The Honda ZR-V has burst onto the scene in Australia’s best new car section.

Slotting between the smaller HR-V and bigger CR-V, each long-running nameplates available in the market, the all-new ZR-V goals to be a sportier selection, according to the succesful underpinnings of the Civic hatchback.

With the CR-V taking at the likes of the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Path on the greater finish of the section, the strictly two-row ZR-V performs on the smaller finish, lining up really well with the top-selling Mazda CX-5.

Either one of those crossovers are pitched as extra attractive drives in a moderately mundane nook of the marketplace, with the Mazda proceeding to be an Aussie favorite at the gross sales charts regardless of its advancing age.

The ZR-V remains to be one thing of an unknown in its early days on sale, as Honda continues to check out and unfold consciousness of its new type – even though it’s laborious to leave out in our tester’s Top class Crystal Blue paint end.

For some viewpoint, the Mazda CX-5 has returned 16,173 deliveries to September 30 this 12 months, whilst the ZR-V has controlled 1166 devices because it first introduced in July.

We’ve assembled variations of each and every that may be had to your driveway for lower than $50,000. Who wins?

Dive into an in depth side-by-side research

Together with fee, detailed specs and contours

How a lot?

As simply discussed, the 2 vehicles right here can also be had for less than $50,000 drive-away in a marketplace that continues to bump costs up.

The Honda ZR-V VTi LX is the flagship petrol within the vary, priced from $48,500 drive-away. Honda Australia has moved to an company gross sales type with fastened drive-away pricing national.

In the meantime, we’ve got a Mazda CX-5 G25 Maxx Recreation on take a look at, which begins at $44,480 drive-away for the FWD and $47,080 drive-away for the AWD (each the usage of a Melbourne postcode). Our purpose used to be first of all to have a G25 Traveling AWD for this comparability, which is marketed for a smidgen over $49,000 D/A.

The Mazda CX-5 vary is due for some working adjustments and worth changes for the 2024 type 12 months, with diesel choices dropped and the adventure-focused G25 Traveling Energetic trim point axed. The MY24 Mazda CX-5 G25 Traveling AWD will likely be priced from $44,920 plus on-road prices, an building up of $620.

What do you get?

Right here’s a rundown of each and every nameplate’s respective trim walks as much as the grades as examined right here.

ZR-V VTi X highlights:

• Adaptive LED headlights
• Energetic cornering lighting fixtures
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Hill descent keep watch over
• 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment gadget
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Stressed Android Auto
• 10.2-inch virtual device cluster
• 8-speaker sound gadget
• Black cloth upholstery
• Twin-zone local weather keep watch over
• Auto-dimming rear-view replicate
• Leather-based-wrapped steerage wheel and shifter
• Upholstered centre console with French sewing
• Entrance USB ports (1 x USB-A and 1 x USB-C)
• Rear USB ports (2 x USB-C)
• Rear air vents
• House-saver spare wheel
• 60/40 break up/fold rear seats

ZR-V VTi L provides:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Heated external mirrors
• Fingers-free energy tailgate incl. walk-away remaining
• Rear privateness glass
• Mixture LED tail lighting fixtures
• Black leatherette upholstery
• Heated entrance seats
• Steel paddle shifters
• LED ambient lighting fixtures (roof)

Are they secure?

Honda ZR-V

ANCAP hasn’t examined the ZR-V but, and due to this fact the Honda SUV stays unrated for now.

Usual protection apparatus contains:

• 11 airbags
  • Centre airbag
  • Entrance and rear aspect airbags
  • Complete-length curtain airbags
• AEB incl. Pedestrian, Bicycle owner detection
• Adaptive cruise keep watch over with low-speed observe
• Driving force consideration tracking
• Lane departure caution
• Lane preserve lend a hand
• Parking sensors entrance, rear
• Highway Departure Mitigation
• Visitors Jam Lend a hand
• Visitors signal popularity
• Tyre drive tracking

ZR-V VTi LX provides:

• Blind-spot tracking
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• 360-degree cameras

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 wears a five-star ANCAP protection score according to trying out performed in 2017.

