Honda Elevate facelift bookings open ahead of October 6 launch

Honda Cars India has opened pre-launch bookings for the facelifted Elevate ahead of its October 6 debut, marking the first comprehensive update for the midsize SUV since it entered the Indian market in 2023.

Customers can pre-book the new Elevate at authorised Honda dealerships across the country for Rs 21,000. India will be the first market to receive the updated SUV, with Honda describing the country as the lead market for the Elevate.

Sharper face teased

Honda has released the first teaser of the updated SUV, providing a glimpse of the styling changes planned for the facelift. The front end receives a redesigned grille with horizontal elements, accompanied by revised lighting that gives the Elevate a sharper appearance.

The teaser shows new segmented LED daytime running lights, while changes to the bumper and other detailing are expected to distinguish the facelift from the outgoing SUV. Revised alloy wheels are also expected as part of the mid-cycle update.

At the rear, the most noticeable change is expected to be a new lighting arrangement. The teaser points to connected LED tail-lights, giving the Elevate a wider visual appearance and bringing its design more in line with newer midsize SUVs.

The basic proportions and upright silhouette of the Elevate, however, are expected to remain intact.

Cabin gets an overhaul

Honda is also preparing more substantial changes inside. The teaser reveals a revamped dashboard rather than merely a change in upholstery or trim, suggesting that the company is using the facelift to address one of the areas where newer rivals have moved ahead.

Ambient lighting will be among the additions. The SUV is also expected to receive an upgraded infotainment system, with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen among the features anticipated for the refreshed model.

Honda could additionally introduce ventilated front seats and a factory-fitted 360-degree camera. Both features were recently added to the updated City, and Honda executives had previously indicated that they were among the additions being considered for the Elevate.

The existing Elevate offers a 360-degree camera as a dealer-level accessory rather than as factory equipment.

More equipment expected

Feature additions will be important for Honda because the midsize SUV segment has become increasingly equipment-heavy. Rivals now offer features ranging from ventilated seats and panoramic sunroofs to large infotainment displays, digital instrument clusters and advanced driver assistance systems.

Honda has not yet disclosed the Elevate facelift's complete equipment list, and final specifications will be announced at its October 6 unveiling.

Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing and Sales at Honda Cars India, said the updated model would introduce “strongly desired features and enhancements”, along with a bolder design and a more premium cabin experience.

The Elevate already offers a single-pane electric sunroof, six airbags, Honda Sensing ADAS on higher variants and wireless smartphone connectivity, among other features.

Engine likely unchanged

The mechanical package is expected to remain largely unchanged. The Elevate currently uses Honda's 1.5-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing 121hp and 145Nm.

Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 7-step CVT automatic, and both are expected to continue with the facelift.

The naturally aspirated engine has been one of the distinguishing aspects of the Elevate in a segment where several rivals use turbo-petrol engines or petrol-hybrid systems.

Whether Honda will use the facelift to introduce a strong-hybrid version remains uncertain. The Elevate shares its platform with the City, whose e:HEV version uses a 1.5-litre petrol-electric strong-hybrid system. Honda has so far not confirmed that powertrain for the SUV.

First major update

The Elevate made its global debut in India in June 2023, marking Honda's return to the country's midsize SUV segment. The forthcoming model will be its first significant mid-life update.

Honda has largely retained the Elevate's original mechanical formula while making smaller feature and variant changes since launch. The facelift is therefore expected to focus on addressing customer demand for more technology and convenience equipment while refreshing the SUV's design.

The company said the Elevate had established itself among Indian SUV buyers for its road presence, driving characteristics, space, safety and comfort. Honda is positioning the facelift as an extension of that formula rather than a fundamental mechanical overhaul.

Crowded SUV battle

The refreshed Elevate will continue to compete in one of India's most crowded passenger-vehicle segments. Its principal rivals include the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and Tata's midsize SUVs.

Competition has intensified as manufacturers increasingly use frequent updates and feature additions to differentiate products in the segment.

The outgoing Elevate is priced from around Rs 11.8 lakh to Rs 16.4 lakh, ex-showroom, depending on the variant. The facelift is expected to command a premium, particularly on higher trims receiving additional equipment.

Honda will reveal the final variant structure, complete feature list and prices on October 6. Until then, the Rs 21,000 pre-booking programme gives the company an early indication of customer interest as it prepares the Elevate's first major refresh for the Indian market.