Honda has introduced the highly anticipated Elevate SUV in India, marking its global debut in the mid-size SUV segment. This marks Honda’s entry into the mid-size SUV market, where it will compete with popular models like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. Bookings for the new Elevate will commence in July, with the launch scheduled during the festive season.
The Honda Elevate shares its platform with the Honda City sedan. Additionally, Honda has announced plans to introduce an electric version of the Elevate within the next three years. Currently, Honda only sells sedans in the Indian market.
In terms of design, the Elevate showcases Honda’s distinctive styling cues, featuring a prominent grille that extends into sleek headlamps, as well as sleek tail lamps at the rear. It measures 4.2 meters in length, 1.65 meters in height, and 1.79 meters in width, offering a ground clearance of 220mm, which is suitable for Indian road conditions.
Inside the cabin, the new Honda Elevate offers a range of features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 7-inch HD color TFT display for the driver. Wireless smartphone integration is also available. Honda Sensing ADAS features, such as autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control, are included, along with safety features like Lane Watch, Hill Climb Assist, and Lane Keep Assist.
Currently, the new Elevate is offered with a single engine option: a 1.5-liter petrol engine delivering 121 PS and 150 Nm of torque, which is the same engine used in the Honda City sedan. It’s possible that Honda may tune the engine for better performance in an SUV. Transmission options are expected to be similar to those found in the Honda City, including a choice between a 6-speed manual transmission and a CVT gearbox depending on the variant. Honda may also introduce hybrid variants of the Elevate in the future.
Looking ahead, Honda has confirmed plans to introduce an all-electric powertrain for the Elevate within the next three years.