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Honda ZR-V vs Kia Niro comparison

Compare performance (184 HP vs 138 HP), boot space and price (35,100 £ vs 29,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Honda ZR-V or Kia Niro?

Honda ZR-V vs Kia Niro: Key differences

Honda ZR-V

4.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h

Kia Niro

4.5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • noticeably more efficient
  • a bit lighter

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

ZR-V

Honda ZR-V vs. Kia Niro: Battle of the Hybrid SUVs

In the ever-evolving world of hybrid SUVs, two models stand out: the Honda ZR-V and the Kia Niro. Both offer unique features, cutting-edge technology, and efficient performance, making them leaders in their class. This article compares the technical aspects and innovations of these two formidable contenders.

Niro

Power and Performance

The Honda ZR-V comes equipped with a full hybrid engine producing 184 HP (135 kW) with torque reaching up to 315 Nm. It offers impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 8 seconds, and a top speed of 173 km/h. This performance is paired with a fuel consumption of 5.7 to 5.8 L/100 km, depending on the model year.

On the other hand, the Kia Niro offers two powertrain options: a full hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The full hybrid version delivers 129 HP (95 kW) with an acceleration time of 11.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. The plug-in hybrid provides a more robust 171 HP (126 kW), with an acceleration of 10.4 seconds. The Niro trumps the ZR-V in fuel efficiency with a consumption rate of 1.0 L/100 km for the plug-in hybrid, alongside an electric range of up to 65 km.

ZR-V

Design and Dimensions

As compact SUVs, both the ZR-V and Niro provide ample space for passengers and cargo. The Honda ZR-V measures 4568 mm in length, 1840 mm in width, and 1613 mm in height, offering a trunk capacity of 370 to 380 liters. Its curb weight ranges from 1660 to 1710 kg, ensuring a robust build.

The Kia Niro is slightly shorter, with dimensions of 4420 mm in length, 1825 mm in width, and 1545 mm in height. It has a variable trunk capacity ranging from 348 to 451 liters, depending on the configuration, with a lighter curb weight between 1474 and 1594 kg.

Niro

Innovations and Environmental Impact

The Honda ZR-V emphasizes a balance between performance and environmental responsibility. Despite its powerful engine, it maintains a CO2 emission level of 130 to 132 g/km, classifying it within the D efficiency class.

Kia's Niro, especially the plug-in hybrid version, showcases significant innovation in reducing environmental impact. It achieves CO2 emissions as low as 19 g/km, placing it in the B and C classes of efficiency. The dual-clutch automatic transmission offers a seamless driving experience and enhances fuel economy.

ZR-V

Conclusion

While both vehicles bring exciting features to the hybrid SUV market, the choice between the Honda ZR-V and Kia Niro ultimately depends on the buyer's priorities. The ZR-V is ideal for those seeking power and performance with decent fuel efficiency. In contrast, the Niro, particularly the plug-in hybrid version, appeals to environmentally-conscious drivers looking to maximize fuel economy and minimize emissions. Both models exemplify modern automotive innovation and represent the future of sustainable driving.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

ZR-V

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Kia Niro is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Honda ZR-V costs 35,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,923 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Kia Niro uses 4.5 L/100km and is noticeably more efficient than the Honda ZR-V with 5.7 L/100km. The difference is about 1.2 L/100km.

Niro

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Honda ZR-V offers visibly more power – delivering 184 HP compared to 138 HP. That’s roughly 46 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Honda ZR-V is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 7.8 s, while the Kia Niro takes 11.1 s. That’s about 3.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Honda ZR-V delivers a bit more torque with 315 Nm compared to 265 Nm. That’s about 50 Nm more.

ZR-V

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Kia Niro is a bit lighter – 1,474 kg compared to 1,660 kg. The difference is around 186 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Kia Niro carries marginally more – 466 kg compared to 455 kg. That’s a difference of about 11 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Honda ZR-V comes out modestly ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £35,100
ZR-V

Honda ZR-V

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 184 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.7 - 5.8 L/100km
Honda ZR-V
Kia Niro

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Honda ZR-V

The Honda ZR-V blends smart practicality with sharper styling than you might expect, giving buyers a calm, competent companion for daily life. Inside it's comfortable and cleverly laid out, easy to live with and never trying too hard to be exciting.

details

Kia Niro

The Kia Niro blends clever packaging and modern styling into a compact crossover that’s refreshingly sensible for daily life. It’s comfortable, economical and packed with user‑friendly tech, so if you want a fuss‑free family car with a touch of green credibility, the Niro is worth a test drive.

details
Honda ZR-V
Kia Niro

Costs and Consumption

Price
35,100 - 38,700 £
Price
29,100 - 33,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5.7 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
130 - 132 g/km
co2
102 - 111 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,660 - 1,710 kg
Curb weight
1,474 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,840 mm
Width
1,825 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
440 - 455 kg
Payload
466 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
184 HP
Power HP
138 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.8 - 8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.1 - 11.4 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
315 Nm
Torque
265 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
135 kW
Power kW
102 kW
Engine capacity
1,993 cm3
Engine capacity
1,580 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
Brand
Honda
Brand
Kia
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.