Honda Vezel Hybrid

RU4Stock varies — page stays live

The RU4 represents the four-wheel-drive (4WD) hybrid version of the Vezel. Utilizing Honda's Real-Time AWD with Intelligent Control System, it distributes torque dynamically to the rear wheels when traction loss is detected, providing increased stability in wet or snowy climates.

Engine
1.5L LEB-H1 i-DCD
Displacement
1,496 cc
Drive
4WD
Gearbox
7-speed DCT
Fuel
Body
Crossover
Honda Vezel Hybrid RU4Honda Vezel Hybrid — representative 1st Gen (RU) image

Chassis variants of the Vezel Hybrid

RU31.5L LEB-H1 i-DCD1,496 ccFF7-speed DCT
RU41.5L LEB-H1 i-DCD1,496 cc4WD7-speed DCT

Dimensions & shipping volume

Length
4,295 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Height
1,605 mm
Weight
1,380 kg
Shipping volume
12.2 M³

Manufacture year vs. registration year

Japanese paperwork shows the first registration date, but African customs count age from the month of manufacture. Verify with the chassis serial before purchase:

Serial prefixProduction periodSeries
RU4-100XXXXXXDec 2013Jan 2018Pre-facelift / Zenki 4WD
RU4-130XXXXXXFeb 2018Apr 2021Facelift / Kouki 4WD (Honda Sensing Standard)

Import eligibility by country

Age limits are counted from the month of manufacture, not first registration. This RU4 was produced 2013–2021; the statuses below are checked against Jul 2026.

KenyaCheck unit age
Only units manufactured Jul 2018 or later qualify (8-year limit).
UgandaEligible
Within the 15-year limit from manufacture.
TanzaniaEligible
No age ban; vehicles over 10 years pay additional excise duty.
ZambiaEligible
No age limit; surtax applies to vehicles older than 5 years.
MalawiEligible
No age limit; duty calculated on cc and age band.

Common questions about the RU4

How does the RU4 AWD system operate?
The RU4 uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch system (Real-Time AWD) that actively sends power to the rear wheels based on wheel slip and driving dynamics, rather than relying solely on mechanical pressure differences.
Is the RU4 significantly heavier than the RU3?
Yes, due to the addition of the rear differential, drive shafts, and electronic AWD transfer case components, the RU4 weighs approximately 100 kg more than the RU3.