Honda Elevate 2025: In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive market, Honda has made a bold statement with its latest offering, the Honda Elevate. This compact SUV has quickly captured attention, becoming a hot topic among car enthusiasts and potential buyers. It has been designed to cater to the growing demand for stylish yet practical vehicles, combining Honda’s reputation for reliability with modern features and a powerful driving experience. The Elevate promises to stand out in the crowded SUV segment due to its well-rounded package of performance, fuel efficiency, and value for money.
Honda’s decision to launch the Elevate is a strategic one, responding to the increasing preference for compact SUVs in India. The compact SUV segment has witnessed significant growth, driven by rising consumer interest in vehicles that offer higher ground clearance, spacious interiors, and enhanced road presence, while still being easy to maneuver and park in city conditions. The Honda Elevate meets all these requirements, offering an attractive alternative to other popular models in the market.
Design and Exterior
The Honda Elevate presents a perfect fusion of ruggedness and sophistication, making a bold statement on the road. Its boxy, angular styling gives it a commanding presence, ideal for urban and rural landscapes alike. The front features a bold, chrome-lined grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights, adding a modern touch to its muscular design. The 4312mm length, 1790mm width, and 1650mm height contribute to its solid road presence, while a 2650mm wheelbase ensures both stability and spacious interiors. With a generous 220mm ground clearance, the Elevate is well-equipped to navigate uneven terrains and tackle Indian roads with ease. Large windows offer excellent visibility, enhancing driver comfort, especially during city driving or parking. Additionally, the vehicle’s aerodynamic design aids in fuel efficiency, keeping the ride smooth and efficient.
Interior Comfort and Space
Inside, the Honda Elevate exudes a sense of spaciousness and quality. Honda has excelled in space management, offering a cabin that elevates the driving experience without being ostentatious. The seats are designed for comfort, with ample cushioning and support for long journeys. The driver enjoys a commanding view of the road, enhancing driving confidence, while rear passengers are treated to generous legroom and headroom, thanks to a cleverly designed scooped roof. The Elevate’s boot space of 458 liters is ideal for storing luggage or groceries, while the 60:40 split-folding rear seats offer extra storage space when needed. Honda’s attention to detail ensures the Elevate’s interior feels premium, yet practical for everyday use.
Technology and Features
The Honda Elevate is equipped with a range of modern features that cater to the needs of tech-savvy drivers. At the center of the dashboard is a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making smartphone integration easy and hassle-free. The top-end variants feature a 7-inch semi-digital driver’s display, providing essential driving data at a glance. The Elevate also includes automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and a sunroof, adding to the cabin’s airy feel. Practicality is a key consideration, with features like keyless entry, push-button start/stop, and a wireless phone charger. The adjustable steering wheel and height-adjustable driver’s seat ensure that drivers of all sizes can find the perfect position. The audio system, while offering good sound quality, has been rated average by some users, though it still provides a solid listening experience.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the Honda Elevate is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine, delivering 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque. This engine is known for its refinement, with minimal vibrations and a quiet idle. It provides strong low- and mid-range torque, making it suitable for both city driving and highway cruising. While it may not be the most powerful in its class, the Elevate offers adequate power for most driving needs. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic. The manual gearbox is praised for its smooth shifting, especially on hilly terrain, while the CVT offers a seamless driving experience, though some users find it less responsive when quick acceleration is needed. The Elevate’s driving dynamics are a highlight, with a well-weighted steering wheel and a suspension setup that balances comfort and handling. The car handles road imperfections well, offering a smooth ride at lower speeds and maintaining stability at higher speeds.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for Indian buyers, and the Honda Elevate delivers impressive figures in this regard. The ARAI-certified fuel efficiency for the manual variant stands at 15.31 kmpl, while the CVT version delivers 16.92 kmpl. Real-world user reports indicate slightly lower but still commendable fuel efficiency ranging from 14.45 to 15.06 kmpl, making it a competitive option in the compact SUV segment. This level of efficiency is particularly attractive to those looking to keep running costs down while enjoying the benefits of an SUV.
Safety Features
Honda has prioritized safety in the Elevate, equipping it with a comprehensive range of features to protect both the driver and passengers. All variants come with six airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Higher variants are equipped with additional safety technologies like electronic stability control and hill-start assist. The Elevate also introduces Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. While the Elevate has not been NCAP tested yet, the platform, which shares its foundation with the Honda City, has earned a 5-star rating in ASEAN NCAP tests, signaling strong safety credentials.
Variants and Pricing
The Honda Elevate is available in four variants: SV, V, VX, and ZX. The price starts at ₹11.58 lakh for the base SV manual variant and goes up to ₹16.20 lakh for the top-spec ZX CVT variant (ex-showroom). The mid-spec V variant offers the best value, with features like LED lighting, an 8-inch touchscreen, and six airbags. For those looking for more premium features like a sunroof and wireless phone charging, the VX variant is a great choice. Additionally, limited-run Apex Edition variants for the V and VX trims provide exclusive styling elements for buyers seeking a unique look.
Ownership Experience
Early ownership feedback for the Honda Elevate has been generally positive. Owners have praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and Honda’s reputation for reliability. The Elevate performs well in various driving conditions, from city traffic to highways, and its high ground clearance makes it capable of handling light off-road conditions. Some owners have mentioned minor issues with the touchscreen system, but these are relatively insignificant compared to the overall positive experience. The Elevate’s ability to handle bad roads comfortably is a particular highlight for those upgrading from sedans.
Competitors and Market Positioning
The Honda Elevate enters a competitive compact SUV segment, facing rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. While each of these models has its strengths, the Elevate stands out with its focus on practicality, reliability, and comfort. While it may not have as many advanced features as some competitors, the Elevate offers a well-balanced package that’s likely to appeal to buyers seeking a dependable, no-nonsense SUV. Its higher ground clearance and roomy interior position it well in the market, particularly for those who prioritize practicality.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, the Honda Elevate could benefit from some enhancements. Some buyers feel that the vehicle lacks certain premium features that are available in competitors, such as ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, and electric seats. The NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels have also been a point of criticism, particularly when accelerating, as the engine noise becomes more pronounced. Additionally, while the infotainment system is functional, it’s not as advanced as those found in some other vehicles in the segment. Performance-wise, some drivers feel the Elevate is underpowered compared to turbocharged rivals.
Honda Elevate
The Honda Elevate is a solid contender in the compact SUV market, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and Honda’s renowned reliability. While it may not be the most feature-rich or powerful option in its segment, the Elevate excels in providing a comfortable ride, ample space, and good performance for daily driving. Its high ground clearance and durable design make it an ideal choice for Indian roads, and its reputation for reliability makes it a trustworthy option for buyers. For those who prioritize comfort and ease of driving over flashy features or sporty performance, the Elevate stands as a strong, well-rounded choice in the crowded SUV segment