Honda Elevate

If the driving experience is the top priority, the Skoda Kushaq will be the right pick for you. It's got punchy turbo-petrol engines, and handling is very enjoyable. The updated Kushaq launches next month and packs in a few more features, and also stronger air conditioning. While Skoda has not announced prices as yet, you should get a fully-loaded 1.0 TSI with a manual gearbox within your budget. 

Of the other options, the Honda Elevate is also worth considering. Engine performance and handling are good, but refinement isn't great for this segment. 

The Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 is great, but it might be too large for your requirements. Also, fuel economy is lower than the alternatives on your list. The Hyundai Creta is a practical pick, and the 1.5 petrol engine and manual gearbox are easygoing, but unexciting. 

The Honda Elevate and Skoda Kushaq are good options for your usage. Given that you use a Honda Amaze, there will be a comfort factor in sticking to the Honda brand with the Elevate. 

The Elevate is a well-engineered product with a robust suspension being one of the highlights. Top versions also get camera-based ADAS, which provides an additional layer of safety, especially on highway drives. Where the Elevate will leave you a bit wanting is in the powertrain. The engine is strong and likes to rev, but doesn't have the mid-range punch of a turbo-petrol. Further, the Elevate's CVT feels basic for this class of SUV. 

The Skoda Kushaq doesn't have the same sense of space as the Elevate. However, the Kushaq has stronger turbo-petrol engines and better gearboxes. The 1-litre turbo feels punchy enough while the more powerful 1.5-litre turbo delivers exciting performance. If you enjoy driving, you'll also love the Kushaq's keen handling. The updated Kushaq that launches soon also promises enhanced AC cooling, which was an issue on the original model.

In essence, the Elevate is a safer, more familiar choice, while the Kushaq will be a more exciting choice for you. 

Of your shortlisted options, we would recommend the Honda Elevate, as it seems to meet your requirements best. It's not high on flash or features, but what it has are all the essentials, and a good set of fundamentals. It's spacious, comfortable, well-engineered, practical and quite a lot of fun to drive. 

Moreover, it is reliable and light on maintenance, so you should have a relatively hassle-free ownership experience. While it hasn't been tested for a safety rating as yet, it has all the requisite safety features. Honda cars have performed well in the past; most recently, the smaller Honda Amaze received a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. 

Yes, that's right. Reliable sources have told us that the Honda Elevate will be getting a minor facelift in the second half of 2026. 

However, do not expect a lot to change on this updated version. Chances are the updates will be restricted to a few cosmetic updates like grille and bumper designs, as well as a few feature additions. 

There will be no changes to the powertrain, nor the introduction of a hybrid variant. While we estimate that it will launch in the month of June, that's still uncertain. Also, it could come a few months later, too. 

If you are in a hurry, you could go for the current version, as the changes are expected to be minor. However, if you don't mind waiting, then you should, as you will get the very latest version of Honda's capable SUV.

While the Honda Elevate CVT has its strengths, the Hyundai Creta IVT is a more rounded product. It's got the significantly nicer gearbox with less of the rubberband effect (sharp rise in revs without a corresponding rise in road speed) than the Elevate. The Creta also scores with better overall refinement, a roomier cabin and more features. 

Neither model will cause trouble in terms of reliability and long-term maintenance. Efficiency, however, is a function of driving style. Drive with a light foot, and you can expect decent fuel economy figures (10kpl in the city, 13-15kpl on the highway are typical numbers), but aggressive driving will have the SUVs deliver much lower figures.