Honda has officially launched its much-awaited mid-size SUV, the Honda Elevate, in the Indian market. With bold styling, a tech-rich interior, and reliable Japanese engineering, the Elevate marks Honda’s return to the competitive SUV segment. It competes directly with popular models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder. The design of the Elevate features a rugged and upright stance with a large front grille, signature LED headlamps, and chunky wheel arches that give it a true SUV character.
The Elevate is based on the same platform as the Honda City and shares its 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. Honda has also confirmed that a strong hybrid or EV version may arrive in the future. The interior is modern, spacious, and comes with a large infotainment display, digital driver display, and Honda Sensing ADAS suite for added safety.
Honda Elevate Key Specifications and Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-litre i-VTEC Petrol Engine |
| Power Output | 121 PS @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 4300 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual / CVT Automatic |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 15.31 kmpl (MT), 16.92 kmpl (CVT) |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4312 mm x 1790 mm x 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
| Boot Space | 458 litres |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm |
| Wheels | 16-inch or 17-inch Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels (variant dependent) |
Honda Elevate Interior and Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Infotainment | 10.25-inch Touchscreen with Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay |
| Instrument Cluster | 7-inch Digital Display |
| ADAS (Honda Sensing) | Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Sunroof | Electric Single Pane Sunroof |
| Seats | Leather Upholstery in Top Variants, Manual Seat Adjustments |
| Climate Control | Automatic Climate Control with Rear AC Vents |
| Connectivity | Honda Connect with 37+ Connected Features |
| Safety | 6 Airbags, ABS, EBD, Hill Start Assist, Rear Camera |
Variants and Expected Price Range
| Variant | Transmission | Expected Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| SV | Manual | ₹ 11.50 Lakh (approx) |
| V | Manual / CVT | ₹ 12.50 – ₹ 13.50 Lakh |
| VX | Manual / CVT | ₹ 14.00 – ₹ 15.00 Lakh |
| ZX (Top Variant) | Manual / CVT | ₹ 15.50 – ₹ 16.50 Lakh |
Competition
The Honda Elevate will face tough competition from Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder. However, its USP lies in its high ground clearance, a large boot, city-proven engine, and Honda’s brand reliability.
Final Thoughts
Honda has played it smart with the Elevate by sticking to a proven petrol powertrain, including modern safety tech like ADAS, and offering ample ground clearance, which most Indian buyers desire in a proper SUV. While it lacks a diesel or hybrid at launch, the Elevate is likely to attract city buyers looking for a reliable, practical, and stylish family SUV with solid after-sales service. If you’re in the market for a no-nonsense urban SUV with Honda’s build quality, the Elevate is worth a serious look.