The Honda Elevate signifies a notable change in the mid-size SUV market, blending Honda’s famous reliability with a contemporary look. Launched in 2023, this city-friendly SUV stands out with its sturdy design, impressive 220mm ground clearance, and a spacious interior featuring a generous 458L boot along with advanced Honda ADAS technology.
Built on Honda’s global small-car platform, the Elevate is equipped with a spirited 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, available in both manual and CVT configurations for a lively yet efficient driving experience. Engineered with a striking design, plush ride quality, and cutting-edge safety, the Elevate is your perfect companion for India’s cities and highways—raising the game in its category.
Honda Elevate In-depth Review
Standout Design & Presence
The new Honda Elevate stands out in the crowded mid-size SUV segment with a bold, boxy silhouette complemented by crisp LED lighting and modern dual-tone alloy wheels. Its exterior styling may be more understated than flashy, but the imposing front grille, muscular stance, and 220mm ground clearance ensure it feels like a “true” SUV on Indian roads. The recently introduced Black Edition adds an all-black glamour with special alloys and exclusive badging, appealing to buyers who want extra road presence without gimmicks.
Comfortable & Practical Interior
Step inside, and you’ll find a spacious, airy cabin finished in high-quality plastics and soft-touch elements, especially on upper trims. The Honda Elevate easily seats five adults, with excellent head- and legroom, and a class-leading 458L boot for family travel or big grocery hauls. The visibility from the driver’s seat is superior, and most controls are easily accessible. While the top trims get a leatherette-wrapped dashboard and ambient lighting, the Black Edition features an all-black luxury theme for added sophistication.
Features & Technology
Honda has equipped Honda Elevate with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features wireless compatibility for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, a single-pane sunroof, and a wireless charging pad and automatic climate control (Level 2 ADAS Honda Sensing). Notably, safety is a top priority with six airbags, lane-watch camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and auto emergency braking. Still, some competitors hold the edge with tech-rich offerings, including panoramic sunroofs, ventilated seats, and 360-degree cameras—missing here, even in the highest-spec models.
Performance & Efficiency
Under the hood, Honda Elevate gets the tried-and-tested 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine, now E20-compliant, making 119bhp and 145Nm. It’s available with a smooth 6-speed manual or refined CVT (automatic). Reviews praise the engine’s city drivability, predictable power delivery, and reliability—though outright acceleration is not best-in-class, and the motor turns noisy at higher revs. Fuel economy is impressive for its size: officially 15.3–16.9km/l depending on the gearbox, and real-world users consistently see 12–15km/l in mixed city-highway use.
Ride, Handling & Everyday Usability
One of Honda Elevate’s best attributes is ‘its ride quality’.
The long-travel suspension effectively absorbs potholes, speed bumps, and uneven roads with impressive steadiness. The SUV exudes durability and stability, instilling confidence in the driver, while maintaining just the right amount of sportiness to make cornering enjoyable—though the body roll is managed, it’s not as rigid as some of its European competitors. With a ground clearance of 220mm, it handles rough terrain and flooded streets with ease.
The steering is light, the turning radius is city-friendly, and all-around visibility is excellent, making it a joy to drive daily.
What It Misses
– Lacks a panoramic sunroof, as it’s only available as a single-pane feature on higher trims.
– Doesn’t offer seat ventilation, an upgraded premium audio system, or a complete 360-degree camera.
– The engine can be quite noisy at higher speeds and doesn’t deliver the turbocharged power some might expect.
– Some customers express a desire for a 7-seater option to accommodate larger families.
Pricing & Value
With prices ranging from ₹11.91 lakh to ₹16.83 lakh (ex-showroom), Honda Elevate positions itself as a strong value buy, especially for buyers seeking long-term peace of mind, comfort, and a no-fuss ownership experience. The Elevate’s broad variant range—SV, V, VX, ZX, and the special Black Edition—provides options tailored to different needs and wallets. Waiting periods in 2025 remain high in tier-1 cities, reflecting strong demand and healthy sales momentum.
07Sep
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