Honda Elevate Expert Review

The Honda Elevate facelift gets a subtle but effective design update, retaining its familiar proportions while adding a more contemporary look. The front gets a segmented LED light strip connecting the headlamps, a gloss-black grille and a relocated Honda badge on the bonnet. Along the sides, gloss-black cladding, silver inserts and darker-finished 17-inch alloy wheels distinguish it from the outgoing model. A new LED light bar connecting the tail-lamps and the new Nordic Forest Pearl paint shade round off the changes. Based on the City platform, the Elevate continues to offer a 2650mm wheelbase and 220mm of ground clearance.

The cabin receives more substantial updates, including new ivory-and-black upholstery, additional leatherette padding on the dashboard and a better-finished roofliner. An all-black cabin remains available on the Black Edition. The driving position is commanding, and the front seats are supportive, although the lumbar support may feel excessive and underthigh support could be better for taller occupants. Rear-seat space is generous for two adults, but the narrow cabin and raised centre seat make accommodating three uncomfortable. Rear AC vents, USB charging ports, an armrest and ventilated rear seats improve comfort, while the practical cabin and 458-litre boot remain strong points.

The facelift addresses several equipment gaps with a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, ventilated front and rear seats, powered front seats, ambient lighting and a PM2.5 air purifier. The CVT variants additionally get an electronic parking brake with auto hold, rear disc brakes and low-speed follow for adaptive cruise control. Other equipment includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, a semi-digital instrument cluster, a single-pane sunroof, wireless charging and camera-based ADAS features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. However, the infotainment system remains basic, and features such as dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate are still missing.

Power comes from the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing 121hp and 145Nm, paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-step CVT. The i-VTEC engine remains responsive and smooth, pulling progressively from low revs to the redline, with its strongest performance higher in the rev range. The CVT works well in everyday driving, and paddle shifters offer additional control, but hard acceleration brings out the familiar rubber-band effect. The facelifted model is expected to deliver performance similar to the outgoing version, which covered 0–100kph in 11.89 seconds with the CVT and 10.82 seconds with the manual. Noise insulation has improved slightly, although engine and road noise remain noticeable at highway speeds. The lack of turbo-petrol, diesel, hybrid or CNG options also limits its appeal.

Real-world mileage figures were not established during the short test drive. For reference, the outgoing Elevate CVT returned 8.60 kmpl in the city and 13.10 kmpl on the highway, while the manual achieved 8.7 kmpl and 13.30 kmpl, respectively. The CVT misses out on an Eco mode and automatic start-stop, which could affect fuel efficiency.

The Elevate continues to impress with its well-judged balance of ride comfort and handling. Its suspension is on the firmer side but absorbs most road imperfections effectively, and the SUV feels planted and composed on the move. Some vertical movement becomes noticeable at triple-digit speeds on undulating highways, but body roll is well controlled and the SUV remains predictable through bends. The steering is light at low speeds and gains weight progressively, making the Elevate easy to manoeuvre. Although the CVT variants now get rear disc brakes, braking performance remains much the same, with strong stopping power and a progressive pedal feel.

Priced between Rs 11.80 lakh and Rs 18.40 lakh (ex-showroom), the Honda Elevate facelift is a more rounded package than before, thanks to its updated styling, improved cabin and additional features. Its comfortable and practical interior, responsive engine and well-sorted ride and handling remain its biggest strengths. However, the limited powertrain choice and only modest improvement in noise insulation leave room for improvement, while the top ZX+ variant enters a more competitive price bracket. Overall, the Elevate remains a sensible midsize SUV for buyers who prioritise everyday usability, comfort, reliability and the reassurance of the Honda badge.