The Honda Elevate, launched in India in September 2023, marks Honda’s bold entry into the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment. Built on the proven platform of the Honda City, this SUV combines practicality, reliability, and a touch of sophistication that Honda is renowned for. With its aggressive pricing, spacious interiors, and a dependable petrol engine, the Elevate aims to carve a niche for itself among buyers seeking a versatile family vehicle. Designed to cater to urban commuters and highway cruisers alike, it brings a mix of comfort, safety, and efficiency to the table. As of March 16, 2025, the Elevate has already crossed significant milestones, with over 50,000 units sold in India and a global sales figure surpassing 1 lakh units, reflecting its growing popularity.
Honda has positioned the Elevate as a strong contender against established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara, emphasizing its robust build quality, smooth driving dynamics, and a feature set that includes advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in higher trims. Available in multiple variants and a palette of vibrant colors, the Elevate appeals to a broad audience, from budget-conscious buyers to those seeking a premium SUV experience. This detailed product overview delves into the technical specifications, variants, pricing across metro cities, and an in-depth analysis of what makes the Honda Elevate a compelling choice in its segment, alongside a comparison with its close competitors.
Technical Specifications
The Honda Elevate is powered by a single yet reliable engine option, borrowed from its sedan sibling, the Honda City. Below is a comprehensive table of its technical specifications, compiled from trusted sources like CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale, ensuring accuracy as of March 2025.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC Petrol |
| Displacement | 1498 cc |
| Max Power | 119 bhp @ 6600 rpm |
| Max Torque | 145 Nm @ 4300 rpm |
| No. of Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission Options | 6-Speed Manual / CVT (7-Step) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 15.31 kmpl (MT) / 16.92 kmpl (CVT) |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 Litres |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm |
| Boot Space | 458 Litres |
| Length x Width x Height | 4312 mm x 1790 mm x 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1206–1259 kg (variant-dependent) |
| Tyre Size | 215/60 R16 (SV, V) / 215/55 R17 (VX, ZX) |
| Suspension (Front) | McPherson Strut with Coil Spring |
| Suspension (Rear) | Torsion Beam with Coil Spring |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Ventilated Disc / Drum |
| Steering Type | Electric Power-Assisted |
The 1.5L i-VTEC engine is naturally aspirated, delivering a smooth and linear power output that suits both city traffic and highway drives. While it lacks the punch of turbocharged alternatives, its refinement and reliability are standout attributes, hallmarks of Honda’s engineering prowess.
Variants
The Honda Elevate is offered in a range of variants to cater to different buyer preferences, from entry-level trims to fully loaded models with advanced features. Below is a table listing the variants available as of March 2025, sourced from CarDekho and Honda’s official website.
| Variant | Transmission | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| SV | Manual | LED Headlights, 7-inch Touchscreen, Dual Airbags, Keyless Entry |
| V | Manual / CVT | 8-inch Touchscreen, Rear Parking Camera, Push-Button Start, Steering Controls |
| VX | Manual / CVT | 10.25-inch Touchscreen, 6 Airbags, Wireless Charger, Single-Pane Sunroof |
| ZX | Manual / CVT | ADAS, Leatherette Upholstery, 8 Speakers, LaneWatch Camera, 17-inch Alloys |
| ZX Black Edition | Manual / CVT | All-Black Exterior & Interior, Based on ZX Features |
| Signature Edition | Manual / CVT | Enhanced Black Styling, Premium Badging, ZX Features |
| Apex Edition (V, VX) | Manual / CVT | Special Badging, Cosmetic Upgrades over V and VX Trims |
| Reinforced Variants | Manual / CVT | Additional Safety Features across SV, V, VX, ZX (e.g., Reinforced Security) |
The SV variant serves as the entry point, offering essential features for budget buyers, while the ZX trim, especially with ADAS, targets those seeking a tech-laden experience. Special editions like the Black Edition and Signature Edition add aesthetic flair, appealing to style-conscious customers.
