Honda Elevate: In the fiercely competitive Indian SUV market, standing out requires something special. The Honda Elevate, launched in September 2023, brings the Japanese automaker’s renowned engineering excellence to the compact SUV segment with a blend of practicality, comfort, and reliability that has quickly earned it a dedicated following.

As we move through 2025, the Elevate continues to make its mark as a formidable contender among mid-size SUVs.

Honda Elevate: A Design That Means Business

The Honda Elevate strikes an impressive balance between rugged utility and urban sophistication. Unlike many competitors that opt for overly flamboyant styling, Honda has taken a more restrained approach that will likely age gracefully.

The boxy, upright stance projects confidence without trying too hard, making it immediately identifiable as a purpose-built SUV rather than a jacked-up hatchback.

Walking around the vehicle, you’ll notice the imposing front fascia dominated by a large gloss black grille adorned with the Honda emblem.

The sleek LED headlight setup connected by a thick chrome strip provides a distinctive signature, particularly at night. The side profile maintains clean lines with subtle black cladding running along the wheel arches and lower door sections, providing both protection and visual contrast.

At the rear, the unique tailgate design creates a wide, stable appearance, complemented by clear-lens LED taillights. The 17-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels (on higher variants) add a premium touch to the otherwise utilitarian design philosophy.

Available in an impressive array of colors including Phoenix Orange Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Golden Brown Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Meteoroid Gray Metallic, the Elevate offers ample personalization options.

For those wanting a more distinctive look, dual-tone variants with Crystal Black Pearl roofs are available on select colors, while the exclusive Black Edition comes in Crystal Black Pearl with blacked-out exterior elements.

Spacious, Practical Interior

Step inside the Elevate, and the emphasis on function over form continues. The cabin follows a straightforward design philosophy with a dual-tone beige and black theme in standard variants (the Black Edition gets an all-black interior).

The dashboard is layered with different materials – hard plastics on top and soft-touch leatherette on lower sections – creating visual interest without sacrificing durability.

What impresses most about the interior is its exceptional space utilization. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Elevate offers generous legroom and headroom for all occupants.

The scooped roof design enhances rear headroom, while the large windows and comfortable seating position make long journeys a pleasure rather than a chore.

The rear bench features a comfortable recline angle and includes amenities like a center armrest, AC vents, and USB charging ports.

The practicality extends to cargo space as well. With 458 liters of boot capacity, the Elevate can handle weekend getaways with ease. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats further enhance versatility when larger items need to be transported.

Technology and Features

The Elevate comes equipped with a competitive array of features across its variants. The dashboard is dominated by a floating 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system (in higher variants) that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The system is complemented by a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster that provides essential information at a glance.

Comfort features include:

• Single-pane sunroof

• Automatic climate control with rear AC vents

• Push-button start

• Wireless phone charging

• 8-speaker sound system (in top variants)

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted controls

• Auto-dimming frameless inside rearview mirror

• Tilt and telescopic steering adjustment

One of the Elevate’s significant selling points is the inclusion of Honda Sensing, the company’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite, in higher variants. This system includes:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

• Road Departure Mitigation System

• Auto High Beam Assist

• Lead Car Departure Notification

Performance and Driving Experience

Under the hood, the Elevate houses Honda’s tried-and-tested 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine that produces 119.35 bhp at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm.

This naturally aspirated four-cylinder unit is known for its refinement and reliability, hallmarks of Honda engineering. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) depending on the variant.

While not the most powerful engine in its segment, the i-VTEC motor delivers linear power delivery and excellent drivability in urban conditions.

The manual transmission offers precise shifts with a light clutch action, making it easy to live with in stop-and-go traffic. The CVT, while not the most engaging for enthusiastic driving, provides smooth and efficient progress for those prioritizing convenience.

Where the Elevate truly shines is in its ride and handling balance. With a ground clearance of 220mm – among the best in its class – the SUV easily negotiates the challenges of Indian roads, from speed breakers to unexpected potholes.

The suspension setup, tuned specifically for Indian conditions, strikes an excellent compromise between comfort and stability. At highway speeds, the Elevate feels planted and inspires confidence during lane changes and overtaking maneuvers.

The steering, while light for city use, weighs up progressively at higher speeds, providing good feedback to the driver. The braking performance is reassuring, with discs up front and drums at the rear offering progressive stopping power even during emergency situations.

Fuel efficiency is another area where the Elevate performs admirably. According to ARAI certification, the manual variant delivers 15.31 km/l, while the CVT is slightly more efficient at 16.92 km/l – competitive figures for its segment.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Engine	1.5L i-VTEC DOHC with VTC
Displacement	1498 cc
Cylinder Configuration	4 cylinders
Maximum Power	119.35 bhp @ 6,600 rpm
Maximum Torque	145 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
Transmission	6-speed Manual / CVT
Drive Type	Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Fuel Tank Capacity	40 liters
Length	4,312 mm
Width	1,790 mm
Height	1,650 mm
Wheelbase	2,650 mm
Ground Clearance	220 mm
Boot Space	458 liters
Turning Radius	5.2 meters
Mileage (ARAI)	15.31 km/l (MT), 16.92 km/l (CVT)
Seating Capacity	5

Safety Features

Safety is a domain where Honda has not cut corners with the Elevate. Standard across all variants are:

• 6 airbags (driver, passenger, side, and curtain)

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)

• Hill Start Assist (HSA)

• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)

• ISOFIX child seat anchors

• Rear parking sensors

• Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure

Higher variants add:

• Multi-angle reverse camera with guidelines

• LaneWatch camera (shows live feed from passenger-side camera when turn signal is activated)

• ADAS features (as mentioned earlier)

The Elevate’s focus on safety has been validated by its 5-star rating in the Japan NCAP crash tests, demonstrating Honda’s commitment to occupant protection.

