Honda is gearing up to enter the midsized SUV segment with the unveiling of their latest offering, the Honda Elevate. Although they may be a bit late to the game, there is still plenty to be excited about. With only two cars, the Amaze and City, in their current portfolio, Honda enthusiasts have eagerly awaited the Elevate to fill the SUV-sized void left by the discontinuation of the CR-V in 2020. However, the competition in the SUV market is fierce, with seven models already on the market and another one from Citroen on the horizon. So, Honda definitely has their work cut out for them. Here are five key things to expect from the Honda Elevate.
First and foremost, the styling of the Elevate is expected to be impressive. Spy pictures and teasers suggest that the SUV will have a commanding presence with its muscular stance. While not overly boxy, it will exude a strong SUV aesthetic, consistent with Honda’s global SUV portfolio. The front will feature a flat nose with a large grille, accompanied by sharp LED headlamps and daytime running lights (DRLs). The sides will showcase prominent wheel arches and body cladding, emphasizing its robust stance, along with a set of multi-spoked wheels. At the rear, LED taillights connected by a full-width lightbar are expected to complete the look.
In terms of powertrains, the Elevate will be based on the Honda City’s platform, which means it will inherit the sedan’s powertrain options. Initially, it is anticipated that the Elevate will debut with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine. The City’s version of this engine produces 121 PS of maximum power at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of peak torque at 4,300 rpm. These numbers may be tweaked slightly for the Elevate. While the City also offers a 1.5-litre hybrid-petrol engine, it is expected to become available for the Elevate at a later date. This hybrid engine generates 126 PS of maximum power and 253 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options will likely include a six-speed manual, a CVT automatic gearbox for the naturally aspirated engine, and an e-CVT gearbox for the hybrid variant.
When it comes to features, the Elevate is expected to incorporate many elements from the Honda City’s cabin. These include an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a semi-digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charging, and connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other anticipated features include ventilated seats, USB fast-charging points, and connected car technology through Honda Sensing. The top trim levels of the Elevate are also expected to offer a comprehensive set of safety features, including ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). However, it should be noted that unlike most other SUVs in the segment, the Elevate will only come with a single-pane sunroof.
In terms of rivals, the Honda Elevate will face significant competition in the midsized SUV segment. The Hyundai Creta has been dominating the sales charts for years, and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder have also found success. The Volkswagen Taigun offers a range of engine options, and its transmission options are being reconfigured with the latest update. Kia’s Seltos is also due for a mid-life update, featuring a new turbo engine and additional features. Furthermore, Citroen is preparing to launch the C3 Aircross with three rows of seating.
While the SUV is set to debut on June 6, the full launch and price announcement are expected to occur in August.