Honda Elevate: What You Need to Know

What is the most popular car segment in India right now? It’s the compact SUV segment. Every car manufacturer, including Maruti, has launched their SUVs to establish a presence in this market. After a long wait, Honda has introduced its compact SUV, the Elevate. The Elevate has a boxy, SUV-like design, but underneath, it shares its DNA with the Honda City. This means it offers ample space, solid power, and well-balanced dynamics.

Elevate – Things We Like

• The stylish design is both sleek and muscular.
• The reliable 1.5L i-VTEC engine offers lively performance.
• Smooth 6-speed manual and an easy-to-use CVT automatic for city driving.
• The suspension is well-tuned for a comfortable ride and good handling.
• Safety features include ADAS Level 2, 6 airbags, hill start assist, lane watch assist, and ESP.

Elevate – Things We Dislike

• The 1.5L engine is decent, but competitors offer more powerful turbo engines.
• The CVT is good for city driving but feels slow on highways.
• No diesel or hybrid options, unlike competitors that offer both.
• Missing features like auto wipers, a subwoofer, and ambient lighting.
• The Honda Sensing ADAS system can be intrusive on highways and takes time to get used to.

Elevate – Must Know Details

The Elevate’s interiors have a classic yet stylish look. The dashboard and cabin combine black and tan colors, creating an airy, easy-to-maintain space. The tan accents add a touch of luxury. All driver touchpoints are covered with soft-touch leather materials. The headrests are designed for maximum neck comfort—good job, Honda. The interior includes essential features like a digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless connectivity, and cruise control. Safety is a priority, with six airbags included from the base variant.

The Honda Elevate is powered by a single 1.5L i-VTEC engine. This engine is responsive and offers good drivability at low speeds. It’s refined and provides good mileage when driven calmly. The Elevate offers great comfort in city driving. However, sudden overtakes can feel sluggish, and the 121 hp and 145 Nm of torque might seem insufficient, especially when the car is fully loaded.

Elevate – Performance and Specs

• Engine: 1.5L i-VTEC
• Gearbox: CVT and 6-speed manual
• Horsepower: 121 HP
• Torque: 145 NM
• Mileage: 15 – 17 km/l (ARAI)
• 0-100 km/h: 10 – 12 seconds
• Top Speed Observed: 160 km/h
• Ground Clearance: 220 MM
• Brakes: All four disc brakes

Elevate – Competitors

The Elevate competes with strong contenders like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, and MG Astor. The Hyundai Creta is the most popular SUV in this segment, known for its performance and features.

Elevate – Our Verdict

The Honda Elevate is a great SUV that combines space and practicality. It offers good performance and comfort, with the added benefit of a large boot. However, it lacks a turbo engine and some now-essential features like ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera. On the plus side, the Elevate has solid dynamics and is user-friendly. Honda’s reliability is a strong selling point. If you’re upgrading from a sedan but still want a sedan-like feel in an SUV, the Elevate is the right choice.