Since its debut, the Honda Elevate has established itself as a reliable, comfortable, and practical option in India’s competitive midsize SUV segment.Built on Honda’s Global Small Car platform—which it shares with the Honda City—the Elevate delivers high ground clearance, responsive steering, and a spacious cabin.
As rivals introduce feature-heavy updates, Honda Cars India is introducing its first mid-cycle refresh for the SUV. Dealer sources and industry reports point toward an early October release date.The upcoming Honda Elevate facelift focuses on resolving customer feedback by adding key convenience tech—such as front ventilated seats, a factory 360-degree camera, and updated cabin trim—while preserving its naturally aspirated petrol powertrain.
Honda Elevate Facelift: Key Specification Comparison
| Feature / Attribute | Current Honda Elevate Model | Upcoming Honda Elevate Facelift |
| Expected Launch Date | Launched September 2023 | October 6, 2026 |
| Engine Configuration | 1.5-Litre 4-Cylinder i-VTEC Petrol | 1.5-Litre 4-Cylinder i-VTEC Petrol (Unchanged) |
| Power Output | 121 PS (119 bhp) @ 6,600 RPM | 121 PS (119 bhp) @ 6,600 RPM |
| Peak Torque Output | 145 Nm @ 4,300 RPM | 145 Nm @ 4,300 RPM |
| Front Seat Comfort | Standard Seats (No Ventilation) | 3-Stage Front Ventilated Seats |
| Parking Assist Camera | Single Rear Camera / Accessory 360-Cam | Factory-Fitted 360-Degree Camera |
| Infotainment System | 10.25-Inch Touchscreen Display | Updated 10.25-Inch Unit with Faster UI |
| Driver Display | 7-Inch Semi-Digital Cluster | Full-Digital HD Instrument Console |
| Safety Suite | Honda Sensing ADAS (Camera-Based) | Updated Honda Sensing ADAS Suite |
| Estimated Ex-Showroom Price | ₹11.81 Lakh to ₹16.36 Lakh | ₹12.20 Lakh to ₹17.10 Lakh |
Exterior Styling Enhancements: Subtle Aesthetic Revisions
Rather than altering the SUV’s upright profile, Honda is applying an evolutionary design refresh similar to the updates seen on the latest City sedan.
- Revised Front Grille:A bolder chrome bar paired with a honeycomb grille layout for a wider road stance.
- Updated Front and Rear Bumpers:Restyled air dams with integrated skid plates and revised housing trim for the LED fog lamps.
- Modernized Lighting Elements:Updated full-LED headlamps featuring integrated LED DRLs and modified LED tail-lamp graphics.
- New 17-Inch Alloy Wheels: Dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheel designs that enhance side-profile aesthetics.
- Expanded Paint Palette:Introduction of updated body colors, including new dual-tone roof options.
Interior Upgrades & Tech Equipment: Addressing Feature Needs
The current Elevate receives praise for its 458-litre boot and class-leading 220 mm ground clearance.However, modern buyers expect high-end comfort tech.The facelift updates the equipment lineup to bring the cabin in line with segment expectations.
| Interior Feature | Detailed Capability & Functional Enhancement |
| Front Ventilated Seats | Cools driver and passenger seats using multi-speed ventilation fans, designed for warm weather comfort. |
| 360-Degree Surround Camera | Uses four exterior cameras to project a top-down view onto the main screen for easier tight parking. |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | Replaces semi-digital gauges with an HD digital screen displaying navigation directions, trip computer analytics, and ADAS status. |
| Upgraded Touchscreen System | Refined 10.25-inch central display featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and faster processor response. |
| Wireless Phone Charging Pad | Active charging surface positioned on the central console for smartphone battery management. |
| Revised Upholstery & Trim | Premium leatherette seat covers paired with soft-touch dashboard padding in updated color themes. |
Unchanged Powertrain: Reliability and Driving Dynamics
While several midsize SUV competitors rely on turbocharged petrol or complex diesel setups, Honda continues to prioritize naturally aspirated petrol engines. The 2026 Elevate facelift retains Honda’s proven 1.5-litre i-VTEC motor.
