Honda Elevate Review: Where Boldness Meets Performance
The Honda Elevate arrives as a formidable contender in the competitive mid-size SUV segment, built on a philosophy of ‘Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’. It’s an SUV designed to make a statement, blending a dominating road presence with the legendary performance and comfort Honda is known for. Priced from ₹ 11,91,000* (Ex-Showroom), the Elevate is engineered to impress with its powerful 1.5L i-VTEC engine, class-leading space, and the intelligent Honda SENSING ADAS suite. It poses a crucial question: does the Elevate have what it takes to dominate the urban jungle and become the new benchmark for family SUVs?
Boldly Equipped, Brilliantly Engineered
The Elevate is packed with features that enhance its bold design and powerful performance.
Bold & Confident Exterior:
Dominate the road with the Alpha-Bold Signature Grille, LED Projector Headlamps, and imposing R17 Dual-Tone Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels that command attention.
Luxurious & Immersive Interior:
Step into a cabin of two-tone luxury with a 26.03 cm (10.25″) Touchscreen, a 17.7 cm HD TFT Meter, and a One-Touch Electric Sunroof.
Intelligent Safety with Honda SENSING:
Drive with confidence using ADAS features like Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control, plus 6 airbags as standard.
Fun-to-Drive Performance:
The legendary 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC engine delivers 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque, balanced with a smooth 7-Speed CVT with Paddle Shifters or a 6-Speed MT.
Class-Leading Space & Comfort:
Experience unparalleled practicality with a massive 458L boot, ultra-high 220mm ground clearance, and an expansive, comfortable cabin for all passengers.
Connected & Convenient:
Stay in control with Honda Connect, offering features like remote operations, smartwatch connectivity, and Alexa integration, plus a wireless charger.
LaneWatch™ Camera:
Enhance driver awareness with a live video feed from a camera on the passenger-side mirror, displayed on the central screen to reduce blind spots during lane changes.
ACE™ Body Structure:
Built with Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, which helps distribute crash energy more evenly to enhance occupant protection.
Long-Term Peace of Mind:
Enjoy a worry-free ownership with a 5-year Honda Connect subscription and an optional Extended Warranty up to 10 years.
Full Specifications (Top-end ZX Variant)
Engine & Transmission
- Engine Type:1.5L i-VTEC DOHC with VTC
- Displacement:1498 cc
- Max Power:89 kW (121 PS) @ 6600 rpm
- Max Torque:145 Nm @ 4300 rpm
- Transmission:7-Speed CVT / 6-Speed MT
- Fuel Efficiency:16.92 km/L (CVT), 15.31 km/L (MT)
Dimensions & Weight
- Length:4312 mm
- Width:1790 mm
- Height:1650 mm
- Wheelbase:2650 mm
- Ground Clearance:220 mm
- Boot Space:458 L
- Kerb Weight:1213 – 1259 kg
- Fuel Tank Capacity:40 L
Brakes, Tyres & Suspension
- Front Brake:Disc (Ventilated)
- Rear Brake:Drum
- Tyre Size:215/55 R17
- Wheel Type:R17 Dual-Tone Diamond-Cut Alloy
- Front Suspension:McPherson Strut with Coil Spring
- Rear Suspension:Torsion Beam with Coil Spring
Comfort & Convenience
- Seating Capacity: 5 Persons
- Climate Control: Fully Automatic with MAX COOL Mode
- Sunroof: One-Touch Electric Sunroof
- Steering Adjustment: Telescopic & Tilt
- Wireless Charging: Equipped
- Rear AC Vents: Equipped
Safety & Security
- Airbags: 6 Airbags System (Standard)
- Honda SENSING: CMBS, Adaptive Cruise Control, LKAS, RDM
- Camera: Multi-Angle Rear Camera, LaneWatch™ Camera
- Braking Systems: ABS with EBD & Brake Assist
- Stability Control: VSA with Electronic Stability & Traction Control
- Parking Aids: Rear Parking Sensors
Technology & Infotainment
- Display: 26.03 cm (10.25″) Advanced HD Touchscreen
- Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto™
- Instrument Cluster: 17.7 cm (7″) HD Full Colour TFT Meter
- Sound System: Premium 8 Speakers Surround Sound
- Honda Connect: 5-Year Free Subscription with Alexa & Smartwatch support
- Speakers: 8 (4 Speakers + 4 Tweeters)
The Driving Experience: Pros and Cons
Pros: Why the Elevate Excels
- Exceptional Space & Practicality: Class-leading 458L boot space and 220mm ground clearance make it incredibly practical for Indian families and road conditions.
- Comprehensive Safety Suite: Honda SENSING ADAS technology and 6 airbags as standard across all variants set a high safety benchmark.
- Refined & Reliable Engine: The 1.5L i-VTEC engine is incredibly smooth, reliable, and offers a pleasant, linear driving experience perfect for city and highway use.
- Commanding Road Presence: The bold, upright stance and signature grille give the Elevate a confident and dominating presence that stands out.
Cons: Points to Consider
- No Engine Diversity: The lack of a turbo-petrol or diesel engine option may deter buyers seeking higher torque or more powertrain choices.
- Rear Drum Brakes: In a segment where many rivals offer rear disc brakes, the use of drum brakes feels like a cost-cutting measure.
- Missing Premium Features: The absence of features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, or a 360-degree camera as standard (it is an optional accessory) is noticeable compared to competitors.
Who Is This SUV For? Tailored Recommendations
The Honda Elevate is an outstanding choice for:
- Safety-Conscious Families: Buyers who prioritize safety above all will appreciate the standard 6 airbags and the advanced Honda SENSING suite.
- Practical Urban Drivers: Its high ground clearance, spacious cabin, and huge boot make it perfect for navigating city life and weekend getaways.
- Honda Loyalists & Reliability Seekers: Anyone who values Honda’s reputation for building bulletproof, refined, and long-lasting petrol engines.
- Those Who Prefer a Classic SUV Stance: Riders who want a vehicle with a traditional, bold, and upright SUV design rather than a crossover-like profile.
Who Might Consider Other Options?
You might want to look at other options if:
- You’re a Performance Enthusiast: If you crave the punchy, mid-range torque of a turbo-petrol or diesel engine, the Elevate’s naturally aspirated unit might feel too linear.
- You Want the Latest Gadgets: Competitors offer features like ventilated seats and panoramic sunroofs, which are missing from the Elevate’s equipment list.
- You Need an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) Variant: The Elevate is a front-wheel-drive-only SUV, which may be a dealbreaker for those in hilly or snowy regions.
Final Verdict: The Practical, Safe, and Sensible Choice
The Honda Elevate is a masterclass in practicality and safety. It doesn’t try to win the spec-sheet war with flashy gadgets but instead focuses on the core fundamentals of what makes a great family SUV: unbeatable space, a high-riding comfortable cabin, and a robust safety package. While it may not excite the enthusiast, its refined i-VTEC engine promises years of hassle-free ownership. The Elevate is an undeniably sensible and intelligent choice for the pragmatic buyer who values substance, safety, and Honda’s unwavering commitment to quality over fleeting trends. It’s a vehicle that truly elevates the ownership experience.
Overall Rating: 4.2 out of 5.0 (Based on Expert Analysis)