The Indian SUV market has seen explosive growth in recent years, with the mid-size SUV segment dominated by popular models like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Now, Honda has entered the battlefield with its all-new Elevate, aiming to offer the best of both worlds—premium features and Honda’s proven reliability—at a more accessible price point.
The 2025 Honda Elevate comes loaded with features, a muscular new design, and a practical engine setup that’s perfect for both city and highway use. Here’s everything you need to know about the Elevate and how it stands tall against the competition.
A Bold New Design Language That Stands Out
Honda has given the Elevate a fresh and commanding design. It adopts a bold, upright stance with a boxy silhouette, which gives it strong road presence. It’s clearly designed to appeal to urban buyers who want a premium-looking SUV without stretching their budget.
Exterior Highlights:
- Large chrome-accented front grille
- Sleek LED headlamps with DRLs
- Sporty dual-tone alloy wheels (up to 17 inches)
- Bold shoulder lines and squared wheel arches
- Stylish LED tail lamps and rear spoiler
The Elevate’s styling cues are a blend of rugged and urban sophistication, which helps it directly compete with the likes of the Creta and Grand Vitara.
Dimensions & Road Presence
The Honda Elevate is a mid-size SUV, but Honda has smartly optimized its proportions to offer a roomy cabin without compromising on city maneuverability.
- Length: 4312 mm
- Width: 1790 mm
- Height: 1650 mm
- Wheelbase: 2650 mm
- Ground Clearance: 220 mm
With these dimensions, the Elevate is slightly taller than the Creta, offering better visibility and ground clearance for Indian roads.
Interior & Cabin Quality – Premium Yet Practical
Step inside the Honda Elevate and you’re greeted with a minimalist, premium-looking dashboard that uses soft-touch materials and clean lines. Honda has focused on user-friendly ergonomics and cabin spaciousness.
Interior Features Include:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster
- Automatic climate control
- Rear AC vents
- Wireless charger
- Push-button start/stop
- Premium beige/black dual-tone interiors
The boot space stands at 458 liters, making it one of the most spacious in its class. Rear seat comfort is also a strong point, with generous legroom and a near-flat floor.
Engine, Mileage & Performance
Honda has chosen a tried-and-tested powertrain for the Elevate: a 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine—the same one seen on the Honda City.
Engine Specs:
- Displacement: 1498cc
- Max Power: 121 PS @ 6600 rpm
- Torque: 145 Nm @ 4300 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed Manual or CVT Automatic
This engine is known for its linear power delivery, smooth refinement, and reliability.
Mileage (ARAI-certified):
- Manual – 15.31 km/l
- CVT – 16.92 km/l
While it may not be a turbocharged engine like some of its rivals, it performs well in city driving and offers enough grunt for highway cruising.
Safety Features – Loaded for Peace of Mind
The Honda Elevate scores high on safety and is equipped with several segment-leading features, including the Honda Sensing ADAS suite in top variants.
Standard and Advanced Safety Features:
- 6 Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Lane Keep Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Warning
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Rear Parking Camera & Sensors
- Vehicle Stability Assist
- Hill Start Assist
These features give the Elevate a strong edge over some competitors, especially for safety-conscious family buyers.
Honda Elevate Variants & Price in India
The Elevate is available in multiple variants – SV, V, VX, and ZX, catering to different budget levels and feature preferences.
Price (Ex-Showroom, Delhi):
- SV (Base Manual) – ₹11.58 lakh
- V MT – ₹12.68 lakh
- VX MT – ₹13.79 lakh
- ZX CVT (Top Model) – ₹16.20 lakh
When compared to the Hyundai Creta, which starts around ₹11 lakh but goes up to ₹20 lakh for turbo-DCT variants, the Elevate provides a more value-packed offering in its top trims.
How Does It Compare with the Hyundai Creta?
| Feature | Honda Elevate | Hyundai Creta |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L NA Petrol | 1.5L NA / 1.5L Turbo |
| ADAS | Yes (Top Variant) | Yes (New Turbo Variant) |
| Infotainment Display | 10.25-inch | 10.25-inch |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm | 190 mm |
| Boot Space | 458 liters | 433 liters |
| Starting Price | ₹11.58 lakh | ₹10.99 lakh |
| Top Variant Price | ₹16.20 lakh | ₹20.15 lakh (DCT Turbo) |
In terms of pricing and equipment balance, the Elevate challenges the Creta effectively, especially for buyers who want safety features and practicality without paying a premium for turbo performance.
Who Should Consider Buying the Honda Elevate?
The Honda Elevate is the ideal choice for:
- Urban families looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient SUV
- First-time SUV buyers upgrading from hatchbacks/sedans
- Users who value Honda’s brand reputation and after-sales service
- Buyers looking for high ground clearance, safety, and comfort in daily drives
While it may not have diesel or turbo options, its simplicity is its strength, especially for buyers who prefer long-term peace of mind and lower maintenance.
Final Verdict: Honda Elevate Is a Serious Contender in 2025
With the Elevate, Honda has re-entered the SUV segment with a bang. It combines bold styling, modern features, class-leading safety, and dependable performance all wrapped up at a very competitive price. While Hyundai Creta still remains a dominant player, the Elevate presents a strong alternative for buyers seeking a more value-for-money package without compromising on quality.
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, comfortable, and premium mid-size SUV under ₹17 lakh, the Honda Elevate should definitely be on your shortlist in 2025.