It scored 95 in keeping with cent for grownup occupant coverage, 80 in keeping with cent for kid occupant coverage, 78 in keeping with cent for pedestrian coverage, and 59 in keeping with cent for protection lend a hand.

Usual protection apparatus contains:

• 6 airbags
• Self sustaining emergency braking (AEB)
  • Ahead/Opposite (4-80km/h)
  • Pedestrian detection (Ahead)
• Blind-spot tracking
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure caution
• Lane preserve lend a hand
• Driving force consideration alert
• Auto high-beam
• Adaptive cruise keep watch over (all fashions) with quit/pass (AT most effective)
• Reversing digicam
• Rear parking sensors
• Tyre drive tracking

CX-5 Maxx Recreation provides:

CX-5 Traveling provides:

CX-5 GT SP provides:

• Adaptive Entrance-lighting Machine (AFS)
  • Energetic bending headlights
• Cruising and Visitors Improve
  • Adaptive cruise + lane centring serve as

CX-5 Akera provides:

• 360-degree digicam gadget
• Adaptive LED headlights

What are they prefer inside of?

Honda ZR-V

Construct high quality and tactility is up there with one of the absolute best, with lots of soft-touch surfaces and padded, stitched leatherette trim accents. That is Honda’s new SUV flagship in Japan, and it feels it.

The VTi LX grade brings luxurious options like powered and heated entrance seats, a heated steerage wheel, embedded satellite tv for pc navigation for the 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment gadget, and a thumping 12-speaker Bose sound gadget.

The variability of powered adjustment for the driving force and the cozy entrance chairs imply you’ll be able to discover a excellent using place simply simply and really feel supported on longer drives. The seats are moderately low which makes the ZR-V really feel extra car-like – one thing to imagine in case you’re after a extra commanding SUV view out.

Forward of the driving force is a ten.25-inch virtual device cluster which is same old around the ZR-V line-up. It’s easy and has lovely graphics and animations – the little digital ZR-V mirrors your lighting fixtures and signs. Whilst it’s no longer as configurable as some Ecu makes, it’s extra subtle than the Mazda’s 7.0-inch digital centre dial.

The 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment gadget will get navigation on this specification, bolstering the usual wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Reaction and cargo instances are excellent, and the total person interface may be very blank and simple to make use of.

Whilst it has touchscreen capability in contrast to the Mazda, it doesn’t have a supplementary controller just like the CX-5’s rotary controller.

Honda Attach is same old around the vary, with a five-year complementary subscription integrated with acquire. It provides a variety of services and products which might be obtainable by way of a smartphone app, incorporating comfort and protection purposes.

Mazda lately doesn’t be offering net-based attached services and products but in Australia, even though will start the rollout of on-line purposes and app-based purposes in 2024 beginning with the up to date MX-5 sports activities vehicle.

Honda Attach highlights:

• Far off purposes
  • Local weather keep watch over pre-conditioning
  • Lighting on/off
  • Far off lock/lock
• Computerized collision detection
• Velocity Alert
• Automobile standing
• Emergency name
• Digital dashboard
• Location finder
• Shuttle log
• Geofence alert
• Push notifications and messages

Garage up entrance is up there with the most productive within the elegance, with a slew of sensible answers.

The bridge-type centre console has slightly cubby below the electrical park brake, and the shelf forward of the shifter has a wi-fi telephone charger pad.

Giant packing containers within the doorways can accommodate greater bottles, and there’s a cubby below the front-centre armrest that’s additionally to hand for hiding issues out of sight.

I’m additionally a large fan of the cast, clicky really feel of all of the switchgear and dials, which is in point of fact excessive finish. Particularly, the knurled local weather keep watch over knobs are a tactile pride, and take me back to the fact of Audi devices.

The rear seats are lovely excellent, which is predicted given this stocks its DNA with the Civic hatchback. There’s excellent head-, knee- and legroom for taller occupants – like me at 6’1 – even at the back of my very own using place.

