The compact SUV segment has been one of the most competitive categories in the automobile industry, and Honda has finally made a powerful comeback with the Honda Elevate. Designed to meet the needs of modern urban drivers, the Elevate offers the perfect balance between comfort, performance, and practicality. Combining Honda’s engineering excellence with contemporary design, the Elevate is a statement of sophistication and reliability. With its strong road presence, high ground clearance, spacious interiors, and advanced safety features, the Honda Elevate is poised to become one of the most sought-after SUVs in its segment.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Honda Elevate stand out in a crowded market.
Honda Elevate Highlights
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L i-VTEC Petrol Engine |
| Displacement | 1498 cc |
| Power Output | 121 PS @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 4300 rpm |
| Transmission Options | 6-Speed Manual / CVT Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 15.31 km/l (MT) / 16.92 km/l (CVT) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Length | 4312 mm |
| Width | 1790 mm |
| Height | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm |
| Boot Space | 458 Litres |
| Seating Capacity | 5 Persons |
| Infotainment System | 10.25-inch Touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay |
| Instrument Cluster | 7-inch Digital TFT Display |
| Safety Features | 6 Airbags, ABS, EBD, VSA, Honda Sensing ADAS |
| Sunroof | Electric Single-Pane Sunroof |
| Price Range (India) | ₹11.69 – ₹16.50 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) |
Design and Exterior Styling
The Honda Elevate is built to impress. Its bold and muscular design language gives it a commanding presence on the road. The front fascia is dominated by a large signature Honda grille, flanked by sleek LED headlamps and DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that enhance its premium appeal.
The raised bonnet and sculpted body lines reflect a sporty yet elegant design philosophy. The Elevate’s 220mm ground clearance makes it one of the best in its class, ensuring it can tackle rough city roads and light off-road terrains with ease. The 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels add to the SUV’s dynamic stance, while the LED taillamps and chrome accents on the rear give it a refined finish.
The Elevate is available in multiple eye-catching color options, including Phoenix Orange, Platinum White Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl, and Golden Brown Metallic, giving customers plenty of choices to match their personality.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Honda Elevate, and you’ll immediately notice the attention to detail. The cabin is spacious, airy, and designed to maximize comfort. The premium dual-tone dashboard combines soft-touch materials with brushed aluminum finishes, creating a luxurious ambiance.
The driver-centric cockpit layout ensures all controls are within easy reach, while the 7-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment system provide all necessary driving and entertainment information. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are wireless, offering seamless smartphone connectivity.
The seats are wide and ergonomically designed, with ample cushioning and lumbar support. The rear seat offers excellent legroom and headroom, making long journeys comfortable even for tall passengers. Honda’s expertise in space utilization is evident in the 458-litre boot, one of the largest in the segment.
Other comfort features include automatic climate control, push-button start, rear AC vents, and wireless charging, ensuring convenience and ease for every journey.
Performance and Engine
The heart of the Honda Elevate is its 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine, which has been a proven performer across Honda’s lineup. Producing 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque, this engine strikes an ideal balance between efficiency and performance. It comes paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic gearbox, catering to both driving enthusiasts and those who prefer smooth, effortless commutes.
The manual transmission provides a connected driving experience, while the CVT ensures refined acceleration and fuel efficiency, especially in city traffic. Honda’s engineering ensures that the engine remains quiet and vibration-free, enhancing the premium driving feel.
The suspension setup — McPherson strut (front) and torsion beam (rear) — delivers a stable and comfortable ride, handling bumps and uneven roads with ease. Whether cruising on highways or navigating congested city streets, the Elevate feels composed and confident.
Ride and Handling
Honda has tuned the Elevate’s chassis to deliver a balance between comfort and agility. The electric power steering feels light in the city and weighs up well on highways, offering precise control and feedback. The 220mm ground clearance allows the Elevate to glide over speed bumps and rough roads without scraping the underbody.
The suspension setup absorbs potholes effectively, and body roll is minimal, even during sharp turns. Honda’s legendary handling dynamics are clearly present here, giving the Elevate a distinct advantage over some of its rivals.
Technology and Infotainment
The Honda Elevate is packed with technology to enhance convenience, safety, and entertainment. The centerpiece is the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with voice recognition.
The 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster offers multiple display modes, showing navigation, driver assistance alerts, fuel efficiency, and more. The sound system is crisp and clear, making long drives more enjoyable.
Key features like Honda Connect allow remote access to car functions via a smartphone app — such as remote lock/unlock, live location tracking, and vehicle health monitoring.
Safety and ADAS Features
Safety has always been Honda’s top priority, and the Elevate is no exception. It comes equipped with Honda Sensing, the brand’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). This includes features like:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
- Lead Car Departure Notification
Alongside these, the Elevate also includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines.
These features collectively make the Elevate one of the safest SUVs in its category, ensuring complete peace of mind for both driver and passengers.
Fuel Efficiency and Ownership Costs
The Honda Elevate offers impressive fuel efficiency figures: 15.31 km/l (MT) and 16.92 km/l (CVT) as per ARAI. Thanks to Honda’s advanced engine tuning and lightweight body structure, the SUV manages to deliver excellent mileage without compromising on performance.
Honda’s after-sales service reputation further adds to its appeal. With a wide service network across India and affordable maintenance packages, the Elevate promises low ownership costs and long-term reliability.
Variants and Pricing
The Honda Elevate is offered in four variants: SV, V, VX, and ZX. Each variant builds upon the previous one with added features, allowing buyers to choose according to their needs and budget.
Prices range between ₹11.69 lakh and ₹16.50 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it competitively against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, and Volkswagen Taigun.
Driving Experience
Behind the wheel, the Honda Elevate feels mature and well-balanced. The engine is smooth, responsive, and quiet — characteristics that define Honda’s i-VTEC technology. The cabin insulation is excellent, keeping road and wind noise minimal.
The CVT version shines in city driving, offering a stress-free experience in traffic. Meanwhile, the manual transmission delivers engaging shifts for those who enjoy a more involved drive. The overall driving dynamics feel premium and refined — typical of Honda DNA.
Verdict: Why Honda Elevate Stands Out
The Honda Elevate successfully blends style, practicality, and performance into one cohesive package. It’s not just another compact SUV — it’s a thoughtfully engineered vehicle that caters to both families and young professionals.
With its bold design, advanced safety suite, reliable engine, and comfortable cabin, the Elevate offers everything a modern SUV buyer could ask for. Backed by Honda’s legacy of dependability and low maintenance, it’s a car designed to deliver satisfaction for years to come.
Conclusion
The Honda Elevate marks a new chapter for Honda in the compact SUV space. It’s a car that feels premium, drives effortlessly, and stands out for its comfort and practicality. While competitors may offer hybrid or diesel options, the Elevate makes a strong case with its pure petrol engine’s refinement and proven reliability.
If you’re looking for an SUV that perfectly fits both urban commutes and weekend getaways, the Honda Elevate deserves to be at the top of your list.