Price in Metro Cities
Pricing for the Honda Elevate varies across metro cities due to differences in RTO charges, insurance, and local taxes. The table below reflects the on-road prices (ex-showroom + RTO + insurance) as of March 2025, based on data from CarWale and ZigWheels, with a recent price hike of up to Rs. 20,000 for automatic variants noted in January 2025.
| Variant | Delhi (₹ Lakh) | Mumbai (₹ Lakh) | Bangalore (₹ Lakh) | Chennai (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SV MT | 13.37 | 13.89 | 14.08 | 13.95 |
| V MT | 14.09 | 14.63 | 14.83 | 14.70 |
| V CVT | 15.63 | 16.02 | 16.24 | 16.10 |
| VX MT | 15.47 | 16.06 | 16.28 | 16.14 |
| VX CVT | 17.02 | 17.62 | 17.85 | 17.70 |
| ZX MT | 17.49 | 18.14 | 18.38 | 18.23 |
| ZX CVT | 19.25 | 19.74 | 20.00 | 19.85 |
| ZX Black Edition CVT | 19.74 | 20.08 | 20.34 | 20.19 |
These prices include standard accessories and taxes but may fluctuate with dealer-specific discounts (e.g., up to Rs. 86,100 reported in March 2025). Buyers in Delhi enjoy slightly lower on-road costs compared to Mumbai or Bangalore, where taxes are higher.
About the Honda Elevate
Design and Exterior
The Honda Elevate sports a bold, boxy design that exudes a rugged yet modern appeal. Its upright stance, accentuated by a prominent front grille and sleek LED headlights, gives it a commanding road presence. The 220 mm ground clearance—one of the highest in its class—ensures it can tackle rough Indian roads with ease, making it a practical choice for diverse terrains. The SUV is available in 10 color options, including monotones like Platinum White Pearl and dual-tones like Radiant Red Metallic with a Crystal Black Pearl roof, offering ample personalization. The 17-inch alloy wheels on higher trims enhance its premium look, while the functional roof rails add utility for adventure enthusiasts.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside, and the Elevate welcomes you with a spacious cabin that prioritizes comfort and practicality. The 458-litre boot space is among the largest in the segment, perfect for family trips or weekend getaways. The interior design is functional yet elegant, with a dual-tone black-and-ivory scheme in standard variants and an all-black theme in the Black Edition. Higher trims like the ZX feature leatherette upholstery, a single-pane sunroof, and an 8-speaker audio system, elevating the premium feel. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, thanks to the 2650 mm wheelbase, ensuring a comfortable ride for five adults. However, the lack of ventilated seats or a panoramic sunroof might disappoint buyers expecting more luxury features.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine delivers a refined driving experience. Producing 119 bhp and 145 Nm, it’s not the most powerful in its class, but its smooth power delivery and low NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels make it a joy to drive. The 6-speed manual transmission offers crisp shifts and a light clutch, ideal for city commutes, while the CVT automatic with paddle shifters provides a relaxed, effortless drive, especially on highways. The claimed mileage of 16.92 kmpl (CVT) is respectable, though real-world figures hover around 12–14 kmpl in urban conditions and 16–17 kmpl on open roads, depending on driving style.
The Elevate’s suspension—McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear—is tuned for comfort, effectively soaking up potholes and speed breakers. However, sharper bumps can be felt, and road noise seeps into the cabin at higher speeds, indicating room for improvement in insulation. Steering is light in the city and gains confidence-inspiring weight at higher velocities, making it a balanced handler despite its SUV proportions. While it lacks the punchy acceleration of turbo rivals, its predictable performance suits relaxed drivers and families.
Features and Technology
The Elevate’s feature list is competitive, especially in higher variants. The 10.25-inch touchscreen (VX and ZX) supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, paired with a responsive interface. The LaneWatch camera, a Honda signature, enhances safety by displaying the left blind spot on the screen. The ADAS suite in the ZX trim includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking, though its sensitivity can feel intrusive in chaotic Indian traffic. Other highlights include a wireless charger, push-button start, and automatic climate control. However, the absence of a 360-degree camera or ventilated seats feels like a miss in the top-end trims.
Safety
Safety is a strong suit for the Elevate, with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, and a rear parking camera standard across most variants. The ZX variant’s ADAS adds a layer of advanced protection, a feature not offered by all rivals at this price point. While the Elevate hasn’t been crash-tested by Global NCAP yet, its platform sibling, the Honda City, scored 5 stars in ASEAN-NCAP, suggesting a robust structure. The 220 mm ground clearance also aids in navigating rough patches without scraping the underbody, enhancing its practical safety quotient.
