The Japanese car marque has unveiled its 5th-generation ZR-V for our shores via the full import route
In this post, I am comparing the upcoming Honda ZR-V, Skoda Kodiaq and VW Tiguan on the basis of specs, expected price, features, etc. The ZR-V will be delivered to the customers in July 2026 and the pre-bookings are already underway. The premium imported mid-size SUV segment in India has seen some pretty imposing products in recent years. The likes of the Kodiaq and Tiguan have always existed, but the new models are full imports. This means that the Indian customers get exposed to the international standards from Volkswagen and Skoda. Now with the ZR-V, we will experience what the best of Honda on the global stage looks like.
Honda ZR-V vs Skoda Kodiaq vs VW Tiguan – Specs Comparison
In the international market, the latest Honda ZR-V is underpinned by the Honda Architecture (HA). Under its long hood, there is an efficient 2.0-litre petrol engine with a hybrid setup. This mill outputs a considerable 180 hp of peak power. This engine is paired with a sole e-CVT automatic transmission for a smooth operation. The premium mid-size SUV could benefit from the all-wheel-drive configuration. Note that this makes it slightly less powerful in comparison to the other two contenders in this post. Nevertheless, it has enough power for an engaging highway ride.
On the other hand, the Skoda Kodiaq and VW Tiguan share the powertrain and transmission options. This means that they draw power from the familiar 2.0-litre TSI EVO turbo petrol mill, which generates a healthy 204 PS and 320 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. In fact, this mill powers many models under the VW Group. Performing transmission duties is a sporty 7-speed DSG gearbox for an enthusiastic performance. In the case of the Tiguan, this mill propels the large SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds.
| Specs | Honda ZR-V | Skoda Kodiaq | VW Tiguan |
| Engine | 2.0L Petrol Hybrid | 2.0L TSI EVO Turbo Petrol | 2.0L TSI EVO Turbo Petrol |
| Power | 184 PS | 204 PS | 204 PS |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 320 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Transmission | e-CVT | 7-DSG | 7-DSG |
Honda ZR-V vs Skoda Kodiaq vs VW Tiguan – Features and Safety Comparison
This is one aspect which the modern carmakers are extremely particular about. We know that today’s vehicles come with all sorts of new-age technology, convenience, comfort and safety prowess. The overwhelming usage of electronics in cars has, essentially, turned them into gadgets. Even though most details about the Honda ZR-V will be available at the launch, some of the main attractions could include:
- 9-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Unit
- 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
- Electric Panoramic Sunroof
- Wireless Charging
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Driver Selector with Push-button Layout
- 12-speaker Bose Sound System
- Powered and Ventilated Front Seats
- Leatherette Upholstery
- Ambient Lighting
- Ventilated Seats
- Type-C Charging Ports
- 8-way Powered Driver’s Seat
- 4-way Powered Passenger’s Seat
- Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
- Premium Materials for Cabin
- Connected Car Tech
- Electronic Parking Brake
- Level 2 ADAS
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- 360-degree Surround View Camera
- 8 Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Traction Control
- Honda LaneWatch Camera
- Hill Start Assist
- Hill Descent Control
- Driver Attention Monitor
- Blind Spot Information
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Collision Mitigation Braking
- Pedestrian Accident Reduction Steering
On the other hand, the top highlights of the VW Tiguan are:
- 15-inch Infotainment Display
- 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit
- Tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof
- Leather-wrapped, heated, multi-function sports steering wheel with R Clasp
- Interior ambient lighting in dashboard and doors with 30 colour options
- R-Line Insignia
- Head-up Display
- 8-speaker Immersive Sound System
- Electronic Engine Sound
- Wireless Charging
- IDA Voice control and Voice enhancer
- Wired and Wireless App-Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Driver profile selection
- Three-zone Air Care Climatronic system with rear air conditioning control panel
- Allergen filter and enhanced air filter
- Keyless Start with SAFELOCK
- Front seats with massage feature
- Front pneumatic – adjustable lumbar support
- Front seats with manual adjustment of seat travel, height and backrest angle
- Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
- Front centre armrest
- Front sports comfort seats, heated
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Longitudinally sliding thigh support
- Level 2 ADAS
- Park Assist Plus with Park Distance Control
- Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
Also, the key in-cabin amenities of the Skoda Kodiaq are:
- Large Free-standing Touchscreen Infotainment Display
- Soft-touch Materials
- Virtual Cockpit Driver’s Instrument Cluster
- Two-spoke Steering Wheel with Multimedia Controls
- Premium Audio System
- Dual Glovebox
- Dual Wireless Smartphone Charger
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Rotary Dials for HVAC Controls
- Gearbox Shifter on Steering Column
- Rear AC Vents
- Sliding and Reclining Rear Seats
- Ambient Lighting
Price Comparison
Now, we can’t comment on anything about the prices until they are officially announced in the case of the Honda ZR-V. However, the VW Tiguan currently retails in India at Rs 45.73 lakh, ex-showroom. On the other hand, the Skoda Kodiaq ranges from Rs 39.99 lakh to Rs 46.49 lakh, ex-showroom. In any case, since the ZR-V will be a full import, the prices are expected to be in the vicinity of Rs 50 lakh.
| Price (ex-sh.) | Honda ZR-V | Skoda Kodiaq | VW Tiguan R-Line |
| Rs 50 lakh (exp.) | Rs 39.99 – 46.99 lakh | Rs 45.73 lakh |
Editor’s Note
Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
Having analysed this space for years, I see the upcoming Honda ZR-V as an interesting but niche addition to India’s premium SUV segment. While its strong hybrid setup will appeal to efficiency-conscious buyers, the higher pricing due to the CBU route could limit its reach. In contrast, the Skoda Kodiaq and VW Tiguan continue to offer a well-balanced package with proven turbo-petrol performance and strong brand positioning. In my view, the ZR-V will have to rely heavily on Honda’s reliability and hybrid appeal to carve out a space in this highly competitive segment.
Also Read: New VW Tayron R-Line vs Tiguan R-Line – Which SUV To Buy?
