Honda ZR-V vs BMW X1

What's the difference?

VS
Honda ZR-V
Honda ZR-V

$37,900 - $54,900

2026 price

BMW X1
BMW X1

$41,800 - $77,990

2023 price

Summary

2026 Honda ZR-V
2023 BMW X1
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
5.0L/100km (combined)

7.2L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • No spare wheel
  • Roof-mounted rear centre seatbelt
  • Small touchscreen

  • Pricey
  • Servicing on the expensive side
  • Small fuel tank
2026 Honda ZR-V Summary

Honda used to be a big deal in Australia back in the 1990s and early 2000s but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s moved off your radar in recent years.

The Japanese carmaker has seemingly fallen out of favour in the last few years following its move to an agency retail model which negates haggling on price with dealers.

However, Honda is making a resurgence and it’s putting a heavier focus on hybrid power.

The ZR-V small-to-medium SUV has been updated for 2026 and picks up new, more affordable hybrid trims, among other minor tweaks. Read on to see if this car should be on your shortlist.

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2023 BMW X1 Summary

BMW’s X1 has changed. In a good way. Especially if you’re thinking about buying one as a family car.

Yep, last year the third-generation X1 arrived and after 13 years and three different attempts on a design, BMW has nailed it. And by ‘it’ I mean built a super practical and spacious small SUV that’s great to drive. 

See, as a dad of two kids, when it comes to cars and my family ‘it’ means something totally different to what ‘it’ meant 10 years ago.

And that’s what this review is about: does the BMW X1, and specifically this xDrive20i M Sport variant we’ve tested here, make a good family car?

If you're thinking of buying it for your family then you need to read this and also consider the likes of Audi’s Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Honda ZR-V 2023 BMW X1

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