In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive market, Honda has made a bold statement with its latest offering, the Honda Elevate.
This compact SUV has quickly become a talking point among car enthusiasts and potential buyers alike, thanks to its blend of practicality, performance, and Honda’s renowned reliability. Let’s dive deep into what makes the Elevate stand out in the crowded SUV segment.
Design and Exterior
The Honda Elevate boasts a design that strikes a balance between ruggedness and sophistication. Its boxy styling gives it a commanding presence on the road, while subtle design elements add a touch of elegance.
The front fascia is dominated by a bold grille flanked by sleek LED headlights, creating a distinctive look that’s unmistakably Honda.
Standing at 4312mm in length, 1790mm in width, and 1650mm in height, the Elevate has substantial road presence. Its 2650mm wheelbase not only contributes to its stable stance but also promises ample interior space.
One of the standout features is its impressive ground clearance of 220mm, which puts it ahead of many competitors in the segment and makes it well-suited for tackling varied Indian road conditions.
The Elevate’s design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s functional too. Large windows ensure excellent visibility, a crucial factor for city driving and parking.
The well-designed exterior also contributes to the vehicle’s aerodynamics, which plays a role in its fuel efficiency.
Interior Comfort and Space
Step inside the Honda Elevate, and you’re greeted by a cabin that exemplifies Honda’s expertise in space management.
The interior is a testament to the vehicle’s name, truly elevating the compact SUV experience. The use of quality materials and thoughtful design creates an ambiance that feels premium without being ostentatious.
One of the most praised aspects of the Elevate is its seating comfort. The well-bolstered seats provide ample cushioning and support, making long drives a pleasure rather than a chore.
The driver’s seat offers a commanding view of the road, enhancing the overall driving experience. Rear passengers haven’t been forgotten either. The Elevate boasts impressive rear legroom and headroom, thanks in part to its cleverly scooped roof design.
Practicality is at the forefront of the Elevate’s interior design. With a boot space of 458 liters, it offers ample storage for luggage, groceries, or weekend getaway essentials.
The 60:40 split-folding rear bench adds versatility, allowing for easy expansion of the cargo area when needed.
Technology and Features
Honda has equipped the Elevate with a host of features that cater to modern drivers’ needs. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a floating 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
This system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. While some users note that the interface isn’t as advanced as some competitors, it’s functional and user-friendly.
The top-spec variants of the Elevate come with a 7-inch semi-digital driver’s display, providing essential information at a glance.
Other notable features include automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and a single-pane sunroof, which adds to the airy feel of the cabin.
For those who prioritize convenience, the Elevate offers keyless entry, push-button start/stop, and a wireless phone charger.
The inclusion of a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel and height-adjustable driver’s seat ensures that drivers of various statures can find their optimal driving position.
Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the 8-speaker sound system that comes with the top-end variants, providing a rich audio experience for those long drives or daily commutes.
However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported that the sound system quality is average, rating it 7/10.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the Honda Elevate is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine that produces 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque.
This naturally aspirated engine has been praised for its refinement, with users noting its impressively quiet and vibration-free idle.
The engine’s power delivery is predictable and linear, with strong low- and mid-range torque. This characteristic makes the Elevate well-suited for both city driving and highway cruising.
While it may not be the most powerful in its segment, the engine provides adequate performance for most driving scenarios.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic. The manual gearbox has received positive feedback for
its smooth clutch travel and satisfying shift action. It’s particularly effective in hilly terrain, reducing the need for frequent downshifts even on steep inclines.
The CVT, while smooth in operation, has received mixed reviews. Some users appreciate its seamless nature, especially in city traffic, while others find it lacking in terms of responsiveness, particularly when quick acceleration is needed.
The CVT works well at slow speeds but tends to stretch and strain at higher speeds, which can be noticeable during overtaking maneuvers.
The Elevate’s driving dynamics have been a highlight for many owners. The steering provides good weight and feedback, inspiring confidence in the driver. The well-judged suspension setup strikes a balance between comfort and handling.
At low to medium speeds, it effectively soaks up road irregularities, ensuring a comfortable ride for occupants. At higher speeds, the Elevate maintains good overall stability and composure, although some vertical motion may be experienced over larger bumps.
One area where the Elevate has received criticism is its NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels. Some users have reported that the car feels underpowered, which is exacerbated by poor insulation. The engine noise becomes quite noticeable under acceleration, which can be frustrating for drivers expecting a more refined experience.
Fuel Efficiency
In a market where fuel efficiency is a crucial factor, the Honda Elevate holds its own. The ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figures stand at 15.31 kmpl for the manual variant and 16.92 kmpl for the CVT version. Real-world user experiences suggest slightly lower but still respectable figures ranging from 14.45 to 15.06 kmpl, which is commendable for a vehicle in this segment.
