Zr-Al-N coatings were synthesized by the hybrid coating system combining arc ion plating and DC magnetron sputtering from a Zr and an Al target in argon-nitrogen atmosphere, respectively. By changing the power applied on the Al cathodes, the Zr-Al-N coatings with various Al contents were deposited. The microstructure and chemical compositions of the Zr-Al-N coatings were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). With increasing of Al content in the coatings, the solid solution (Zr, Al)N crystallites were observed in the Zr-Al-N coatings. The nanohardness of the Zr-Al-N coatings exhibited a maximum value of 42 GPa for the Zr-Al (7.9 at.%)-N, and decreased with further increase in Al content in the coatings. The oxidation and corrosion behavior of the Zr-Al-N coatings revealed better properties compared than those of ZrN coatings due to the formation of a solid solution.