The Honda Elevate marks the Japanese automaker’s dynamic foray into the highly competitive compact SUV market in India. Designed to combine urban utility with rugged SUV characteristics, the Elevate caters to the modern Indian consumer looking for a versatile, stylish, and feature-packed vehicle. With its contemporary design, spacious cabin, and proven Honda engineering, the Elevate stands out as a compelling option for buyers seeking a premium yet practical SUV experience.
Striking and Modern Exterior Design
The Honda Elevate sports a bold and upright design that aligns well with SUV expectations. The front fascia is dominated by a large hexagonal grille with chrome accents, flanked by sleek LED headlamps and DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that give it a commanding road presence. The muscular bonnet lines and wide stance contribute to its strong and rugged appearance.
From the side, the Elevate showcases a clean yet assertive profile, enhanced by prominent wheel arches, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a high ground clearance of 220mm, which is among the best in the segment. The black cladding along the wheel arches and lower body adds to the SUV character. At the rear, the Elevate features LED tail lamps connected by a stylish light bar and a sculpted tailgate that completes the premium SUV look.
Refined Interior with Generous Space
Inside, the Honda Elevate emphasizes simplicity, comfort, and quality. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with soft-touch materials and a dual-tone color theme that adds a sense of airiness to the cabin. At the center sits a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, providing seamless connectivity and entertainment.
The instrument cluster is part-digital, offering vital driving information with clarity and elegance. Honda has also included a wireless charging pad, push-button start, automatic climate control, and rear AC vents, adding to passenger convenience.
What truly sets the Elevate apart is its interior space. With a wheelbase of 2,650mm, it offers excellent legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear bench is wide and supportive, making it comfortable for three adults. The boot space stands at 458 liters, making it one of the most practical offerings in the segment for long journeys or weekend getaways.
Powertrain and Performance
The Honda Elevate is powered by Honda’s tried-and-tested 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine, which also does duty in the City sedan. This engine produces 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque, mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic gearbox. The engine is known for its smooth refinement, linear power delivery, and excellent fuel efficiency.
While the Elevate may not be the sportiest SUV in terms of outright performance, it strikes a fine balance between city drivability and highway comfort. The CVT variant is especially suited for urban commuting, providing a relaxed and fuel-efficient drive. The ride quality is impressive, with the suspension tuned for comfort, absorbing road undulations with ease.
The steering feedback is light yet responsive, making the Elevate easy to maneuver in tight city streets while still feeling confident at higher speeds on highways.
Safety and Technology
Honda has equipped the Elevate with a host of safety features, making it a secure family SUV. It comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist, and rear parking sensors with a camera as standard across most variants.
A key highlight is the inclusion of Honda Sensing, the brand’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keep Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. These features enhance overall safety, offering drivers a more confident and controlled experience on the road.
Variants and Pricing
The Honda Elevate is offered in multiple variants, catering to a wide range of customer needs. Whether you are looking for a base variant with essential features or a top-end variant loaded with tech and safety systems, Honda has structured the lineup for various budgets and preferences. The pricing is competitive, keeping in line with other compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara.
Final Verdict
The Honda Elevate successfully combines the practicality of an SUV with the finesse and reliability Honda is known for. With its bold styling, spacious interior, fuel-efficient engine, and a generous feature list including ADAS, it presents itself as a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.
For buyers looking for a reliable, comfortable, and tech-savvy compact SUV, the Honda Elevate ticks all the right boxes. It doesn’t just elevate your drive — it elevates your expectations from a modern urban SUV.
