2022 HONDA VEZEL REVIEW

The 2022 Honda Vezel blends modern styling with smart practicality. Sleek lines and a bold grille give it a premium look, while its compact size makes city driving easy. Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.5L petrol engine or Honda’s efficient e:HEV hybrid system. Both deliver smooth performance with impressive fuel economy. Inside, the cabin feels upscale, with quality materials, flexible seating, and generous cargo space. Tech features include a large infotainment screen, smartphone connectivity, and Honda Sensing safety assists on higher trims. Comfortable, efficient, and versatile, the Vezel is a standout choice in the subcompact SUV class.

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Detailed Review

The 2022 Honda Vezel is a sleek subcompact SUV that strikes a balance between style, practicality, and efficiency. Built on Honda’s latest global platform, it delivers stable handling, refined comfort, and impressive fuel economy, especially in hybrid form.

Its exterior design is sharp and modern, with a coupe-like roofline, slim LED headlights, and a bold front grille that give it a premium presence. Power comes from a 1.5L petrol engine or Honda’s advanced e:HEV hybrid system, offering smooth performance and excellent efficiency. Transmission options include CVT for petrol and Honda’s intelligent hybrid drive for the e:HEV.

Inside, the Vezel seats five comfortably with an airy cabin, flexible “Magic Seat” system, and a generous cargo area. The interior feels more upmarket than before, with a minimalist dashboard, soft-touch materials, and tech features like a large infotainment display, smartphone integration, and digital driver’s cluster.

Safety is a strong point, with Honda Sensing driver-assist technologies available on most trims, including adaptive cruise, collision mitigation braking, and lane-keeping assist. Combined with solid build quality and Honda’s reputation for reliability, the Vezel is both secure and family-friendly.

Efficient, stylish, and versatile, the 2022 Vezel stands out as one of the most well-rounded options in the subcompact SUV category.

For those interested in buying the Honda Vezel, we have prepared a separate Buyer’s Guide with details on what to look out for when purchasing a used model and the common pitfalls to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

2022 Honda Vezel Trim Levels

G (Entry Level): The base trim focuses on affordability and practicality, offering halogen headlights, fabric seats, manual air conditioning, and a basic audio system with USB and Bluetooth. Best suited for buyers seeking dependable daily use at a lower cost.

X (Mid-Spec Comfort): Adds LED headlights, alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and a larger infotainment display with smartphone connectivity. The X trim strikes a strong balance of comfort and value, making it a popular choice for most drivers.

e: HEV X (Hybrid Efficiency): Builds on the X trim with Honda’s e: HEV hybrid system for superior fuel economy and smoother performance. Features include hybrid-specific displays and enhanced safety tech, making it ideal for eco-conscious buyers.

e: HEV Z (Premium): The flagship trim combines the hybrid powertrain with luxury touches such as leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and Honda Sensing safety suite. Designed for drivers who want premium comfort, technology, and efficiency in one package.

Interior, Legroom & Space

The 2022 Honda Vezel interior is designed with a clean, minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes practicality and comfort while delivering a premium feel. The dashboard features a wide horizontal layout with a centrally mounted touchscreen (up to 9 inches on higher trims) supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a digital or semi-digital instrument cluster.

Physical knobs for climate control and other essentials remain, making the controls intuitive and driver-friendly. Quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and subtle accents elevate the cabin’s overall ambience beyond what’s expected in the subcompact SUV segment.

Passenger space is one of the Vezel’s strengths. The front seats offer generous support and a commanding driving position with excellent outward visibility. In the rear, Honda’s clever “Magic Seat” system allows flexible configurations, from folding the seats flat for cargo to flipping the cushions upward for taller items. Legroom and headroom are more than sufficient for adults, making the Vezel comfortable even on long journeys.

The Vezel’s platform has been engineered for versatile cabin usability, with smart ergonomics that keep everything within easy reach of the driver. The elevated seating position combines SUV-like visibility with car-like comfort, while the flat floor design enhances both passenger comfort and cargo flexibility. The result is a cabin that feels both spacious and adaptable for family, city, or adventure use.

Cabin Storage

The Honda Vezel offers smart storage solutions that make everyday use practical. Up front, occupants get sizeable door pockets, dual cup holders, a covered center console, and a spacious glove compartment. Depending on trim, USB charging ports and a 12V outlet are conveniently positioned for both driver and passenger use. Rear passengers benefit from seatback pockets and door bins, ensuring everyone has space for personal items.

Honda also adds thoughtful touches like a deep tray beneath the center stack for smartphones or small gadgets, keeping essentials within easy reach. These details make the Vezel especially family-friendly and well-suited for long drives.

Boot Space

With the rear seats upright, the Vezel provides a generous cargo area capable of handling weekly shopping, luggage, or school gear. Thanks to Honda’s versatile “Magic Seat” system, the 60:40 split seats can fold flat to create a large, level loading floor or flip upward to carry tall items. This flexibility makes the Vezel stand out in its segment.

A wide tailgate opening and low loading lip simplify access, while the square-shaped boot ensures efficient use of space. Whether for urban errands or weekend getaways, the Vezel’s cargo capacity is versatile enough to adapt to different needs.

