A projection zoom lens is essentially constituted by, in order from the magnification side: a negative first lens group; a positive second lens group; a third lens group; a positive fourth lens group; a fifth lens group; and a positive sixth lens group. The distance between the first and second lens groups is shorter, the distance between the second and third lens groups is longer, the distance between the third and fourth lens groups is shorter, the distance between the fourth and the fifth lens groups is longer, and the distance between the fifth and sixth lens groups is longer at the telephoto end than at the wide angle end. A lens having a negative refractive power in the paraxial region is provided most toward the magnification side in the first lens group. The fifth lens group has a negative lens.