Possibly the ZR-V’s most effective actual problem towards competition within the section is its below-average baggage capability, which at 370 litres (VDA) in VTi LX specification is trailing the CX-5 (438L). VTi X and VTi L grades ranking 10L further.

Drop the seats down and also you get 1302L-1312L (VTi LX-VTi X/L), which is extra really extensive and aggressive with competitors. Additional, the already huge and sq. house is reinforced via a well-designed flat load bay – even though no Magic Seats, for the ones asking.

Petrol (VTi) variations of the ZR-V all include a 17-inch house saver spare wheel, in comparison to the e:HEV hybrid’s tyre restore package.

Even on this one-up from base grade, the CX-5 has slightly an upmarket really feel.

With squidgy, stitched leatherette accents for the higher sections of the doorways and sprint, fine quality contact issues and a blank option to ergonomics and switchgear.

It’s in point of fact no longer all that other to Honda’s refreshed option to internal design, however the reality the CX-5 is now some six or seven years outdated in point of fact speaks to the undying way hired via Mazda right here.

The blank, constant typeface used for switchgear labelling in addition to the vintage white backlighting once more upload a marginally of sophistication.

If you need authentic leather-based within the CX-5 it’s a must to spend as much as the GT SP or Nappa-trimmed Akera grades, even if the Traveling provides leatherette upholstery which is slightly great – in case you go for an MY23 type you get Maztex/Suede, however MY24 is Maztex most effective.

That stated, the fabric trim within the Maxx Recreation examined right here seems to be and feels top of the range, and is at ease to take a seat in. I individually favor material and suede trims, however I perceive folks favor leather-based surfaces as they’re more uncomplicated to wash when children make a multitude.

Mazda beats Honda within the show actual property stakes, with a much broader 10.25-inch high-set display screen providing aggressive loading speeds and backbone, and with an interface this is arguably cleaner and extra high-end in presentation.

It additionally fits the ZR-V’s Honda Attach unit for options bar on-line services and products, which is usually a sticking level for the ones in need of attached navigation with site visitors updates, in addition to faraway purposes by way of a smartphone. Mazda will beginning rolling out those options all through its line-up subsequent 12 months, however we’re no longer positive when for CX-5 but.

Garage is most likely one space the place the CX-5 is appearing its age, with fewer cubbies than the Honda – and smaller, much less handy ones at that.

The Maxx Recreation doesn’t get a wi-fi telephone charger within the slot designed to stow telephones and wallets – you want to get the Traveling for that – and there’s no suave under-console garage just like the ZR-V.

Each vehicles have equally sized door packing containers, alternatively, and there’s a good cubby below the padded front-centre armrests. Something to notice is the CX-5’s entrance cupholders are located the place your elbows relaxation as an alternative of forward of the shifter just like the ZR-V, which would possibly get in the best way in case you’re using with a taller bottle or cup stowed there.

Neither SUV is a guide even though, so the latter is much less of an issue right here.

The Mazda CX-5 hasn’t ever been a category chief for rear lodging, given it competes with greater and boxier crossovers just like the RAV4 and X-Path, however inside this comparability it’s hardly ever a deficient appearing.

A couple of adults will have compatibility again there simply effective, children even higher. Just like the ZR-V – and arguably maximum cars on this section – the center seat is extra of an occasional use pew, however no less than the bottom is sweet and flat. The driveline hump is slightly greater than the Honda’s however nonetheless no longer too intrusive on foot house.

If you want to hold lengthy pieces the CX-5’s 40:20:40-split rear seats are simpler than the ZR-V’s 60:40 backrest, and the centre seatbelt is constructed into the seat relatively than the ceiling. The USB charging ports are constructed into the fold-down armrest relatively than the centre console, which is ok for 4 passengers, no longer such a lot 5.

Rounding out the facilities are ISOFIX and top-tether issues for kid seats, and bottle holders within the doorways – successfully matching the ZR-V.

