Honda Elevate : Ever wondered why some cars just feel right from the moment you slide behind the wheel?
The Honda Elevate has that magic—it’s not flashy or over-the-top, but it delivers exactly what busy Indian families need: space, comfort, and peace of mind on pothole-ridden roads.
Launched back in 2023, this compact SUV has held strong into 2026, shrugging off a recent price bump while whispers of hybrid and EV versions keep enthusiasts buzzing.
Bold Design That Stands Out Without Trying Too Hard
Picture this: you’re navigating Mumbai’s chaotic traffic, and heads turn not because your ride is screaming for attention, but because it commands respect with quiet confidence.
The Elevate’s boxy stance, massive black grille, and sharp LED headlights give it serious road presence, measuring 4,312mm long with 220mm ground clearance—perfect for dodging speed breakers and monsoon floods.
I love how Honda kept it simple yet muscular; flared wheel arches hug 17-inch alloys (on higher trims), and colors like Phoenix Orange Pearl or the stealthy ZX Black Edition add personality without gimmicks.
The rear wraps around with connected LED tails, and roof rails hint at weekend getaways. It’s aged gracefully, looking fresh even as rivals pile on chrome overload.
Interior Comfort That Feels Like Home
Step inside, and the Elevate wraps you in a premium hug—soft-touch materials, dual-tone beige-black dash, and wood accents make it feel upscale without the luxury tax.
Front seats are wide and supportive for long hauls, with height adjustment and telescopic steering ensuring you nail the perfect position every time.
Rear passengers? They get limo-like legroom thanks to the 2,650mm wheelbase—my six-footer friend stretched out behind me without a whimper.
AC vents for all, a central armrest, and 458 liters of boot space (class-leading) mean family trips to the hills are a breeze, even with luggage stuffed in.
Sure, no ventilated seats or panoramic sunroof, but the quality shines through—no rattles after years on Indian roads.
Tech and Features That Just Work
Honda finally ditched outdated screens for a crisp 10.25-inch touchscreen in top ZX trims—wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay flows smoothly, paired with an eight-speaker system that thumps on highways.
The 7-inch digital driver’s display keeps eyes on the road, and wireless charging plus USB ports everywhere make it gadget-friendly.
What steals the show? Honda Sensing ADAS on higher variants—adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, and collision braking via a single smart camera.
It’s not radar-fancy like some Koreans, but it works brilliantly on clear Indian highways, easing fatigue on Delhi-Mumbai runs. Climate control, sunroof, and ambient lighting round it out—practical tech, no bloat.
Engine Punch and Real-World Efficiency
Under the hood sits Honda’s trusty 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol—119bhp, 145Nm—smooth as silk, whether you pick the slick 6-speed manual or refined CVT.
City sprints feel effortless, and it cruises at 100kmph without drama, though loaded uphill overtakes need a downshift kick.
ARAI claims 15.31kmpl (MT) to 16.92kmpl (CVT), but real-world? Expect 12-13 in traffic, 16+ on opens.Owners rave about refinement—no turbo lag, just reliable pull.
CNG kits are dealer-available for penny-pinchers, and rumors swirl of a hybrid launch by festive 2026 H2, borrowing City e:HEV tech for 25+ kmpl dreams. An EV sibling arrives later this year too, signaling Honda’s green push.
Safety First, Always
Honda doesn’t skimp here—6 airbags standard across variants, ABS, stability control, and hill-hold from the base SV.
Top ZX adds LaneWatch blind-spot cam and that ADAS suite, earning a 5-star Japan NCAP nod (BharatNCAP pending). Robust build and 220mm clearance mean fewer scrapes.
Users on forums call it a “confidence booster” for new parents—rear ISOFIX, parking sensors, and auto-braking handle urban chaos. In a segment full of show ponies, Elevate prioritizes what matters: getting home safe.
Pricing and Variants Tailored for Every Budget
Starting at Rs 11.60 lakh (ex-showroom) for SV MT, up to Rs 16.67 lakh for ADV CVT Dual Tone—on-road Delhi hits Rs 12.4-19 lakh. Recent Jan 2026 hikes topped Rs 60k on base models, but value holds.
SV: Basics done right. V: Infotainment jumps in. VX: Alloys, wireless charge. ZX/Black: Full ADAS feast. Pick V CVT for city ease or ZX for families. Rivals like Creta/Seltos cost more for turbos, but Elevate undercuts on reliability.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
Facing Hyundai Creta? Elevate wins on space/boot, Creta edges turbo punch. Kia Seltos dazzles features, but Elevate’s ride soaks bumps better.
Grand Vitara hybrids sip fuel more, yet lack ADAS. Taigun’s fun-to-drive, but cramped rear.
Elevate shines for no-fuss ownership—fewer gizmos mean fewer breakdowns. Reddit owners after 1,000km praise seat comfort and handling.
Ownership Joys and a Few Nitpicks
Service network? Gold standard—3 years/unlimited km warranty, cheap parts. Mileage suits petrol, resale strong. Niggles: No diesel/hybrid yet (soon?), occasional CVT drone on climbs, missed ventilated seats.
Users love it: “Smooth drive, great mileage for SUV,” says one after 30k km. Another: “Perfect family hauler.” In 2026’s EV rush, Elevate reminds us petrol reliability endures.
Also Read This : Hyundai Creta – New stylish design SUV with Level 2 ADAS safety features at ₹9 Lakhs
Why the Honda Elevate Wins Hearts in 2026
Three years strong, the Elevate proves Honda listened—India-first design, family focus, future-proof plans. It’s not revolutionizing SUVs, but elevating daily drives with trust and joy.
Test drive one; that high perch and plush ride might just seal the deal. With hybrids/EVs incoming, 2026 could be Elevate’s best year yet. Head to a showroom—your next adventure awaits.