Honda Elevate: Last month, I spent a weekend with the Honda Elevate. Now, I’m not usually one to get overly excited about compact SUVs—God knows we have enough of them cluttering our roads these days—but this one genuinely surprised me.

Honda entered the fierce compact SUV battleground considerably later than its competitors, but boy, have they made up for lost time with this offering.

I remember thinking, as I picked up the Phoenix Orange Pearl test vehicle from Honda’s Mumbai dealership, that this was either going to be another ho-hum entry in an overcrowded segment or something genuinely special. After putting nearly 500 km on the odometer over three days of city and highway driving, I can confirm it’s definitely the latter.

Honda Elevate First Impressions: Commanding Presence

First things first—the Elevate looks properly substantial. Unlike some competitors that look like puffed-up hatchbacks, this SUV makes no apologies for its boxy, upright stance. It’s refreshingly old-school in a way, with clean lines and minimal frivolous design elements.

The front fascia is dominated by a massive gloss black grille with a thick chrome strip connecting those sleek LED headlamps. I particularly liked the squared-off wheel arches and the bold character line that runs along the side profile.

The 17-inch diamond-cut alloys on my ZX variant test car looked fantastic, though I suspect the lower variants with 16-inch wheels might not have the same visual impact.

“We wanted something that would stand out without trying too hard,” said Ravi Kumar, a Honda sales manager I chatted with during the handover.

“Most SUVs these days are trying to look like sports cars with those sloping rooflines. We went with a more traditional SUV design language because that’s what our research showed Indian customers actually want.”

Around the back, the connected LED taillights give the Elevate a premium appearance, even if the entire strip isn’t illuminated (only the outer sections are actual LEDs).

The pseudo skid plates front and rear add that rugged SUV touch without looking like cheap plastic afterthoughts.

Is it the most dramatic-looking SUV in its class? No. The Creta and Seltos might turn more heads with their futuristic designs. But the Elevate has a clean, handsome presence that I suspect will age better than some of its more flamboyantly styled competitors. There’s something reassuringly Honda about its design—practical, well-proportioned, and free of unnecessary embellishments.

The Interior: Premium Without Being Pretentious

Stepping inside, the first thing that struck me was the excellent visibility. The upright A-pillars and large glass area create an airy, spacious feel that many modern cars sacrifice in the name of style.

The driving position is spot-on—not too high like you’re perched on a bar stool, but elevated enough to provide that commanding view of the road that SUV buyers crave.

The dual-tone beige and black interior (standard on the VX and ZX variants) looks properly premium, with soft-touch materials in all the right places.

The leather on the seats and steering wheel feels genuinely high-quality, not the budget faux leather that some competitors try to pass off as premium.

What impressed me most was how sensibly everything is laid out. Honda hasn’t gone down the “let’s put everything on a touchscreen” route that plagues many modern cars.

There are physical buttons and knobs for the climate control, and the infotainment system’s key functions can be operated without taking your eyes off the road for dangerously long periods.

Speaking of which, the 10.25-inch touchscreen is crisp, responsive, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 7-inch digital driver’s display is also nicely integrated and offers all the information you need without overwhelming you with unnecessary graphics.

Space is one area where the Elevate truly shines. I’m 6’2″, and I could sit comfortably in the back with another tall adult in front of me—something that can’t be said for many competitors. The 458-liter boot swallowed all my weekend luggage with room to spare, and the flat floor makes loading bulky items a breeze.

“We’ve prioritized practical space over gimmicks,” explained Kumar. “What’s the point of ambient lighting if your passengers are cramped? The Elevate is built to be lived with daily, not just to impress during the test drive.”

During a highway stint, I was particularly grateful for the excellent NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) control. Wind and road noise are impressively suppressed, even at triple-digit speeds. The audio system, while not branded like some competitors offer, delivers clear sound quality that audiophiles will find more than adequate.

On the Road: Honda’s Engineering Excellence Shines

If there’s one area where Honda has always excelled, it’s in their powertrains, and the Elevate continues this tradition. The 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated i-VTEC petrol engine (the only option available) might seem underpowered on paper with 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque, especially compared to turbocharged rivals.

But numbers don’t tell the whole story. This engine is an absolute gem—responsive, smooth, and with that characteristic Honda eagerness to rev.

The power delivery is linear and predictable, without the lag that plagues many turbocharged units. It’s paired with either a slick 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic that’s among the best of its kind.

I spent most of my time with the CVT version, which did an admirable job of keeping the engine in its sweet spot. It’s particularly impressive in traffic, where many automatics struggle with indecisiveness.

The rubber-band effect that CVTs are notorious for has been largely eliminated, and it only becomes apparent under hard acceleration.

“We could have gone with a smaller turbocharged engine like our competitors,” said Honda’s Kumar, “but our testing showed that real-world fuel efficiency and driveability were actually better with this naturally-aspirated unit. Indian driving conditions are unique, and not everything that looks good on a spec sheet translates to a good driving experience.”

He’s right. Despite being driven enthusiastically, the Elevate returned an impressive 15.8 km/l during my mixed driving cycle—very close to the ARAI-claimed 16.92 km/l for the CVT version.

Where the Elevate truly shines is in its ride quality. With 220mm of ground clearance (among the highest in its class), it glides over broken roads and speed bumps that would force other vehicles to slow to a crawl.

The suspension tuning strikes a beautiful balance between comfort and control—soft enough to soak up imperfections, but not so soft that the body floats and wallows around corners.

