Of the five midsize SUVs on sale in India with a naturally aspirated petrol engine, the Hyundai Creta and Honda Elevate are among those that offer a continuously variable transmission (CVT) option. Considering the considerable overlap in their target buyers, price points and powertrains, let’s look at which of these petrol-CVT models offers better real-world performance.
Hyundai Creta vs Honda Elevate CVT specifications and price
Elevate has marginally more power and torque than the Creta
| Specifications and price | ||
|---|---|---|
| Creta CVT | Elevate CVT | |
| Engine | 4 cyls, petrol | 4 cyls, petrol |
| Displacement (cc) | 1497 | 1498 |
| Power (hp) | 115 | 121 |
| Torque (Nm) | 144 | 145 |
| Gearbox | 6-step CVT | 7-step CVT |
| Kerb weight (kg) | 1282 | 1258 |
| Power-to-weight (hp/tonne) | 89.71 | 96.18 |
| Torque-to-weight (Nm/tonne) | 112.32 | 115.26 |
| Price range (Rs, lakh) | 13.88-18.97 | 13.12-16.47 |
On paper, the CVT-equipped Creta and Elevate seem to be almost evenly matched, though the scales tip in favour of the Japanese SUV. The Elevate’s 1.5-litre petrol engine makes 6hp and 1Nm more than the Creta’s. The Honda SUV also weighs 24kg less than the Hyundai. Therefore, it has superior power- and torque-to-weight ratios. Moreover, Elevate’s automatic variants undercut the Creta’s in price, though the latter offers a wider selection of trims and more features in the range-toppers.
Hyundai Creta vs Honda Elevate CVT 0-100kph acceleration test
Elevate is 1.84 seconds quicker than the Creta to 100kph
| 0-100kph acceleration (seconds) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Creta CVT | Elevate CVT | |
| 0-20kph | 1.78 | 1.42 |
| 0-40kph | 3.87 | 3.41 |
| 0-60kph | 6.27 | 5.59 |
| 0-80kph | 9.52 | 8.31 |
| 0-100kph | 13.73 | 11.89 |
| 0-120kph | 19.64 | 16.81 |
In our 0-100kph acceleration tests, the Elevate comfortably stays ahead of the Creta, right from the get-go. When 60kph shows up on our GPS-based timing equipment, the Honda is already 0.68 seconds ahead of the Hyundai, extending that lead to 1.84 seconds at 100kph and 2.83 seconds at 120kph.
Hyundai Creta vs Honda Elevate CVT rolling acceleration tests
Elevate maintains lead over Creta in the 20-80kph and 40-100kph tests
| Rolling acceleration tests (seconds) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Creta CVT | Elevate CVT | |
| 20-80kph (in kickdown) | 7.68 | 6.91 |
| 40-100kph (in kickdown) | 9.67 | 8.55 |
The Elevate automatic maintains its lead over the Creta in our rolling acceleration tests, posting 20-80kph and 40-100kph times that are 0.77 seconds and 1.12 seconds quicker, respectively. Both the specifications and real-world tests indicate that the Honda midsize SUV offers more performance than its Hyundai rival.
Hyundai Creta vs Honda Elevate CVT braking tests
Lower kerb weight also helps Elevate stop quicker than the Creta
| 80-0kph braking tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Creta CVT | Elevate CVT | |
| Distance (m) | 28.42 | 24.97 |
| Time (s) | 4.29 | 2.36 |
In our 80-0kph braking test, which simulates a panic braking scenario, the Elevate, again, takes the lead. Not only does it come to a halt a significant 1.93 seconds sooner than the Creta, but it also takes 3.45 metres less to come to a standstill. The Elevate’s lower kerb weight also plays a part here.
Autocar India’s testing standards
Before we conduct our performance tests, we check and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendation and ensure the car has a full tank of fuel. The car is then tested in a controlled environment with two people on board, and the data is collected via highly accurate GPS-based timing equipment.
