Honda has officially entered the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment in India with its all-new offering—the Honda Elevate. Designed specifically for the Indian market, the Elevate aims to combine Honda’s signature reliability with a youthful, robust design and all the practical features Indian buyers expect today.
The Elevate stands out not just for its stylish design, but also for its strong focus on safety, comfort, and everyday drivability. Positioned to rival top players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda hopes the Elevate will help re-establish its presence in India’s booming SUV market.
SUV Styling with Honda DNA
At first glance, the Elevate makes a strong impression with its bold, upright stance. It features a wide grille, sleek LED headlamps, and muscular wheel arches that give it a rugged, SUV-like road presence. Despite being a compact SUV, it feels tall and solid, inspired by global design trends.
Honda has ensured the Elevate carries forward its global styling language, with clean lines and a contemporary design that appeals to both young buyers and mature audiences looking for a dependable city and highway car.
Spacious Cabin with Practical Features
Inside the Elevate, Honda has focused on a clean, functional layout that balances modern design with practical utility. The dashboard is simple yet elegant, and higher variants get a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, making the Elevate ideal for family use. The flat floor, wide cabin, and generous boot space (around 458 liters) make it versatile for both daily commutes and weekend getaways.
Honda also offers features like a single-pane sunroof, wireless charging, rear AC vents, and premium materials that add a touch of luxury to the otherwise practical setup.
Proven Petrol Powertrain
The Honda Elevate is powered by the familiar 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine that also powers the Honda City. This engine produces around 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission.
While it doesn’t have a turbo engine like some rivals, Honda’s naturally aspirated engine is known for its smooth performance, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance. It’s a tried-and-tested unit that should offer long-term reliability.
Focus on Safety
Honda has prioritized safety in the Elevate, offering 6 airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist, and ABS with EBD as standard across variants. Higher variants also feature Honda Sensing, the company’s advanced driver assistance suite that includes:
- Collision mitigation braking
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Road departure mitigation
This makes the Elevate one of the few compact SUVs to offer ADAS features, enhancing both safety and driving comfort.
Connectivity and Tech
The Elevate is a tech-forward SUV. In addition to smartphone connectivity and voice commands, it also supports over-the-air (OTA) updates and comes with Honda Connect—an app-based connected car platform that gives you access to vehicle location, service alerts, remote lock/unlock, and more.
Highlight Table: Honda Elevate at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L i-VTEC Petrol |
| Power & Torque | 121 PS & 145 Nm |
| Transmission Options | 6-Speed Manual, CVT Automatic |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 15.31 km/l (MT), 16.92 km/l (CVT) |
| Infotainment | 10.25-inch Touchscreen (Top Variant) |
| Sunroof | Single-Pane Electric Sunroof |
| Boot Space | 458 Liters |
| Safety Features | 6 Airbags, VSA, Hill Start Assist, ADAS (Top) |
| ADAS Suite | Honda Sensing (ADAS: LKA, ACC, CMBS, RDM) |
| Connectivity | Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Honda Connect |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 4312 x 1790 x 1650 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹11.5 – ₹16.5 Lakh (Approx.) |
Final Verdict
The Honda Elevate is a thoughtfully designed compact SUV that combines practical features with a reliable engine, spacious interior, and cutting-edge safety tech. While it may not be the most powerful in its class, its well-rounded package, premium build, and the trust of the Honda brand make it a compelling option for Indian SUV buyers looking for a solid, no-nonsense vehicle with a premium edge.
