Honda Elevate 2025: Is It Worth Buying? Honest Indian Buyer’s View
The compact SUV segment in India is crowded, but every now and then a new model arrives that feels different. Honda’s Elevate, launched first in 2023, quickly attracted attention for its clean design and Honda badge. Now in 2025, the Elevate continues to sell well, even against strong competition from Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara. But is it still worth your money today? Here’s an honest, friendly look at what makes the Honda Elevate special — and where it might fall short — so you can decide if it’s the right SUV for your garage.
At first glance, the Elevate’s design stands out because it avoids unnecessary drama. The front face has a clean, bold grille flanked by sleek LED headlamps. The sides look muscular without being too busy, and the rear keeps things classy with simple tail lamps connected by a light bar. It feels modern but timeless, which is something many Indian buyers appreciate. Honda hasn’t chased every design trend, and instead delivered an SUV that looks premium without shouting for attention.
Step inside and you see why the Elevate wins hearts. The cabin feels open, thanks to a wide dashboard and large windows. Honda has chosen a minimalist design, mixing soft‑touch materials with a large touchscreen infotainment system at the center. The instrument cluster blends analogue and digital info clearly, and there’s wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. Quality feels good, with well‑finished plastics and leather in higher trims that add to the upmarket feel.
Seating comfort is one of the Elevate’s biggest strengths. The front seats offer good support for long drives, and the rear seat provides plenty of legroom and headroom. Three adults can sit at the back without much trouble, which is rare in many compact SUVs. The flat floor makes it even easier for middle passengers. Add to this a large boot that swallows weekend luggage or big shopping trips, and you see why families like it.
The Elevate runs on Honda’s trusted 1.5‑litre i‑VTEC petrol engine, known for its smoothness and reliability. It offers around 121 PS, paired with either a 6‑speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. On city roads, the engine feels relaxed and refined, with enough low‑end torque for daily commuting. Out on the highway, it pulls cleanly, although enthusiastic drivers might wish for a bit more punch compared to turbocharged rivals.
Where the Elevate shines is its balance between comfort and handling. The suspension is tuned to absorb potholes and broken roads, making daily use less tiring. At the same time, the steering feels predictable, which gives confidence at higher speeds. For Indian cities and highways, this comfortable yet controlled feel is often what matters most, and Honda seems to have judged it well.
Fuel efficiency stays reasonable, with the manual delivering around 15–16 kmpl in mixed use and the CVT a bit less, especially in heavy traffic. These are real‑world numbers shared by many owners, making it competitive even against some turbo rivals.
On the features front, Honda has packed the Elevate well. You get a large touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, connected car tech, automatic climate control and even a sunroof in higher trims. Safety is another highlight. All variants come with six airbags, ABS, ESP and Honda’s advanced driver assistance suite in top trims. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and automatic emergency braking — features still rare at this price point.
Honda’s service reputation is another reason buyers trust the Elevate. While its network isn’t as wide as Maruti, it’s known for fair costs and reliable after‑sales support. Owners often talk about hassle‑free ownership over many years, which helps the Elevate hold resale value better than some newer rivals.
Of course, no car is perfect. Some buyers feel the petrol‑only engine lineup limits choice, especially as rivals offer turbo‑petrol, diesel or hybrid options. Enthusiasts might find the power adequate rather than thrilling, and the CVT, while smooth, doesn’t give the punch of a dual‑clutch or torque converter in hard acceleration. Also, while the cabin feels classy, the design is more understated than flashy, which may not appeal to everyone.
Despite this, for most Indian buyers, the Elevate strikes a balance that works. It feels mature, reliable and comfortable, with features you actually use every day. The design doesn’t age quickly, the drive is pleasant rather than tiring, and Honda’s badge brings peace of mind about long‑term quality.
For families looking for a stylish, roomy and dependable SUV mainly for city and weekend drives, the Elevate still makes a lot of sense. It won’t thrill like a performance SUV, but it will quietly do its job, keep passengers comfortable and help you enjoy your drive, even in daily traffic.
In 2025, as new models arrive and choices keep growing, the Honda Elevate remains a solid option that delivers what most Indian buyers truly need: comfort, reliability, safety and value. Sometimes, that’s worth more than extra horsepower or the biggest screen.
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