Honda Freed Hybrid Review

18 February 2025

There are certain cars that become so familiar, so universally accepted, that their presence is almost taken for granted. The Honda Freed is one of them.

If you do not drive one, your neighbour probably does. Or you probably sat in one the last time you booked a Grab ride.

The Freed’s appeal has always been remarkably straightforward. It is compact, efficient, ridiculously practical, and does not try to be anything it is not. In many ways, that is exactly why it works so well.

So, when Honda launched this new generation Freed Hybrid, there was no need for drastic reinvention. Instead, the focus was on refinement, efficiency, and a little extra charm, all while staying true to the formula that has made the Freed a favourite.

Fulfilling A Boxy Purpose

No one buys an MPV for its styling, and Honda knows it. That is why, instead of trying to hide its shape, the new Honda Freed Hybrid fully embraces its boxiness.

In profile, it looks like a well-rounded Tupperware on wheels, with proportions that scream practicality first, everything else second. But that doesn’t mean the designers didn’t try.

The headlights flank a blacked-out glossy strip across the front, and the taillights have a stacked cube pattern embedded within. Small quirks, but it gives the car some charm.

The cabin is the same story. Honda’s designers have done a fantastic job balancing cost-conscious practicality with usability. The dashboard layout is clean, symmetrical, and pleasantly minimalistic. Most importantly, Honda has resisted the temptation to digitise everything.

The driver’s display is a huge step up from before, with a vibrant, easy-to-read digital display taken from the Honda Jazz Crosstar that proves you do not need massive screens to feel modern.

Physical buttons are still present and accounted for, including proper dials for temperature and fan speed. The controls are precisely laid out, with excellent tactile feedback, making them effortless to use while driving.

The Freed’s Greatest Strengths

If there is one thing the Freed has always done better than most, it is maximising space. This new model continues to lead its segment in passenger comfort and versatility.

The powered sliding doors make ingress and egress effortless, especially for elderly passengers or young children. The second-row seats retain their 60:40 split, meaning the middle passenger gets a properly moulded seat, rather than a half-hearted excuse of a cushion.

The third row remains easy to access, thanks to the tumble-forward seats.

While legroom and shoulder room are adequate, headroom is where the Freed excels. Even taller passengers will find plenty of space above, making it one of the most comfortable small MPVs on the market.

Storage is another strong suit. There are spaces in every nook and cranny of this car, and there are USB-C charging ports integrated into the front seats, so second-row passengers never have to fight for a charging cable.

Surprisingly Engaging Too

If there was one major weakness in the previous-generation Freed, it was the drivetrain. It was functional, but in a segment full of hybrids and turbocharged alternatives, outdated.

Power now comes from a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, paired with two electric motors, producing 130bhp and 253Nm of instant torque from a standstill. The instant torque from the electric motors gives the Freed a sense of urgency that its predecessor simply did not have.

Accelerating from a standstill feels effortless even with a full posse of passengers, and when cruising at expressway speeds, the hybrid system works seamlessly in the background, providing electric assistance whenever needed.

Honda’s e-CVT transmission has been significantly improved. Even under hard acceleration, it never feels too loud or strained, making long drives far more comfortable.

The suspension setup is soft enough to absorb bumps effortlessly, but firm enough to maintain composure even with a full load. The steering is light but not overly vague, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

While it is not designed for spirited driving, it handles corners with confidence, resisting body roll better than expected for an MPV of this size.

Braking is another strong point. The brake pedal is weighted nicely, providing smooth and predictable stopping power.

For those new to MPVs, the Freed is incredibly easy to drive. And with Honda Sensing driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, highway driving is effortless and stress-free.

Honda claims 19.6km/litre for efficiency, and in real-world conditions, the Freed exceeded that. That translates to a range of over 800km on a full tank.

The MPV That Just Works

The Honda Freed has always been one of the most practical, sensible, and universally appealing MPVs on the market. This new model takes everything that made it great, refines the details, and adds modern efficiency into the mix.

It is charming without being flashy, spacious without being bulky, and efficient without sacrificing usability.

It may not be the flashiest car on the road, but for the vast majority of buyers, that is precisely why it works so well.

Technical Specifications