Safety Features
Honda has prioritized safety in the Elevate, equipping it with a comprehensive suite of features. All variants come standard with six airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Higher trims add features like electronic stability control and hill start assist.
The Elevate also introduces Honda Sensing, the brand’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), to this segment. This includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. It’s worth noting that the Elevate uses a camera-based system for these functions rather than radar.
While the Elevate hasn’t undergone NCAP testing yet, its platform (shared with the Honda City) has proven its safety credentials with a 5-star rating in ASEAN NCAP tests. This bodes well for the Elevate’s safety performance.
Variants and Pricing
The Honda Elevate is available in four main variants: SV, V, VX, and ZX. Prices start at ₹11.58 lakh for the base SV manual variant and go up to ₹16.20 lakh for the top-spec ZX CVT variant (ex-showroom prices as of the latest update).
The mid-spec V variant is often considered the most value-for-money option, offering a good balance of features including LED lighting, an 8-inch touchscreen, and six airbags. For those seeking more premium features like a sunroof and wireless phone charging, the VX variant is recommended.
Honda has also introduced limited-run Apex Edition variants for the V and VX trims, adding some exclusive styling elements for those looking to stand out.
Ownership Experience
Early ownership reports of the Honda Elevate have been largely positive. Owners praise its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and Honda’s reputation for reliability. The vehicle has been noted to perform well in various conditions, from city traffic to highway cruising and even light off-road scenarios, thanks to its high ground clearance.
Some users have reported minor niggles with the touchscreen system, but overall, the ownership experience has been described as fuss-free. The Elevate’s ability to handle bad roads with ease has been a particular highlight for many owners, especially those upgrading from sedans.
Competitors and Market Positioning
The Honda Elevate enters a highly competitive segment, facing off against established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. While each of these competitors has its strengths, the Elevate carves out its niche with its focus on practicality, comfort, and Honda’s reputation for reliability.
Compared to its rivals, the Elevate may not be the most feature-loaded option in its class, but it offers a well-rounded experience that’s likely to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Its high ground clearance and comfortable interior make it a strong contender for those seeking a practical, no-nonsense compact SUV.
Areas for Improvement
While the Honda Elevate has many strengths, there are areas where potential buyers have expressed a desire for improvement:
Feature List: Some users feel that the Elevate lacks certain premium features found in competitors, such as ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, electric seats, electronic parking brake, dual-zone AC, and more extensive ambient lighting.
NVH Levels: The noise insulation, particularly under acceleration, has been a point of criticism for some owners.
Infotainment System: While functional, some users find the interface less advanced compared to competitors.
Performance: Some drivers feel the car is underpowered, especially when compared to turbocharged rivals in the segment.
Honda Elevate
The Honda Elevate represents a solid entry into the compact SUV segment, leveraging Honda’s strengths in space management, engine refinement, and reliability. It combines these qualities with a package that’s well-suited to Indian conditions, offering high ground clearance, comfortable seating, and a balanced ride quality.
While it may not be the most feature-loaded or powerful option in its class, it offers a well-rounded experience that’s likely to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Its high ground clearance, comfortable interior, and reputation for dependability make it a strong contender for those seeking a practical, no-nonsense compact SUV.
The Elevate is particularly well-suited for buyers who prioritize comfort, reliability, and ease of driving over cutting-edge features or sporty performance. It excels in urban environments, where its light steering, good visibility, and comfortable ride make it an ideal companion for daily commutes.
For Honda loyalists and those who appreciate the brand’s engineering philosophy, the Elevate offers a familiar yet fresh option in the SUV space. As Honda continues to gather feedback and potentially introduce updates, the Elevate has the potential to elevate its standing in the market even further.
Prospective buyers should consider their priorities carefully when evaluating the Elevate against its competitors. If comfort, practicality, and reliability are at the top of your list, the Honda Elevate presents a compelling option. However, if you’re looking for the latest tech features or sporty performance, you may want to cross-shop with other offerings in the segment.
Ultimately, the Honda Elevate is a testament to Honda’s understanding of the Indian market’s needs. It may not be revolutionary, but it’s a solid, well-engineered product that stays true to Honda’s core values while adapting to the SUV form factor that’s currently in high demand.
As always, a test drive is recommended to truly appreciate what the Elevate brings to the table and to determine if it aligns with individual needs and preferences.
With its blend of practicality, comfort, and the peace of mind that comes with the Honda badge, the Elevate is poised to make its mark in the competitive compact SUV landscape.