Table of Contents
Reinventing a Familiar Face
The MY26 Zera X arrives on the road looking almost identical to its 2025 predecessor, but the changes under the hood and inside the cabin are far from cosmetic. A new powertrain, a larger battery, and a host of interior tweaks give the small SUV a noticeable lift in capability and comfort.
Externally, the model keeps the clean lines of the 7X but adds a few subtle touches: a new key‑green paint that replaces the old pine green, an onyx‑black option that replaces mist gray, and a set of 20‑inch forged alloy wheels that are standard in black but can be swapped to a different finish. The all‑wheel‑drive version also offers a distinctive door‑handle design that flips down when the car opens, a feature that some reviewers find gimmicky but that adds a touch of modernity.
Powertrain and Battery Upgrades
Under the hood, the MY26 has moved from a 61‑kWh lithium‑ion phosphate pack in the rear‑wheel‑drive version to a 66‑kWh nickel‑manganese‑cobalt battery in the all‑wheel‑drive variant. Power has jumped from 200 kW to 250 kW in the single‑motor model, and torque has risen from 343 Nm to 373 Nm. The dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive version now delivers 365 kW and 573 Nm, a significant boost over the 315 kW and 543 Nm of the previous year.
Charging speed has also improved. The rear‑wheel‑drive model can now accept 230 kW DC, cutting a 10‑to‑80 % charge to just 18 minutes compared with 30 minutes previously. The all‑wheel‑drive version retains a 150 kW DC maximum but still offers a 415 km WLTP range, with real‑world figures around 346 km on a 66‑kWh pack.
Interior and Cabin Comfort
The cabin has been refreshed with new quilting, a shift from the old pine green to a key‑green exterior, and a more muted palette that moves away from the bright, two‑tone colors of earlier models. The boot has grown from 342 L to 404 L thanks to a switch from water‑cooled to oil‑cooled rear electric motor, freeing up space beneath the floor.
Other interior changes include a new door‑storage system that can hold a one‑liter bottle, a redesigned cup holder that is smaller but more integrated, and a new 13‑speaker Yamaha audio system that is now standard on all models. The infotainment screen remains the same size and layout, but the system feels slightly slower, with occasional lag when switching between driving modes or accessing ADAS settings.
Driving Dynamics and Features
The suspension has been tuned for a smoother ride, reducing noise and improving handling compared to the 2025 model. The car feels more cohesive, with a slight shift toward comfort over sportiness. Steering remains precise, but the all‑wheel‑drive version offers a more planted feel on corners, though it still lacks the sharpness of the Volvo EX30.
Driver‑assist features such as lane‑keeping, speed‑warning, and adaptive cruise control are present, but the system can be frustratingly reactive, often overriding user settings or issuing alerts for minor speed violations. The vehicle also retains a small “distraction” warning that triggers when the driver’s attention is diverted, a feature that some find intrusive.
Value, Pricing, and Market Position
Priced under $60,000, the MY26 Zera X offers a compelling package for buyers who want a small SUV with a larger battery and more power than the 2025 model. Its all‑wheel‑drive variant brings it closer to the 7X in terms of capability, yet it remains more affordable, sitting just under $50,000 for the rear‑wheel‑drive version.
Warranty coverage includes five years or unlimited kilometres, plus an eight‑year, 160 000 km battery guarantee. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 20 000 km, with a total cost of $3,072 over the warranty period. For those who value a well‑finished interior, improved performance, and a generous boot, the MY26 Zera X represents a significant step forward from its predecessor.
Overall, the MY26 Zera X transforms from a modest, under‑powered SUV into a more capable, comfortable, and well‑equipped vehicle that competes strongly with larger models while staying within a sensible price range.