Honda Elevate Facelift – New SUV in 2026

Last Updated on 17/10/2026 by Raj

Honda Elevate Facelift

Explore the new Honda Elevate facelift in our review, including new exterior, updated interior, engine performance, safety, price with pros and cons and verdict.

Introduction:

The Indian SUV market is always changing and it never stands still. When launch new cars every year with bigger screens, smarter technology and premium interiors. But what happens when a brand chooses to improve an already practical SUV instead of reinventing it from scratch? Meet the all new Honda Elevate facelift-a fresh version of Honda’s mid size SUV that combines good design, everyday comfort, proven and reliable performance and modern technology.

The mid-size SUV segment is getting crowded by the day. There are too many options built for different needs with a variety of powertrains, like the naturally aspirated engines, turbo-petrols, diesels, hybrids, and even electric cars. Honda first introduce Elevate in India in 2023, with it Honda enter the most competitive segment of the market. Rather than focusing exclusively on flashy technology.

It makes a small space for itself and gains the respect of people who wanted a no-nonsense practical SUV. However, the segment continued to evolve. Competitors increasingly offer advanced technology, powerful engines, and driver assistance. The 2026 facelift represents Honda’s response to these changes. The update introduces a bolder exterior, more premium cabin and additional comfort and safety technology while retaining its established powertrain. So it builds on its original strength while addressing several of the features buyers expect.

Design: Honda Elevate

At first glance, there are no major differences in the Elevate facelift’s design with older cars. It retains the clean and boxy front end with a big and imposing front grille. But Honda Elevate has given connected front and rear DRLs with a new grill design. It gives more imposing road presence, on the grille, it got the split LED pilot lamp . It also houses front parking sensors and the camera for the 360-degree view. Along with new black garnishes on the fenders and the lower parts of the bumper.

The new connected LED taillamp gives fresh look. Even in the side profile, the changes are bit minor. This clean and simplistic design language makes it different from the crowd, and the build quality is very good and is satisfactory. It measures 4,312 mm in length 1,790 mm in width, and is 1,650 mm in height. The wheelbase of the car is 2,650 mm and ground clearance is 220 mm. These small design tweaks refresh and the cars look very different from before. It still got the 17-inch alloys, with 215/55-section tyres.

Interior:

The cabin gets more significant updates than the exterior, and the changes focus on improving comfort and perceived the ride quality. There’s a new ivory and black dual-tone upholstery on the cabin that increase the sense of space inside makes it more neutral than the tan upholstery of the earlier model. There is the option of all-black upholstery with the ‘Black’ edition Elevate. The dashboard design has been revised too, add more soft touch white leatherette padding and stitching replacing the faux wood trim.

AC controls have been revised and now come with the seat ventilation buttons. The fabric on the roofliner is now updated and it looks much nicer than the older woven roofliner of previous model. All these changes give cabin a fresher look, although the overall layout remains very familiar. Front seats remain comfortable and good place to be and now come with ventilation and power adjustment. Ergonomics remain a strong for this car, and driving position is commanding with clear view and front seats gives good support that make it easy and comfortable to drive around.

At the rear, space is good, with plenty of knee room and headroom and very comfortable for two adults. However for the third passenger space will be tight because of the width of the car and raised centre seat. Honda gives an adjustable headrest and a three-point seatbelt on the center seat. There is a dedicated AC vents for the rear passengers, USB charging ports, a fold down centre armrest including cupholders, a new capacitive-touch LED reading lamps and rear seat ventilation.  Practicality remains the main strength, and it offers ample storage spaces throughout the cabin. The boot is also massive 458-litres and you also get a spare tyre under the boot floor.

Features and safety

The Honda Elevate facelift adds some key equipment which is missing from the outgoing model and gives more comprehensive feature set to car. The safety features include six airbags, new 360-degree camera and it’s works alongside the existing ‘LaneWatch’ camera. But this feature is still only for the left hand side and the display is also small. The front parking sensors have also been given to make parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces much easier, ESC, traction control. CVT variants get even more tech like the electronic parking brake with auto hold function.

Rear disc brakes and the addition of a low-speed follow function for the adaptive cruise control work with ADAS suite which is useful in stop-and-go traffic. For the comfort most important additions are the ventilated seats at the front and rear. It has enhanced the cabin comfort. Then there are 8-way adjustable powered front seats for the driver and 4-way for the passenger with ambient lighting and an air purifier. The 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration remain the same. 7-inch TFT semi-digital instrument cluster also. Other features are a sunroof and wireless phone charger.

Performance: Honda Elevate

There are no changes under the hood mechanically. It uses the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder, naturally aspirated i-VTEC engine directly borrowed from the previous car. Paired with a 6-speed manual or a CVT which is also unchanged. It still produces 121hp and 145Nm of torque. However, the engine has been updated for new emissions norms compliant and E20 fuel compatible. It’s the same and familiar i-VTEC engine, but somehow it still impresses with its refinement and it’s the few enjoyable naturally aspirated engines on the market.

