The compact SUV market in India is fiercely competitive, and Honda has made a bold move with the Elevate 2025. This SUV aims to challenge established rivals with its stylish design, reliable performance, and tech-loaded features. But does it have what it takes to stand out? Let’s look into its key aspects and see if it lives up to the hype.
Table of Contents
Design
Honda has given the Elevate a confident and masculine look, departing from its usual understated designs. The large grille and sleek LED headlamps give it a commanding presence, while the flared wheel arches and sculpted tailgate add to its rugged appeal.
The Elevate comes in seven color options, including Platinum White Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic, Phoenix Orange Pearl, and Obsidian Blue Pearl. Buyers can also opt for dual-tone variants with a Crystal Black Pearl roof for a sportier look.
Performance
Under the hood, the Elevate gets a 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine, delivering 121 PS power and 145 Nm torque. While it lacks turbocharged options, the naturally aspirated engine ensures smooth power delivery and refined performance. Honda offers two transmission options: a 6-speed manual for an engaging drive and a CVT automatic for convenience and better fuel efficiency.
Mileage
Fuel efficiency is a key factor for Indian buyers, and the Elevate delivers impressive numbers. The manual transmission variant offers 15.31 km/l, while the CVT variant provides 16.92 km/l, making it one of the more fuel-efficient SUVs in its segment.
Interior
Step inside, and you’ll find a spacious and practical cabin. The Elevate boasts a 2,650mm wheelbase, offering ample legroom for passengers. Well-cushioned seats ensure comfort, even on long journeys. A major highlight is the 458-liter boot space, among the largest in its class. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats add flexibility for carrying larger cargo.
Features
The Elevate is loaded with modern features to enhance the driving experience. It includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, and wireless phone charging.
Other features such as automatic climate control, rear AC vents, an 8-speaker sound system, and push-button start make the Elevate feel premium and convenient.
Technology and Safety
Honda has equipped the Elevate with Honda Sensing, its advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), making it one of the safest SUVs in the segment. This system includes features like Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and Auto High-Beam Assist, which enhance safety and driving convenience.
Apart from ADAS, the Elevate comes with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and rear parking sensors as standard. Higher variants also get a multi-view rear camera, adding to the SUV’s safety credentials.
Driving Experience
The Elevate strikes a balance between comfort and stability. Its suspension setup absorbs road bumps well, while the 220mm ground clearance ensures smooth rides over rough roads and speed breakers.
The steering is light at low speeds for easy maneuvering and firms up on highways, making it stable at higher speeds. However, since it’s a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, it’s not meant for hardcore off-roading.
Variants and Pricing
The Honda Elevate is available in four variants, with pricing designed to compete with top rivals. The SV variant starts at ₹11.69 lakh, the V variant at ₹12.62 lakh, the VX variant at ₹14.09 lakh, and the top-end ZX variant at ₹15.21 lakh. The ZX variant with CVT reaches ₹16.91 lakh, making it a well-priced competitor to the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Ownership Benefits
Honda’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs works in the Elevate’s favor. The SUV comes with a 3-year/unlimited kilometer warranty, which can be extended up to 5 years. With service intervals of 1 year/10,000 km, Honda promises a hassle-free ownership experience.
Competitor Comparison
The Elevate faces tough competition from SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Volkswagen Taigun. While the Creta and Seltos offer more engine options, including diesel and turbocharged petrol, the Elevate counters with better fuel efficiency, Honda Sensing ADAS, and a spacious cabin.
The Grand Vitara stands out with hybrid technology and optional AWD, but the Elevate offers a more premium feel and better high-speed stability. Meanwhile, the Taigun is sportier to drive, but the Elevate provides better space utilization and potentially lower running costs.
Final Verdict
The Honda Elevate 2025 may not be the most powerful or feature-packed compact SUV, but it excels in practicality, comfort, safety, and reliability. For buyers looking for a spacious, fuel-efficient, and safe family SUV with Honda’s trusted engineering, the Elevate is a solid choice.
While the absence of diesel and turbocharged engines may be a drawback, its well-rounded package makes it a worthy contender in the Indian compact SUV market.
FAQs
What is the price of the Honda Elevate?
The Honda Elevate starts at ₹11.69 lakh, with the top variant priced at ₹16.91 lakh.
Does the Elevate have a diesel engine?
No, the Honda Elevate is only available with a 1.5L petrol engine.
What is the fuel efficiency of the Elevate?
The mileage is 15.31 km/l for the manual and 16.92 km/l for the CVT.
Does the Elevate offer ADAS features?
Yes, it comes with Honda Sensing, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist.
How much boot space does the Elevate have?
The Elevate offers a spacious 458-liter boot, among the best in its class.