Mazda quotes 438L of shipment capability with the second one row in use, which expands to 1340L with them folded. Each figures higher the Honda.

When folded, alternatively, the CX-5’s load bay isn’t slightly as flat because the Honda’s. All variations of the CX-5 function a short lived house saver spare wheel below the boot ground.

What’s below the bonnet?

Honda ZR-V

VTi-badged variations of the Honda ZR-V are powered via a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. You’ll be able to additionally get an e:HEV LX model with a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.

Shared with the Civic, the VTEC Turbo unit produces 131kW (6000rpm) and 240Nm (1700-4500rpm), with all variations in Australia sending force to the entrance wheels by way of a CVT automated – AWD is to be had out of the country.

Honda quotes blended gasoline intake of 7.2 litres in keeping with 100km on this specification, with CO2 emissions rated at 175g/km. Regardless of being homologated to Euro 6b emissions requirements, native ZR-V fashions fail to spot idle quit/beginning.

The ZR-V can take 91 RON common unleaded gasoline in its 57-litre gasoline tank.

Mazda CX-5

The ‘G25’ designation within the Mazda CX-5 vary manner a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine below the bonnet.

It’s rated to supply 140kW (6000rpm) and 252Nm (4000rpm), making it extra tough and torquier than the Honda on paper however requiring extra revs to hit its candy spot.

Power in our take a look at vehicle is distributed to the entrance wheels by way of a six-speed automated transmission. On-demand all-wheel force with an off-road mode is to be had as an possibility.

Gas intake is rated at 7.2L-7.4L/100km (FWD-AWD) for the CX-5 G25, with CO2 emissions quoted at 167-172g/km. All CX-5 fashions are homologated to Euro 5 emissions requirements, and are fitted with idle stop-start tech.

The CX-5 can run on 91 RON common unleaded, with the gasoline tank measuring 56 litres in FWD fashions and 58L in AWD variations.

How do they force?

Honda ZR-V

With torquey turbo energy and a CVT automated, the ZR-V has numerous pep for on a regular basis using, and is deceptively fast in a directly line. It doesn’t slightly really feel as tied down as its Civic sibling, focusing as an alternative on on a regular basis convenience and refinement. For essentially the most phase it in point of fact delivers.

The driving force controls are responsive and correct, inspiring self belief whether or not you’re pottering round the city or cruising at the highway, and the hunkered-down stance in point of fact is helping that feeling of safety at excessive speeds.

Pushed sedately on the town, development is easy and there’s minimum intrusion of engine noise into the cabin in comparison to the rev-happy, naturally aspirated Mazda. Honda’s CVT doesn’t in point of fact simulate the stairs of a traditional automated until you’re going complete throttle, so it could possibly sound slightly slurry or droney in standard using.

I’d additionally counsel no longer depending at the paddle shifters, because the CVT simply can not fit the Mazda’s six-speed auto for shift crispness and reaction – it’ll nonetheless slur thru its digital ratios and doesn’t sound nice doing it.

Even on its larger wheels in comparison to the access VTi X variant, the ZR-V rides in point of fact properly. There’s excellent suspension shuttle to iron out the lumps and bumps of town streets, and the frame is definitely managed thru successive undulations.

There’s a slight slapping really feel over sharper hits, however it’s a ways from unrefined or unresolved. I used to be very inspired with the experience, which doesn’t in point of fact sacrifice dealing with capacity. Just like the CX-5 there’s some frame roll however it’s a ways from wobbly, and feels sportier than one thing like a RAV4 or X-Path.

Highway noise stays a susceptible spot for many Hondas, even though the most recent vehicles have advanced over earlier generations. Tyre roar is provide however no longer overbearing on coarse roads, and pushed back-to-back with the CX-5 the ZR-V felt noisier with its 225/55 Yokohama Advan tyres.

Wind noise is definitely suppressed even though – indubitably helped via the ZR-V’s slinky profile and thin mirrors relative to a few different mid-size SUVs.

