, and Honda is working hard.
Honda’s new ZR-V partial improvement impact on the market
The major improvements to the ZR-V could have a major impact on the market.
- Strengthened competitiveness: The improved product will give the car an advantage over other SUVs in the same class.
- Increased sales: With its new appeal, the ZR-V is likely to be chosen by more customers, leading to increased sales.
- Improved brand image: By highlighting advanced technology and high quality, this will also contribute to improving Honda’s brand image.
Future trends
Information about the major improvements to the ZR-V is still limited. However, there is no doubt that Honda is positioning the ZR-V as an important strategic model. We will be keeping an eye on future information releases and watching the evolution of the ZR-V.
Features of the new Honda SUV “ZR-V”
It uses Honda’s latest ” digital meter .”
The exterior adopts a new generation brand design
Equipped with a hybrid (e:HEV)
Adopts the Honda Digital Key , which allows your smartphone to act as a key .
Adopts a ” 9-inch Honda CONNECT Honda display .” Equipped with ” Honda CONNECT, ” an in-vehicle communication module exclusive to Honda vehicles. “Honda Total Care Premium” is available.
The new HR-V for North America is said to be released as the ZR-V in Japan. Originally, the HR-V was called the Vezel in Japan, but the HR-V/Vezel has already been released in Japan and Europe, and the ZR-V is being considered as a separate name. This model is positioned exactly between the Japanese Vezel and the CR-V. Its distinctive front view, featuring a bold grille and sharp headlights, flows smoothly into the rear, creating a high-quality, sophisticated design. Based on the grand concept of “unique liberation,” the ZR-V was developed with the aim of unleashing the individuality of customers and elevating their spirits like their favorite outfit. Based on the keywords “glamorous and elegant,” the ZR-V offers new value to SUVs, providing drivers with confidence and ease through its beautiful, sophisticated design and dynamic performance designed to allow for precise control. In terms of driving performance, the new car features an engine with quicker response and a newly adopted independent rear suspension, aiming to achieve a balance between ease of handling, refined driving, and the joy of driving.
Honda’s new “ZR-V” exterior
The exterior features flowing proportions characterized by voluminous, smooth surfaces from front to rear. The front features a vertical grille that is continuous with the surrounding shape, and long, sharp headlights, giving it a refined yet dignified presence. The rear emphasizes the wide tread by giving volume to the lower part of the body and tapering smoothly upwards. The body size is easy to handle, providing ample interior space and practicality for enjoying a variety of activities, including weekend leisure activities, while also allowing for nimble driving around town. The body measures 4,580mm in length, 1,800mm in width, 1,630mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,735mm.
Honda’s new “ZR-V” packaging
By achieving both a low and stable driving position and a commanding eye point, we aimed to ensure ease of driving and enhance the sense of unity between the driver and the car. In addition to a wide, horizontal forward field of view, the rearward field of view also makes it easy to recognize other vehicles and pedestrians, thereby pursuing good visibility while driving. For the rear seats, the hip point has been set low, just like for the front seats, allowing for greater freedom in the design of the roof end, achieving both a flowing roofline and improved aerodynamic performance. A variety of user-friendly storage spaces are provided, ensuring utility that can meet a variety of customer needs.
Differences in body size between Honda’s “ZR-V”, “Vezel” and “CR-V”
The ZR-V is likely to be easy to use in Japan, with a body size between the Vezel and CR-V. Furthermore, the addition of an intermediate size to the lineup will increase the number of choices, eliminating the reason to choose from other companies.
| Specifications | Vezel | ZR-V | CR-V |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,340mm | 4,580mm | 4,605mm |
| Overall width | 1,790mm | 1,800mm | 1,855mm |
| Overall height | 1,590mm | 1,630mm | 1,680mm |
| Wheelbase |
2,610mm | 2,735mm | 2,660mm |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people | 5 to 7 people |
Honda’s new “ZR-V” engine
The hybrid model is the first SUV to feature the newly developed 2.0L direct injection engine and two-motor electric CVT from the Civic e:HEV. A gasoline model with a 1.5L turbo engine and CVT is also available, offering a highly responsive and nimble ride.
Both the hybrid and gasoline models are available with Real Time AWD. It offers excellent cornering and hill-climbing performance on snow, allowing for safe driving on snow.
Honda’s new “ZR-V” interior
The interior employs an instrument panel that stretches freely to the left and right, creating a spacious feel. The functional and precise finish of each component accentuates the beauty of the design, aiming for a high-quality interior space that is one class above the rest. A high-deck center console separates the driver’s seat from the passenger seat, creating a more personal space.
The interior is equipped with an ” Auto Brake Hold ” function, which keeps the vehicle stationary even when the driver’s foot is taken off the brake pedal and releases the brake when the driver steps on the accelerator, making it useful in traffic jams . It also features a ” Parking Brake System .” The Honda CONNECT , an in-vehicle communication module equipped with next-generation connected technology, offers the ” Honda Total Care Premium” connected service, providing a safer and more comfortable driving experience . The center display features a 9-inch Honda CONNECT Honda Display . It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . The Honda CONNECT, an in-vehicle communication module exclusive to Honda vehicles, is also included. “Honda Total Care Premium” is available. Remote operation via smartphone is possible, and the car itself connects to an emergency support center in the event of an accident or other emergency, enabling quick and accurate troubleshooting. The car also comes with an “Automatic Map Update Service.” The car is equipped with the Honda Digital Key and Honda App Center , which allow your smartphone to function as a key , and in-car Wi-Fi, which allows you to purchase data capacity in the car and connect to the Internet for enjoyment.
Honda’s new “ZR-V” equipped with Honda SENSING
The advanced safety driving support system ” Honda SENSING ” newly adopts a ” Front Wide View Camera ” high-speed image processing chip, and by combining it with a total of eight sonar sensors installed in the front and rear of the vehicle, a “Near Collision Mitigation Brake” has been added and is now standard equipment on all vehicles. Four sensors are placed in the rear bumper and detect obstacles behind the vehicle and notify the driver with sound and display.
About Honda’s new “ZR-V” engine
It is equipped with a 2.0L inline 4 DOHC i-VTEC + motor (e:HEV) with a maximum output of 107kW (145ps)/6,200rpm + motor 135kW (184ps)/5,000-6,000rpm.
| Specifications | New ZR-V e:HEV |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,690mm |
| Overall width | 1,855mm |
| Overall height | 1,640mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,680mm |
| engine | 2.0L inline 4 DOHC i-VTEC + motor (i-MMD) e:HEV |
| Maximum power | 107kW (145ps) / 6,200rpm |
| Maximum torque | 175Nm (17.8kgm) / 4,000rpm |
| Motor maximum output | 135kW (184PS) / 5,000-6,000rpm |
| Motor Max Torque | 315N･m (32.1kgf･m) / 0-2000rpm |
| EV maximum speed | 2WD (FF)/ Real Time AWD |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people |
| WLTC mode fuel economy |
22.0km/L – 22.1km/L (2WD) 21.5km/L – 21.7km/L (4WD) |
Honda ZR-V