Driving Experience
The Elevate shines as a comfortable cruiser. Its suspension smooths out uneven surfaces at low to medium speeds, and the engine’s refinement ensures a quiet cabin during idle or cruising. On highways, it maintains composure at triple-digit speeds, though overtaking requires planning with the CVT due to its gradual power buildup. The manual gearbox, however, feels more engaging, reducing the need for frequent downshifts on inclines. Handling is predictable, with minimal body roll for an SUV, making it a reliable choice for long drives. Yet, enthusiasts seeking spirited performance might find it underwhelming compared to turbocharged alternatives.
Market Reception and Sales
Since its launch, the Elevate has garnered positive feedback for its ride quality, build, and value proposition. Honda reported over 50,000 units sold in India by February 2025, with more than half opting for ADAS-equipped variants, signaling a demand for safety-focused trims. Globally, it has crossed 1 lakh sales, with exports to markets like Japan and South Africa boosting its tally. Discounts of up to Rs. 86,100 in March 2025 further sweeten the deal, making it an attractive buy amidst rising competition.
Close Competitors
The Honda Elevate competes in a crowded segment with formidable rivals. Here’s how it stacks up against its closest competitors:
Hyundai Creta
The Hyundai Creta is the segment leader, known for its feature-rich cabin and multiple engine options, including a 1.5L petrol, turbo-petrol, and diesel. Priced from Rs. 11.11 lakh to over Rs. 20 lakh (ex-showroom), it offers a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a 360-degree camera—features the Elevate lacks. However, the Creta’s base petrol variant is less powerful (113 bhp) than the Elevate’s, and ADAS is reserved for top trims at a higher cost. The Elevate counters with better ground clearance (220 mm vs. 190 mm) and a lower entry price, appealing to value-driven buyers.
Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos blends style, tech, and performance, starting at Rs. 10.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Its 1.5L NA petrol (113 bhp) is comparable to the Elevate’s, but turbo and diesel options provide more grunt. The Seltos boasts a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, and a premium Bose sound system in higher trims, outshining the Elevate’s tech offerings. Yet, the Elevate’s ADAS at a lower price point and superior ground clearance give it an edge for safety-conscious buyers and those tackling rough roads.
Maruti Grand Vitara
The Maruti Grand Vitara (Rs. 11.19 lakh onwards, ex-showroom) brings hybrid efficiency and AWD options to the table, unavailable in the Elevate. Its 1.5L petrol (102 bhp) is less potent, but the strong hybrid variant offers better mileage (up to 27.97 kmpl). Features like a head-up display and panoramic sunroof make it luxurious, though it lags in ground clearance (210 mm) and lacks ADAS in lower trims. The Elevate’s smoother engine and larger boot space make it a stronger family SUV contender.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, a Grand Vitara sibling, shares its hybrid tech and starts at Rs. 11.14 lakh (ex-showroom). It offers similar advantages—fuel efficiency and premium features—but its pricing climbs steeply for top trims. The Elevate undercuts it in cost, offers more boot space, and includes ADAS at a lower price, though it misses out on hybrid efficiency and AWD versatility.
Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun
The Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun (starting Rs. 11.70 lakh and Rs. 11.73 lakh, ex-showroom) bring European flair with their 1.0L TSI (113 bhp) and optional 1.5L TSI engines. Both have scored 5 stars in Global NCAP, a benchmark the Elevate is yet to meet. They offer sharper handling and a premium feel but lack ADAS and trail in ground clearance (188 mm). The Elevate’s spaciousness and lower pricing give it an edge for practicality-focused buyers.
Final Thoughts!
The Honda Elevate emerges as a well-rounded compact SUV, blending reliability, comfort, and value in a segment dominated by flashier rivals. Its 1.5L i-VTEC engine ensures a refined drive, while the 220 mm ground clearance and 458-litre boot cater to Indian needs. Features like ADAS and a spacious cabin bolster its appeal, though it falls short on luxury extras like ventilated seats or a panoramic sunroof. Priced competitively from Rs. 13.37 lakh (on-road, Delhi), it undercuts many rivals while delivering Honda’s signature build quality. Against the Creta, Seltos, and Grand Vitara, it holds its own with a focus on practicality and safety, making it an ideal choice for families and first-time SUV buyers seeking a dependable, no-nonsense vehicle in 2025.