| Mechanical Parameter | 6-Speed Manual Transmission (MT) | 7-Step CVT Automatic |
| Engine Displacement | 1,498 cc (Naturally Aspirated DOHC) | 1,498 cc (Naturally Aspirated DOHC) |
| Power Output | 121 PS (119 bhp) @ 6,600 RPM | 121 PS (119 bhp) @ 6,600 RPM |
| Torque Output | 145 Nm @ 4,300 RPM | 145 Nm @ 4,300 RPM |
| ARAI Claimed Mileage | 15.31 km/l | 16.92 km/l |
| Drive Configuration | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) with Paddle Shifters |
| Suspension Setup | MacPherson Strut (Front) / Torsion Beam (Rear) | MacPherson Strut (Front) / Torsion Beam (Rear) |
Driving Impressions & Mechanical Strengths
- Linear Power Delivery: The naturally aspirated i-VTEC engine provides smooth, progressive acceleration without the turbo-lag found in small-displacement turbo engines.
- CVT Refinement:The 7-step CVT uses step-shift logic to mimic traditional gear shifts during hard acceleration, reducing the rubber-band effect during high-speed highway merging.
- Ride and Handling Balance:Pliant suspension damping coupled with 220 mm of ground clearance allows the Elevate to absorb deep potholes and unpaved roads with ease.
Enhanced Safety Capabilities: Updated Honda Sensing ADAS
Safety remains a core focus for Honda. The Elevate facelift updates its camera-based Honda Sensing Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite, improving detection ranges in low-light and rainy conditions.
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS): Warns the driver and applies automatic braking if an unavoidable collision with a pedestrian, cyclist, or vehicle is detected.
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Assists with subtle steering inputs to help keep the SUV centered within lane markings during highway driving.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a preset distance from the car ahead, adjusting speed automatically down to low speeds.
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM): Alerts the driver if the vehicle strays from the road edge without a turn signal, applying gentle steering assistance.
- Auto High-Beam Assist: Toggles automatically between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic sensors.
Expected Pricing and Variant Lineup
The outgoing Honda Elevate is priced from ₹11.81 lakh to ₹16.36 lakh (ex-showroom).Due to the added equipment—including ventilated seats, a 360 camera, and updated interior trim—prices for the facelifted model are expected to increase slightly across its variant range.
| Estimated Variant | Transmission Options | Expected Ex-Showroom Price Range | Key Expected Equipment Highlights |
| Elevate SV (Base) | 6-Speed Manual | ₹12.20 Lakh – ₹12.40 Lakh | 6 Airbags, LED Headlamps, Push-Button Start, Rear AC Vents |
| Elevate V | 6-Speed MT / 7-Speed CVT | ₹13.30 Lakh – ₹14.50 Lakh | 8-Inch Display, Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Rear Camera |
| Elevate VX | 6-Speed MT / 7-Speed CVT | ₹14.80 Lakh – ₹16.00 Lakh | Ventilated Seats, Single-Pane Sunroof, 17-Inch Alloys, Wireless Charger |
| Elevate ZX (Top) | 6-Speed MT / 7-Speed CVT | ₹16.20 Lakh – ₹17.10 Lakh | Honda Sensing ADAS, 360-Degree Camera, 10.25-Inch Screen, Digital Cluster |
Competition in the Midsize SUV Segment
Upon its launch on October 6, the Honda Elevate facelift will compete against established rivals in India’s midsize SUV market:
- Hyundai Creta & Kia Seltos:Feature-rich competitors offering multiple engine options (NA petrol, turbo petrol, and diesel), panoramic sunroofs, and dual-zone climate control.
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara & Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder:Competitors offering strong hybrid powertrains with high fuel efficiency.
- Skoda Kushaq & Volkswagen Taigun: Turbo-petrol SUVs built for driver engagement and European ride dynamics.
Final Verdict: Should You Wait for the Facelift?
If you are considering a midsize SUV, waiting for the Honda Elevate facelift in October is a practical choice. The addition of ventilated front seats, a factory 360-degree camera, updated ADAS, and a revised digital cluster addresses key feature gaps from the launching model while retaining Honda’s low ownership costs and reliable engine performance.