Adaptive cruise keep watch over with ‘Low Velocity Apply’ and an lively lane centring serve as permit for semi-autonomous freeway using; as I’ve discovered with Hondas up to now it may be too conservative with cars getting into your lane forward even though. It shadow braked a couple of instances with out caution, which used to be slightly irritating.

It’s in a different way properly looked after in site visitors jams, and the lane centring serve as didn’t really feel love it’s wrestling the wheel from your palms. Correct blind-spot tracking and rear cross-traffic alert are pluses.

I do lament the loss of idle stop-start tech, alternatively, which leaves the ZR-V sipping away in site visitors. It supposed that, in contrast to the Civic, gasoline intake ballooned round the city into the 9.0s and just about 10L in keeping with 100km, which is a moderately stark distinction to the 5-6L/100km you’ll be able to reach at the freeway.

Mazda CX-5

She could also be getting on slightly, however the Mazda CX-5 stays one of the vital motive force’s choices within the mid-size section.

It has that very same rev-happy, zoom zoom nature we’ve come to like from the corporate’s wider vary, and there’s a sporty and dynamic flavour that doesn’t come at the price of all-round convenience and refinement.

The extra increased using place and taller proportions fell extra like a traditional SUV than the car-like Honda, however the fluid steerage, responsive throttle and playful dynamics are all a fit for its Eastern compatriot.

Even this moderately entry-level CX-5 Maxx Recreation feels extremely properly rounded, from the sturdy efficiency in standard using from that free-revving 2.5-litre motor, to the splendidly comfortable experience and playful ranges of frame roll corresponding to the MX-5 sports activities vehicle – the CX-5 can do all of it.

In comparison to the Honda it felt extra subtle and at ease, while additionally being extra attractive to force. Years of working adjustments have made for slightly a cultured product – the place the ZR-V is one thing of a forged first strive.

It additionally ended up being extra environment friendly, in part because of the reality it options fuel-saving idle stop-start tech that paid dividends in site visitors, in addition to cylinder deactivation which shuts down two cylinders below low a lot to avoid wasting gasoline.

The CX-5 stayed within the low-8.0L/100km bracket all through our comparability, which speaks volumes for an engine that has been round for a while (round a decade) as opposed to Honda’s moderately new motor. It’ll drop decrease with extra freeway utilization as properly.

Being slightly older, the decrease grades of the CX-5 haven’t standardised a complete set of help tools just like the ZR-V, and due to this fact it doesn’t be offering the similar point of semi-autonomy or techniques via comparability.

It options adaptive cruise keep watch over with quit/pass and lane-keep lend a hand around the vary, even though you don’t get Mazda’s semi-autonomous Cruising and Visitors Improve function till you succeed in the penultimate GT SP grade. For what it’s price, the usual suite works slightly properly.

Had we when compared with a ZR-V VTi X or VTi L the Mazda would have pipped the Honda with same old blind-spot tracking and rear go site visitors alert, even though the VTi LX additionally boasts a encompass digicam, which within the CX-5 is reserved for upper trim ranges.

Mazdas actually have a dependancy of beeping and bonging ceaselessly even whilst you’re in point of fact no longer in any risk. You do get used to it (or you’ll be able to transfer techniques off), however it’s slightly extra like a naggy partner or dad or mum in comparison to the Honda.

Value of possession

Honda ZR-V

Like the broader Honda line-up, the ZR-V is roofed via a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guaranty.

Honda additionally provides 5 years of loose satellite tv for pc navigation map updates whilst you provider at a Honda Centre. Scheduled repairs is needed each and every 365 days or 10,000 kilometres – whichever comes first. Honda is lately capping scheduled repairs at $199 in keeping with talk over with for the primary 5 scheduled services and products for brand spanking new fashions.

Actual-world gasoline intake proved disappointing, with the ZR-V not able to get under 8.0L/100km all through our week of trying out regardless of numerous freeway using – the ZR-V lacks stop-start which means intake temporarily will increase whenever you hit site visitors.

