Honda Elevate : When Honda entered the highly competitive mid-size SUV market with the Elevate, expectations were through the roof.
This, after all, is the same company that brought us the brilliant City, the sensible Amaze, and some of the most dependable petrol power you can buy.
So the Elevate was going to have to be more than just another SUV — it was going to have to be a statement.
Based on the same platform as the City, the Elevate follows the Honda DNA of practicality, refinement, and drivability, and stuffs it into a brand new SUV frock.
And guess what? It seems to have a bit of a split personality, somehow managing to look the part and, well, be a blast to drive.
Design: Big, Not Too Complicated
The Honda Elevate doesn’t shy away from what it is at a glance. It’s boxy, tall and unapologetically SUV-like.
Up front it has a massive grille, flanked by svelt LEDs headlights, that give it a very imposing stance.
The squared-off wheel arches, sharp character lines and muscular bonnet ensure it doesn’t get lost in the crowd.
But whereas some rivals err on the side of too much chrome and curves, the Elevate keeps things clean and classy.
This is not an attempt to stamp and holler; it’s here to talk tough, though, oddly enough, that’s a surprising success.
The insides: Plain, Roomy and Utilitarian
Step inside, and the cabin greets with a sense of déjà vu — particularly if you’ve sat in the Honda City.
The dashboard is well organized, controls are logically arranged and soft-touch materials on upper trims give a bit of a luxury feel.
You get a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, auto climate control and Honda’s LaneWatch camera.
Rear seat room is among the best in class and the 458-litre boot is more than capable of swallowing weekend bags.
Honda has opted for relatively gimmick-free interiors that are more about comfort and usability than all else, really. And that, my friends, is a refreshing change.
Performance: Gentle, Refined and Eager to Please
Under the hood, the Elevate comes with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that puts out 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque and comes with options of both a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic.
It’s the same reliable engine from the Honda City—and it behaves exactly how you think it would.
It’s not a speed demon, but it is very polished. The engine is fine too, smooth, quiet, and responsive for commuting.
The CVT provides a relaxed and serene ride, particularly in city traffic, but it can also feel a little bit lazy if you’re trying to hurry up.
On the highway, the Elevate is a pretty comfortable cruiser, and the manual tester in particular feels a bit livelier.
Ride and Handling: Honda’s Comfort Genes Are Still in Place
Suspension tuning has long been a forte for Honda, and the Elevate continues that tradition. It takes potholes and the rest in its stride, and doesn’t get flustered over undulating stretches.
The steering is light and well-suited for the city, and the turning radius is very tight for an SUV, making it easy to move through tight spaces.
Body roll is well-managed, and it stays relatively flat on highways. It’s not a corner-carver, but is perfectly predictable and safe — precisely what most buyers seek.
Pros
Bold and upright SUV styling
The cabin is well thought-out and has good head and leg room.
The petrol engine is smooth and refined, as well as dependable
Silky CVT; light steering–ideal for the city
Honda’s renowned reliability and post-purchase assistance
Cons
No diesel or turbo-petrol option
CVT isn’t for spirited driving.
Features list is not as extensive as some tech-heavy rivals
No panoramic sunroof available (single pane only)
Slightly overpriced for the higher trims
Honda Elevate: Final Verdict
The Honda Elevate isn’t aiming to be the most flashy SUV available. It’s doesn’t come packed with gimmicks or futuristic gadgets.
Instead, it hones in on the fundamentals — comfort, dependability and convenience. Feels solid, drives well, does what you need without outstripping you.
For anyone sick and tired of overstyled, overcomplicated SUVs, the Elevate is a godsend.
It’s not a game-changer, but it does establish a solid foundation — one that both loyal Honda buyers and practical shoppers are likely to get behind.