Exterior

The 2022 Honda Vezel presents a sleek and modern design that emphasizes sophistication and aerodynamic efficiency. At the front, it features a wide grille flanked by slim LED headlights and sharp daytime running lights, giving it a confident, premium look. Clean lines across the bonnet and bumper enhance its upscale character.

From the side, the Vezel showcases a coupe-like roofline with blacked-out pillars that create a floating roof effect. Strong character lines flow smoothly along the profile, while flared arches and alloy wheels ranging from 16 to 18 inches reinforce its sporty stance.

At the rear, the Vezel carries a full-width LED light bar, a neatly sculpted tailgate, and an integrated roof spoiler for a touch of sportiness. Higher trims add two-tone body finishes, panoramic sunroof options, and chrome accents, elevating the SUV’s premium impression.

Ground Clearance: approx. 7.3 inches (185 mm)

Safety Features

The 2022 Honda Vezel is equipped with a comprehensive range of safety technologies aimed at protecting occupants and preventing accidents. Standard equipment includes multiple airbags (front, side, curtain), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).

Higher trims with Honda Sensing add advanced driver-assistance features such as:

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Road Departure Mitigation
Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
Traffic Sign Recognition
High Beam Assist
Rear Parking Sensors and Camera

The Vezel is built on Honda’s global small-vehicle platform, engineered with extensive use of high-tensile steel to improve crash protection while keeping weight low. Its reinforced structure and carefully designed crumple zones absorb and disperse impact energy, enhancing passenger safety in collisions.

Within its subcompact SUV class, the Vezel stands out for offering a premium suite of safety features usually found in larger, more expensive vehicles.

2022 Honda Vezel Fuel Consumption

1.5L Petrol CVT – approx. 16–18 km/l
1.5L e: HEV Hybrid – approx. 23–25 km/l

2022 Honda Vezel Acceleration

1.5L Petrol CVT: 0–100 km/h in about 11.2 seconds
1.5L e: HEV Hybrid: 0–100 km/h in about 9.8 seconds

2022 Honda Vezel Fuel Tank Capacity

40 liters

Service Intervals

Minor Service: Every 6 months or 10,000 km. Includes engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and cabin filter checks.
Major Service: Every 12 months or 20,000 km. Adds brake fluid inspection, spark plugs, CVT/gearbox fluid check, and hybrid system diagnostics (for e:HEV models).

Spare Parts and Availability

In Kenya, spare parts for the Honda Vezel are widely available through Honda Kenya dealerships and numerous independent suppliers. Common service parts like filters, brake pads, and spark plugs are affordable and easily sourced. Body parts and electronic components, while pricier, can be accessed through authorized importers and reliable aftermarket outlets. Overall, support for the Vezel in Kenya is strong thanks to its popularity and shared components with other Honda models.

For service parts and body components, Visit: https://yokaspares.co.ke/

Stability and Handling

The 2022 Vezel benefits from Honda’s well-balanced chassis design, using MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam setup at the rear. This suspension tuning provides a comfortable ride over rough surfaces while maintaining stability at higher speeds.

Light but precise steering makes it easy to maneuver in city streets, while the wider track and low center of gravity give the SUV a planted feel in corners. The hybrid variant delivers extra responsiveness, thanks to its instant electric torque. Electronic stability systems such as VSA and Traction Control further improve confidence on slippery or uneven roads.

For service parts and body components, Visit: https://yokaspares.co.ke/

Reliability

The Honda Vezel continues Honda’s reputation for long-term reliability and low running costs. The naturally aspirated 1.5L petrol engine is simple and durable, while the e:HEV hybrid system is proven in global markets and designed for efficiency and longevity.

Owners in Kenya and abroad frequently highlight the Vezel’s dependable performance when serviced regularly. Spare parts are readily available, and both Honda Kenya and independent workshops offer strong after-sales support. Combined with its efficiency and resale value, the Vezel is one of the most dependable choices in the subcompact SUV market.

Resale Value: Good

2022 Honda Vezel Competitors:

The Honda Vezel competes in the subcompact crossover SUV segment alongside:

Toyota C-HR
Toyota Corolla Cross
Nissan Juke
Mazda CX-3 / CX-30
Subaru XV (Crosstrek)
Hyundai Kona
Kia Seltos

What we like about the 2022 Honda Vezel

Efficient hybrid and petrol options with excellent fuel economy
Spacious, versatile interior with Honda’s “Magic Seat” system
Premium design and high-quality cabin materials
Strong safety features with Honda Sensing on higher trims
Comfortable ride and solid stability on highways
Reliable, easy to maintain, and supported by wide parts availability in Kenya
Good resale value in the Kenyan market

What we don’t like

Base trims feel less equipped compared to rivals
Hybrid models carry a higher purchase cost
CVT transmission may feel less engaging for spirited drivers
Some advanced features are only available on higher trims

Conclusion

The 2022 Honda Vezel is a well-rounded subcompact SUV that combines efficiency, comfort, and versatility in a stylish package. Its refined interior, strong safety credentials, and innovative storage solutions make it an excellent choice for both city driving and longer journeys. While base trims may lack some features and the CVT isn’t for performance enthusiasts, the hybrid’s fuel economy and Honda’s proven reliability more than make up for it. With strong resale value and dependable after-sales support in Kenya, the Vezel stands out as one of the most practical and desirable SUVs in its class.

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