It’s disappointing that an all-new type in 2023 is missing in positive fuel-saving applied sciences regardless of being Euro 6-certified – most likely a ploy to get you to have a look at the hybrid. I used to be anticipating higher particularly given the most recent Civic has made notable positive factors in potency because of the transfer to an EU6 drivetrain with idle stop-start.

The ZR-V confirmed indicated gasoline intake within the low 9.0s in keeping with 100km which used to be a few litre of the Mazda in an identical using.

Mazda CX-5

Mazda backs its vary with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guaranty and 5 years of roadside lend a hand.

The corporate not too long ago higher its servicing periods to twelve months or 15,000km (up from 10,000km) for petrol fashions, and provides seven years or 105,000km of capped-price servicing – even though it’s a ways pricier than the Honda.

Mazda CX-5 G25 provider pricing:

• 12mth/15,000km: $341
• 24mth/30,000km: $515
• 36mth/45,000km: $402
• 48mth/60,000km: $515
• 60mth/75,000km: $341
• 72mth/90,000km: $576
• 84mth/105,000km: $341

Regardless of its age, loss of turbocharging and beefier outputs, the CX-5 ended up being the extra environment friendly vehicle on take a look at, returning indicated intake within the low 7.0s to excessive 8.0s in keeping with 100km, a few litre lower than the Honda.

Each vehicles are rated to run on inexpensive 91 RON common unleaded, even though the CX-5 options idle stop-start generation in addition to cylinder deactivation – either one of which the ZR-V lacks in Australian specification.

CarExpert’s Select

Each are very compelling programs in their very own proper.

Honda has controlled to deliver an overly aggressive car to marketplace within the ZR-V. It’s properly priced, properly featured, plays properly throughout maximum metrics and may be very reasonable to deal with for the primary 5 years. The reality it’s considered one of few cars in section to provide a complete attached services and products suite for the guaranty duration is a plus, too.

I’ve to knock it for its gasoline use in city using – arguably the place this will likely spend maximum of its reside – and the small boot which is off the tempo inside this comparability, let by myself the section.

The Mazda, in the meantime, is a tried-and-trusted circle of relatives favorite, has been progressively subtle through the years to turn out to be an overly mature product, even on this close to entry-level trim. It provides higher house and practicality than the extra athletic-leaning ZR-V coated up right here.

It does really feel its age in spaces, and the truth that numerous key tech and security measures are left for upper variants turns out foolish when competitors just like the ZR-V be offering it in large part around the board. Mazda’s servicing program, whilst now with advanced periods, works out a ways costlier than Honda’s superb aftersales prices.

The Maxx Recreation variant on take a look at additionally doesn’t slightly really feel as upmarket because the high-spec ZR-V VTi LX, even though the similarly-priced Traveling variant bridges that hole considerably, while additionally bringing further package to higher fit the Honda.

Either one of those crossovers are extra attractive to force than the majority of the section, with zippy dealing with and punchy petrol motors. I individually favor the Mazda’s six-speed auto over the Honda’s CVT.

If it have been my money, my select will be the CX-5. There’s a explanation why Mazda has been 2nd most effective to the Toyota RAV4 on this section for plenty of years now – and it’s as glaring as ever right here.

Regardless of its age the CX-5 G25 both fits or outpaces the a lot more moderen ZR-V in plenty of key metrics which might be indubitably significantly necessary to Australian circle of relatives consumers – it’s extra spacious, extra environment friendly, and extra at ease.

It’s additionally extra a laugh to force personally, with a extra attractive and freer-revving engine that has a extra involving transmission. The CX-5 additionally provides all-wheel force the place the ZR-V doesn’t in any respect in Australia.

Sure the provider prices are upper, however it has longer distance periods so in case you do numerous miles in keeping with annum, you received’t be visiting the store as continuously as you’re going to the Honda.

Movies

Click on the pictures for the whole gallery

BUY: Honda ZR-V
BUY: Mazda CX-5
MORE: The entirety Honda ZR-V
MORE: The entirety Mazda CX-5