The steering is another highlight. It’s light enough for easy maneuverability in city conditions but weights up progressively as speeds increase, providing a confidence-inspiring feel on highways.

Through the ghats on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, the Elevate handled surprisingly well for a tall SUV, with minimal body roll and predictable responses.

Tech and Safety: Raising the Bar

Honda has loaded the Elevate with technology that matters, rather than gimmicks that look good in brochures but have questionable real-world utility.

The headline feature is the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. These features, once the preserve of luxury vehicles, work impressively well in Indian conditions.

I tested the adaptive cruise control on the expressway and was surprised by how smoothly it maintained distance from vehicles ahead, even when they cut in suddenly (as Indian drivers are wont to do).

The lane keeping assist is more of a gentle guide than an intrusive nanny, providing subtle corrections when you drift towards lane markings.

“Safety isn’t just about how many airbags you have,” Kumar emphasized. “It’s about preventing accidents from happening in the first place. The Honda Sensing system is designed to work as an extra pair of eyes, not to take over driving completely.”

Speaking of airbags, the Elevate comes with six of them as standard across all variants, along with ABS, EBD, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, and rear parking sensors. The top variants add a multi-angle rearview camera and front parking sensors.

Comfort features aren’t skimped on either. The ZX variant I tested came with a single-pane sunroof, automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, push-button start, cruise control, and keyless entry. The only notable omissions were ventilated seats and a powered driver’s seat, which some competitors offer at this price point.

The Practical Bits: Ownership Experience

While a weekend test doesn’t reveal long-term reliability, Honda’s reputation for building bulletproof cars precedes it. The City-derived platform and proven 1.5-liter engine should ensure the Elevate is as dependable as Honda buyers have come to expect.

Maintenance costs should be reasonable too. Honda claims service intervals of 10,000 km or one year, whichever comes first, and the relatively simple naturally-aspirated engine should be cheaper to maintain in the long run compared to complex turbocharged units.

Warranty coverage is standard at 3 years or 100,000 km, which is on par with most competitors. However, Honda’s dealer network, while not as extensive as Maruti or Hyundai, has a reputation for quality service that should provide peace of mind to buyers.

One practical consideration is fuel efficiency. As mentioned, I averaged around 15.8 km/l during my test, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size and weight. The 40-liter fuel tank gives a theoretical range of over 600 km, meaning you won’t be visiting fuel stations too frequently.

Value Proposition: Premium Pricing for a Premium Product

The Honda Elevate is priced between ₹11.91 lakh and ₹16.73 lakh (ex-showroom) across its range of variants, which positions it slightly higher than some competitors like the Maruti Grand Vitara but lower than fully-loaded versions of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.

Is it worth the premium? I believe it is, especially if you prioritize build quality, driving dynamics, and Honda’s reputation for reliability. The Elevate feels like it’s built to last, with solid door closures, high-quality materials, and that trademark Honda attention to detail.

“We’re not trying to be the cheapest option,” Kumar admitted frankly. “The Elevate is for customers who understand that quality comes at a price.

Many of our buyers are upgrading from premium hatchbacks or sedans, and they don’t want to compromise on the driving experience or build quality.”

Value perception is subjective, of course. If your priority is having every possible feature for the lowest price, there might be better options. But if you’re looking for a well-rounded package that excels in the areas that matter most in day-to-day driving, the Elevate makes a compelling case for itself.

Latest Additions: The Signature Black Edition

Since my test drive, Honda has introduced the Signature Black Edition of the Elevate, which adds a touch of sportiness to the package. Priced at a premium of approximately ₹23,000 over the standard ZX variant, it features an all-black exterior theme with Crystal Black Pearl paint, blacked-out alloy wheels, and dark chrome accents.

Inside, the dual-tone theme gives way to an all-black cabin with dark blue accents that looks properly sporty. While there are no mechanical changes, the visual enhancements give the Elevate a much more aggressive presence on the road.

I haven’t had a chance to drive this version yet, but based on the photos I’ve seen, it addresses my only minor criticism of the standard Elevate—that its design, while handsome, might be too conservative for some buyers. The Black Edition adds just the right amount of visual drama without crossing into gaudy territory.

Honda Elevate The Verdict: A Thoroughly Impressive Package

After spending a weekend with the Honda Elevate, I came away genuinely impressed. This isn’t just another me-too entry in a crowded segment—it’s a thoughtfully engineered product that plays to Honda’s traditional strengths while addressing the specific needs of Indian SUV buyers.

The Elevate excels in areas that matter most in daily use: comfortable ride quality, spacious and well-built interior, excellent visibility, and a responsive, efficient powertrain. The inclusion of advanced safety features like ADAS at this price point is the cherry on top.

Sure, some competitors might offer more dramatic styling or longer feature lists, but few can match the Elevate’s overall coherence as a package. It feels like every aspect of the vehicle has been carefully considered and optimized, rather than designers and engineers working in isolation.

If you’re in the market for a compact SUV and value substance over flash, the Honda Elevate should be at the top of your consideration list. It’s a mature, well-rounded product from a manufacturer that clearly understands what matters to discerning Indian buyers.

In a segment where many contenders try to stand out with gimmicks and flashy styling, the Elevate takes the road less traveled—focusing on getting the fundamentals right. And in doing so, it might just have set a new benchmark for what a compact SUV should be.

As I reluctantly handed back the keys at the end of my test weekend, I found myself wondering if my next family car might just be an Elevate. That’s perhaps the highest compliment I can pay to any vehicle I review. Honda may have been late to the compact SUV party, but they’ve made one hell of an entrance.