A series of Cu–ZnO/ZrO₂ catalysts (Zn_at/Cu_at, 0–3; ZrO₂, 42–44wt.%) with markedly improved total (SA, 120–180m²/g) and metal surface area (MSA, 9–63m²/g) has been synthesized via the reverse co-precipitation under ultrasound field. Structure, adsorption properties and surface reactivity were probed by BET, XRD, TPR, N₂O-titration and TPD measurements of H₂, CO and CO₂, while the activity pattern in the CO₂ to CH₃OH hydrogenation reaction (T_R, 433–473K; P_R, 1.0MPa) has been addressed. An optimum ZnO loading (Zn_at/Cu_at, 0.3–0.8) ensures higher process productivity, while the apparent structure sensitive character of the title reaction relies on the synergism of metal hydrogenation and oxide basic sites (dual-site). The extent of the oxide/metal interface, probed by Cu^δ+/Cu⁰ and oxide-to-metal surface area (OSA/MSA) ratios, is the key-parameter allowing the normalization of the catalytic specific activity in a wide range (3–60%) of metal dispersion and the consequent structure insensitive character of the CO₂ hydrogenation reaction.