The Honda Elevate review highlights why this Japanese SUV has quickly made waves in India’s competitive midsize crossover segment. Designed as a no-nonsense, reliable, and spacious alternative to feature-rich Korean and European rivals, the Elevate offers an enticing blend of practicality, comfort, and proven Honda engineering. Here’s a deep dive into its on-road performance, cabin experience, and owner takeaways.
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Honda Elevate Review: Key Specifications & Features
| Spec/Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L, 4-cyl, NA Petrol (i-VTEC) |
| Power (bhp) / Torque | 119bhp @ 6,600rpm / 145Nm @ 4,300rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual / CVT Automatic |
| Fuel Efficiency (ARAI) | 15.31 kmpl (MT) / 16.92 kmpl (CVT) |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 4,312mm x 1,790mm x 1,650mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650mm |
| Ground Clearance | 220mm |
| Boot Space | 458L |
| Safety | 6 airbags, ADAS, traction control |
| Infotainment | 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 8 speakers |
| Warranty | 3 years/unlimited km, extendable |
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Design & Styling: Distinct Yet Timeless
The Honda Elevate commends the SUV’s bold front end with a large grille, straight lines, and a muscular stance—a design that ages gracefully rather than chasing fleeting trends. The clean side and rear profiles, paired with 17-inch alloy wheels (top ZX variant), give the Elevate an understated, mature presence. The 220mm ground clearance ensures urban and mild off-road readiness, with proportions that balance style with cabin space.
Cabin Quality & Practicality
Inside, the Elevate shines with a well-packaged interior. Black-and-tan leatherette inserts run throughout the cabin, creating an upmarket yet subtle environment. While physical switches for core functions aid usability, certain features—like soft-touch materials, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, or a 360-degree camera (available as an accessory)—are missing versus rivals.
Space is a strong point:
- Front seats: Wide, supportive, ideal for long journeys. Driving position provides clear bonnet visibility, though taller drivers may find fore-aft adjustment range limited.
- Rear bench: Reclined backrest, ample leg- and headroom, and generous under-seat footrest design. Three adults fit, though the fifth seat is narrower.
- Boot: Class-leading 458L capacity, easy to load, best-in-class for the price range.
- Storage: Multiple cubbies, deep door pockets, centre armrest storage, rear seatback pockets with smartphone slots.
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Ride, Handling & Performance
The Honda Elevate suspension is comfort-focused. McPherson struts up front and torsion beam at the rear offer a plush ride, with the ability to glide over potholes and rough patches. Long suspension travel ensures composure at speed or on broken tarmac, though a slight stiffness results in minor jiggles on bad roads.
Handling is safe and predictable:
Engine & Transmission: The 1.5L NA petrol is famed for reliability and refinement, pulling linearly up to the redline. It’s not as punchy as today’s turbocharged rivals but rewards smooth, rev-happy driving. The CVT offers seamless city commutes; the manual is slick, with short throws.
Steering: Light at low speeds, connected at highway pace, though feedback is average for enthusiasts.
Body control: Well-managed despite the upright stance; mild body roll is present but never threatening.
Braking: Strong bite, progressive pedal, with ventilated discs up front.
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Features & Technology
While the Elevate covers core tech with a responsive 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, digital MID, and an 8-speaker audio system praised for clarity, some current segment benchmarks are missed:
- ADAS (Honda Sensing): Delivers camera-based collision mitigation, lane assist, adaptive cruise, and more. However, lacks radar and can be intrusive on highways.
- Safety: Six airbags, ISOFIX mounts, electronic stability, and hill start assist build on Honda’s reputation for safety—even before Indian crash test results.
- Missing features: No rain-sensing wipers, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, powered seat ventilation — choices which could sway buyers to higher-featured rivals.
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Ownership, Reliability & After-Sales
Buyers value the Elevate for Honda’s hassle-free ownership model:
- Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km, with up to 10 years/120,000km extension via Honda Anytime Warranty.
- Servicing: Competitive maintenance costs and transparent service packages; roadside assistance is affordable and widely available.
- Fuel Efficiency: Real-world returns of 14–16kmpl (manual) and 14–15kmpl (CVT) are reported by users, slightly below ARAI ratings but consistent across ownership experiences.
Price & Variants
| Variant (Engine/Trans) | Ex-Showroom Price (Aug 2025) |
|---|---|
| SV MT | ₹11.95–₹12.43 lakh |
| V MT | ₹14.14–₹14.29 lakh |
| VX MT | ₹15.45–₹15.71 lakh |
| ZX CVT | ₹16.67–₹16.93 lakh |
Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smart, timeless styling | Missing features vs rivals |
| Superb ride comfort, reliable suspension | No turbo or hybrid options |
| Spacious cabin, best-in-class boot | CVT suited for city, less for highway |
| Proven and refined 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine | No diesel, limited powertrain choices |
| Strong warranty, lower service costs | Lacks “wow” factor in interior/tech |
| ADAS, 6 airbags, safety kit | ADAS intrusive at times |
Honda Elevate Review: Ownership Verdict
This Honda Elevate review finds the SUV to be an ideal solution for buyers who prioritize comfort, reliability, and fuss-free ownership over the feature overload or performance focus of modern competitors. Thanks to Honda’s heritage, mature dynamics, and robust build, the Elevate appeals to families, mature buyers, and urban commuters wanting peace of mind and practicality. If your priority is a value-for-money, refined, and low-maintenance crossover, the Elevate’s no-nonsense package makes it a compelling alternative in 2025’s crowded SUV landscape.