Variants and Pricing

The Honda Elevate is available in four primary variants – SV, V, VX, and ZX – along with special editions like the Black Edition and Apex Summer Edition. Here’s a breakdown of the variant structure and pricing (ex-showroom, as of May 2025):

Variant	Manual Transmission	CVT
SV	₹11.91 Lakh	–
Apex Summer Edition	₹12.39 Lakh	–
V	₹12.86 Lakh	₹13.91 Lakh
VX	₹14.10 Lakh	₹15.15 Lakh
ZX	₹15.51 Lakh	₹16.56 Lakh
ZX Black Edition	₹15.68 Lakh	₹16.73 Lakh

 

Each variant offers a progressive increase in features and amenities:

SV (Base Variant): Includes essential features like 6 airbags, LED headlights, 16-inch steel wheels, fabric seats, manual AC, 7-inch digital driver’s display, and basic safety features.

V: Adds wheel covers, 8-inch infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control, and push-button start.

VX: Upgrades to 16-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, single-pane sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and enhanced connectivity features.

ZX: The fully-loaded variant comes with 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, leatherette seats, 10.25-inch touchscreen, 8-speaker sound system, wireless charging, and the complete Honda Sensing ADAS suite.

Black Edition: Based on the ZX variant but with an exclusive Crystal Black Pearl exterior, blacked-out elements, and an all-black interior theme.

Apex Summer Edition: A limited-run special edition based on the V variant that offers additional features at a competitive price point.

Competition and Market Positioning

The Honda Elevate competes in the hotly contested compact SUV segment against established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and MG Astor.

In this crowded field, the Elevate carves out its niche with Honda’s reputation for reliability, a focus on comfort and practicality, and class-leading ground clearance.

While competitors like the Creta and Seltos may offer more feature-rich packages and engine options (including turbo-petrol and diesel variants), the Elevate counters with superior build quality, refined driving dynamics, and the assurance of Honda’s service network.

The absence of a diesel option might deter some buyers, but Honda has addressed this partially by offering CNG retrofitment through authorized dealerships.

Owner Experiences

The Elevate has garnered positive feedback from owners who appreciate its balanced approach to the SUV formula. Several recurring themes emerge from owner testimonials:

• Reliability: Many owners praise the dependable nature of the i-VTEC engine and overall build quality that’s expected from Honda.

• Comfort: The spacious interior and well-tuned ride quality receive consistent appreciation, particularly for long-distance travel.

• Practicality: The generous boot space and thoughtful interior storage solutions make the Elevate a practical daily companion.

• Fuel Efficiency: Real-world fuel economy figures closely match the ARAI claims, a pleasant surprise for many owners.

• Ground Clearance: The 220mm ground clearance has proven beneficial for tackling India’s varied road conditions.

Some criticisms include the lack of premium features found in rivals (like panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, or a 360-degree camera) and the absence of powertrain options beyond the single naturally aspirated petrol engine.

Future Prospects

Honda has announced plans to introduce an electric variant of the Elevate in the coming years, signaling the company’s commitment to this platform and the Indian market.

While details remain scarce, this move aligns with the industry’s shift toward electrification and could potentially address the current model’s limited powertrain options.

The made-in-India Elevate has also found success in international markets, being exported to Japan (where it’s sold as the Honda WR-V) and other regions. This global presence speaks to the universal appeal of its design and engineering.

Strengths and Limitations

Key Strengths:

1. Exceptional Space Management: Offers generous interior room and boot space despite compact exterior dimensions.

2. Class-Leading Ground Clearance: 220mm clearance easily handles challenging road conditions.

3. Refined Driving Experience: Smooth engine, well-calibrated transmissions, and balanced ride quality.

4. Comprehensive Safety Package: 6 airbags as standard plus ADAS features in higher variants.

5. Reliable Mechanical Package: Proven i-VTEC engine with reputation for longevity.

6. Clean, Timeless Design: Styling likely to age well compared to more radical competitors.

Limitations:

1. Limited Powertrain Options: No turbo-petrol, diesel, or hybrid variants (yet).

2. Missing Premium Features: Lacks some high-end features found in similarly priced rivals.

3. Conservative Styling: May appear too restrained for buyers seeking more flamboyant design.

4. Infotainment System: Not as feature-rich or intuitive as some competitors.

5. Price Premium: Slightly higher entry price compared to some rivals.

Honda Elevate: The Sensible Choice

The Honda Elevate represents the thinking person’s SUV – a vehicle that prioritizes substance over flash, dependability over gimmicks.

In a segment where manufacturers often try to outdo each other with increasingly extravagant styling and feature lists, Honda has taken a more measured approach, focusing on the fundamentals that matter in daily use.

What you get with the Elevate is a well-engineered package that excels in practicality, comfort, and ease of ownership.

It may not be the most feature-loaded or powerful option in its class, but it delivers a harmonious balance of attributes that makes for a satisfying ownership experience.

The impressive ground clearance, spacious interior, and Honda’s reputation for reliability make it particularly well-suited to Indian conditions and expectations.

For buyers who value these qualities over having the latest trendy features or the most aggressive styling, the Elevate makes a compelling case.

It represents Honda’s understanding of what matters most in a family SUV – getting the basics right and executing them with finesse.

As the compact SUV segment continues to evolve with new entrants and updated models, the Honda Elevate stands as a reminder that sometimes, elevation comes not from standing out with flash and flair, but from rising above with quiet confidence and proven capability.