New Honda SUV global debut in India on June 6

Update: Honda Elevate name confirmed for new Creta rivaling SUV

Honda India is all set to take the wraps off its made-for-India midsize SUV (code: 3US) on June 6, 2023, at a global reveal in New Delhi. This grounds-up new SUV could be called the Honda Elevate and will go on sale later this year, first in India and then other markets.

1. Strong design to stand apart from other midsize SUVs 
2. Based on the Honda City platform
3. Will come with only 1.5 petrol at launch 
4. No strong hybrid, no diesel options 

New Honda SUV: what could it look like?

Going by the spy shots, it is clear that the new Honda SUV will come with proper SUV credentials unlike the ill-fated BR-V, which unsuccessfully mixed MPV and SUV elements. The camouflaged pictures of the 3US give away some of the design elements like a strong nose and upright proportions. Honda dealers who were shown the SUV at a private preview in Thailand were pleased with the design and are confident that this all-new SUV will not only turn heads but Honda’s fortunes too.

Chunky cladding, muscular wheel arches and lots of chrome can be expected, whilst special attention has been paid to the lights, which are sharply styled upfront with LED headlamps for the top variants. At the rear, the tail-lights look similar to the newer Honda products like the latest-gen new-gen WR-V on sale in Indonesia.

This SUV seems to be Honda’s most serious attempt at entering the ever-growing Indian midsize SUV market that has stalwarts like the Creta, Seltos, and newer contenders like the Grand Vitara, Hyryder, the Taigun and the Kushaq. Honda plans to build as many as 8,000 units of this SUV a month in India with a large chunk going for exports.

New Honda SUV dimensions, platform, powertrain, features

Honda’s new SUV will measure between 4.2-4.3 metres and will have a segment-rivalling wheelbase as well as interior space. Sources tell us that this upcoming SUV shares its platform and engines with the fifth-generation City. 

The SUV will be powered by Honda’s new twin cam 1.5 petrol engine, which also sees duty on the City sedan. The 1.5-litre petrol is, however, most likely to be the only engine on offer at launch; a strong-hybrid line-up will arrive a little later. Gearbox options are likely to be similar to what’s already offered on the City – a 6-speed manual and a CVT for the 1.5-petrol. There will be no diesel.

Honda’s Creta rival will come with a large 10.2-inch free-standing touchscreen and the rest of the features list is also expected to be competitive. 

New Honda SUV: India launch details

While the new Honda SUV will make its global debut in India on June 6, 2023, it will go on sale only in August 2023. It is likely to be priced at a slight premium over its rivals, somewhere in the Rs 12 lakh-19 lakh price range. 

Expect more details to trickle in closer to the SUV's unveiling.