The development of the ZR-V was led by model development manager Shuichi Ono.[7] It was first unveiled in the United States on April 4, 2022 as the third-generation HR-V differentiated from the global model, in order to "meet the distinct needs of U.S. customers".[8] Sales started in that market on June 7, 2022 for the 2023 model year. Later launches such as in China and Europe utilized the "ZR-V" nameplate as it is sold alongside the global HR-V in these markets. Chinese models are produced by both GAC Honda as the ZR-V and Dongfeng Honda as the HR-V respectively. European models will use full hybrid powertrain as standard. Models sold in Europe are manufactured in China at GAC Honda's Huang Pu Plant.[9][10]
According to Honda, the name "ZR-V" stands for "Z Runabout Vehicle", a reference to the Generation Z, and unrelated to Honda Z microcars.
The Japanese market ZR-V was announced in July 2022, with Japanese sales commenced on September 8, 2022, which indirectly replaced the CR-V. [11] Two trim levels are available: X and Z, and it is powered by either a 1.5-litre turbochaged petrol engine or a 2.0-litre e:HEV hybrid petrol powertrains available for both trim levels.[12]
The Chinese market ZR-V was unveiled in May 2022. Produced by GAC Honda, the model is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.[13] A version produced by Dongfeng Honda was launched in February 2023 as the HR-V.[14]
The model went on sale in North America as the HR-V on June 7, 2022 for the 2023 model year. It is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 158 hp (118 kW; 160 PS) at 6,500 rpm and 138 lb⋅ft (187 N⋅m; 19.1 kg⋅m) of torque at 4,200 rpm with an optional all-wheel drive system. Trim levels offered are: LX, Sport, and EX-L.[15] North American models are produced in Celaya, Mexico.[1]
The GCC markets ZR-V was unveiled on March 28, 2023, and went on sale on June 2, 2023. The trim levels offered are LX and EX, it is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.[16]
The ZR-V was announced in Egypt on June 24th, 2024,[17] and went on sale on July 8th, 2024.[18] It features one trim, the EX, with a 1.5 Liter turbocharged petrol engine putting out 180 Horsepower and 240 Newton-Meters of torque. The trim comes with Honda Sensing as standard.[19]
The ZR-V went on sale in New Zealand in May 2023, with two variants available: Turbo and Sport, it is powered by a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine or a 2.0 litre e:HEV hybrid powertrains, with the latter powertrain standard for the latter variant.[20]
The ZR-V was launched in Australia on May 22, 2023, It is available in three trim levels: X, L, and LX, it is powered by a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine or a 2.0 litre e:HEV hybrid powertrains, the latter powertrain option exclusive for the range topping LX trim.[21]
The ZR-V was launched in the UK on the July 4, 2023, three trim levels are available: Elegance, Sport and Advance, powered solely by the 2.0 litre e:HEV hybrid petrol powertrain.[22] Models sold in Europe are manufactured in China at GAC Honda's Huang Pu Plant.[9][10]
^"日本専用縦グリルがカッコいい!ホンダの新型SUV「ZR-V」が先行公開!!発売は今秋 先行予約受付は9月からスタート!" [The vertical grill for Japan is cool! Honda's new SUV "ZR-V" will be released in advance !! It will be on sale this fall. Advance reservations will start in September!]. 自動車情報誌「ベストカー」 (in Japanese). July 14, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
^"ホンダの新型SUV「ZR-V」が先行公開!!先行予約受付は9月からスタート!" [Honda's new SUV "ZR-V" will be released in advance! Pre-orders will start in September!]. 自動車情報誌「ベストカー」 (in Japanese). July 14, 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
