The Japanese market Honda ZR-V has received an update that concerns not only its appearance but also its technical specifications. The model range has now fully transitioned to hybrid powertrains, abandoning conventional gasoline engines. The update also includes new body colors, wheel designs, refreshed interiors, and expanded standard equipment.
Update for the Japanese market
After nearly four years since its debut, Honda has updated the ZR-V crossover for the Japanese market. This model is an analog of the North American HR-V, but with different badges. The main news is the complete transition of the lineup to a hybrid powertrain, similar to the one offered in Europe. The updates turned out to be quite moderate: new paint colors, fresh wheel designs, updated interior trim options, and more standard equipment. The lineup now consists of X, Z, Black Style, and the new Cross Touring versions.
Trims and design
The Z version, as the most equipped, retains the previous exterior design but has received new colors: Twilight Mist Black Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, and Seabed Blue Pearl. New 18-inch alloy wheels with five double spokes have also appeared. The grille with vertical slats remains unchanged.
Inside, standard equipment for this version includes a 9-inch multimedia system with Google services, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system, heated and power-adjustable seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a surround-view camera system.
The Black Style variant, based on the Z version, has received a darker, more aggressive aesthetic. It is equipped with a honeycomb grille, Crystal Black Pearl accents on the body, 18-inch Berlina Black wheels, and a dark interior theme.
New Cross Touring version
The new addition to the lineup is the ZR-V Cross Touring version. It borrowed the honeycomb grille and bumper air intakes from the American HR-V, giving the car a more rugged and off-road look. This image is emphasized by aluminum-styled underbody protection, side steps, additional plastic cladding, and matte black 18-inch wheels. For this version, an exclusive Desert Beige Pearl body color is available, which is paired inside with beige leather and orange stitching to create contrast.
Hybrid powertrain
Every 2026 model year Honda ZR-V is now equipped with the same e:HEV hybrid powertrain based on a 2.0-liter engine. The non-electrified turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine has been removed from the lineup. The self-charging hybrid produces a combined output of 181 hp, and buyers can choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on their traction and efficiency preferences.
Pricing and availability
Honda has not yet confirmed official prices for the Japanese market, with full information disclosure scheduled for March 26. However, according to the local publication Creative Trend, the base e:HEV X version with front-wheel drive will start from ¥3,707,000 (approximately $23,800), while the top e:HEV Z Cross Touring version with all-wheel drive will go up to ¥4,727,800 (about $30,300). This means an increase in the starting price of approximately ¥72,600 ($470) compared to the previous model.
The transition to an exclusively hybrid lineup for the Japanese market fully aligns with the general trend of automakers towards electrification, especially in regions with strict environmental requirements. The design updates and the appearance of the Cross Touring version indicate Honda’s attempt to differentiate its offering and attract buyers who value both efficiency and a more expressive, ‘off-road’ crossover image. The price increase is likely compensated by the expanded standard equipment and the new powertrain, which should be more economical to operate.