I am retired and drive around 8,000 to 10,000 km per year, with about 75% of the distance on highways. I currently own a six-year-old petrol Ford Figo. I want to buy a petrol SUV with a manual or automatic transmission for around Rs 15 lakh. I am not keen on electronic features like cruise control or ADAS. I prefer a 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, good long-distance comfort, easy maintenance in tier-2 cities, good boot space, and high ground clearance. I plan to buy in early 2026. Please suggest.

Autocar India

•18w

We'd recommend the Honda Elevate, which makes a good pick for your requirements. It's an SUV that gets the basics right, offering good ground clearance, a robust suspension, a comfortable interior and a large boot. The mid-spec V variant offers all the essential features you'd need without any unnecessary frills. Hondas are easy to maintain, and reliability is good. Do note, this Honda car is slightly on the noisy side by class standards.

Given that you will primarily be driving on the highway, the Elevate manual should serve your needs and is a good value for money. The CVT automatic brings in convenience and works well with an easygoing driving style.

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Related questions you may find helpful

Anunay Sinha

•3d

I am planning to buy a new vehicle with a budget of 15 to 16 lakh on-road. My usage is mainly in the city, between 60% to 70%, while the rest is on highways and occasional hill drives. Daily running is around 30 to 40 km. I am currently considering the Honda Elevate, Renault Duster, and Tata Sierra.

Autocar India

•6h

Go for the Honda Elevate VX MT. Within your ₹15-16 lakh on-road budget, it balances easy city driving and occasional hill trips with dependable performance and simple ownership.Your usage is 60-70% city and 30-40 km daily (roughly 900-1,200 km/month), so a straightforward petrol manual keeps things hassle‑free without turbo/DPF complexity. The Elevate’s upright seating and good visibility reduce fatigue in traffic, and its compact footprint makes tight parking simpler than bigger SUVs. For weekend runs to the hills, the manual’s engine braking and predictable throttle response give steady control on descents and hairpins.The one thing you give up is brisk turbocharged punch. Fast uphill overtakes will need a downshift, and the features list isn’t as flashy as some rivals at this price.If you want an automatic to ease your 60-70% city commute, consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi AT instead. It’s smooth in traffic and climbs hills without fuss. However, between the two, the Elevate is a notch up in terms of comfort, fit-finish and refinement.

Honda Elevate

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ONNIL SHARMMA

•5d

I want to buy honda elevate. Please suggest to me if it is good in terms of safety and mileage. I am a first-time car buyer.

Autocar India

•1d

The Honda Elevate is a sensible, no-nonsense pick. The visibility is good due to its high seating, the seats are comfy, and the ride quality is impressive. Its petrol engine is strong and responsive, and drivability is very good too. Fuel efficiency, however, isn't its strength, with the manual and automatic (CVT) both averaging around 11kpl. If you are a new user, though, we'd recommend opting for the CVT, simply because it is smooth and makes the driving experience much more convenient.The Elevate is equipped with standard kit such as ESP, 6 airbags, etc., and most variants also get camera-based ADAS, which further adds a layer of safety.Alternatively, you could consider the new Kia Seltos, which is newer, better equipped and more spacious.

Honda Elevate

Anunay Sinha

•3d

Hi, I am planning to buy a mid-size SUV with a budget of around ₹15-16 lakh on-road. I have shortlisted the following options: Tata Sierra Honda Elevate Renault Duster I am considering the second base variant, and my driving will be around 60–70% in the city and the rest on highways. Please suggest a tension-free (reliable and low-maintenance) engine option, as I am currently using a Tata Altroz NA engine.

Autocar India

•2d

Since you are looking for a proven tension-free engine, pick the Honda Elevate, its 1.5‑litre naturally aspirated engine is a very reliable unit and coming from your Tata Altroz NA. You’ll appreciate the Elevate’s smooth, linear power delivery from a simple 4‑cylinder petrol, no turbo lag, fewer parts to worry about, and a decade of reliability in India. The steering is very light at low speeds, and this is also something you would like, given that you drive mostly in the city. What's nice, though, is that it weighs up nicely as speeds rise. The ride is a bit firm but not to the point of being uncomfortable. The 1.3 litre turbo direct injection engine on the Duster is also another good and reliable powerplant, and should you not like the Elevate, you could also look at this. You will have lower rear space, and the gearbox is a DSG unit, which in start-stop city traffic is not as smooth as the CVT on the Honda.

Honda Elevate

Tata Altroz

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