When you start the engine, you immediately appreciate the refinement levels of this motor. There are no vibrations on the steering wheel or on the cabin while the engine is idling. Throttle response is sharp, no noticeable delay from the engine, making the engine rev happy and very eager to drive.  Like every time, this naturally aspirated engine pulls quickly from idle all the way to the top of the redline, in a smooth manner. However, it feels most alive when its on higher up the rev range.

The smoothness and refinement are the biggest selling points of the CVT automatic. It works well as an automatic, without any lag making it great for everyday commuting with its smooth and light feel.  This CVT is well appreciated in bumper-to-bumper traffic. With little accelerator, the CVT builds up speed gradually and delivers it in smooth and linear manner. While the MT is much faster and gives more control over the revs during shift, with the automatic it takes some time during the changes.

You will notice the rubber-band effect, When you press the throttle in CVT for a quick overtake. The engine revs increase, but there is minimum gain in speed. Compared with the acceleration of turbo-petrols or EVs, this powertrain feels slow. However this setup is designed for smooth and calm power delivery for a relaxed drive not for aggressive inputs. Paddle shifters with pre-set ratio give some conventional automatic feel, allowing much more control of the engine.

It’s a very happy engine and it became alive on the highway the revs go up to 6,500 rpm. The power delivery is smooth and lag free because the engine is naturally aspirated. But like in the city roads or on the highway as well. The CVT feels bit dull and not very enjoyable sometime. But the manual transmission is more fun to drive with this engine. Cruising at triple-digit speeds is easy without struggling hard.

Honda Elevate done some additional work on the facelift for better refinement. The refinement levels are actuly good. However with a free-revving, naturally aspirated engine sounds very loud when it revved hard. But this engine is very refined and silent most of the time. It feels quiet most of the time and there is no prominent engine and road noise filtering into the cabin on low speed.

Ride comfort and handling:

New Honda Elevate continues to impress with its ride and handling balance like previous model. Despite it being an SUV with tall stance, it feels nimble on the move. It uses a McPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam. At the rear same as the outgoing car, so there is no  change on the ride comfort and handling. Though damping is bit on the firmer side. The suspension works fine on low speed, and the car can easily glide over bad roads without any issue. Small and medium potholes are also handled very well hardly filter into cabin.

Due to the suspension firmeness, it gives some jiggly ride when driving over a broken road at high speed. There’s a noticeable amount of body movement at triple digit speeds it gives some vertical movement. The long suspension travel also helps it to absorb large-sized potholes and make it feel planted on the road. Elevates electric power steering is very user-friendly and also accurate and light at slow speeds. The steering is light at city speeds which helps with manoeuvrability. 

As the car build up speed, the steering picks up weight progressively. Honda Elevate‘s handling characteristics are well appreciated. Straight-line stability is very well, and you won’t even notice when the car is touch triple digits speed. There is some vertical movement over highways but it kept in check. There is no floaty feel or high amount of body roll. So the car is composed and comfortable at any speed.

At the highway bends, you can drive at good speed without slowing the car and it holds its line without breaking a sweat. The steering feels connected and the steering input is also good, so it’s predictable around bends. Despite having a tall stance, It’s not a very top-heavy car. The body rolls are very well controlled, and you can hold a tight line at sharp bend. Despite the size its drive is like a small car and quick direction changes are also easy.

Braking

The manual version gets disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. And the CVT variants get disc brakes at all 4. The brakes have a strong bite and give stopping power. During hard braking, the car didn’t lose its position and stopped in a straight line.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Clean styling with proportionate lines gives it a tall stance.
• The proven 1.5L i-VTEC engine is very reliable and rev-happy.
• Transmission choice of 6-speed MT or a super-smooth CVT automatic for effortless driving.
• Nicely tuned suspension give comfortable ride and good handling.
• Functional  and practical cabin with good space.
• Improved cabin layout with updated list of features which includes front and rear ventilated seats.

• Added safety features like Level 2 ADAS, auto hill start assist, 6 airbags, lane watch assist, front parking sensors, and 360-degree view.
• The reliability and after-sales service of Honda, now with 7-year extended warranty.

Cons

• The 1.5L NA engine gives good performance, but the rivels offer more powerful turbo-petrols and faster automatics or EV.
• CVT is good for urban commuting and bumper to bumper traffic, but out on the open roads, it’s feels dull.
• No hybrid, EV or diesel engine options.

• Some features are missing like auto wipers, electric tailgate, panoramic sunroof and more.
• No all-wheel drive option.

Price

Now available in 5 variants the new Honda Elevate – SV, V, VX, ZX and ZX+. The ZX+ is also offered in a new all-black edition. So the base prices start at Rs. 11.80 lakh, and it goes up to Rs. 18.40 lakh for the top-end edition with the CVT.

Verdict– Honda Elevate

Honda tries to address some of the Elevate’s earlier shortcomings with this facelift and also adds some much-needed features inside the cabin. However, some flaw still remain like the lack of engine and gearbox options and small tyres. But these shortcomings are minor and it remains a sensible, practical SUV that continues to impress.

Honda Elevate continues to offer a comfortable and practical cabin, a responsive engine and a good ride and handling. With new and fresh design and the long features list, the Elevate facelift feels more sensible than before. This is a good choice if you want a midsize SUV with comfort, everyday usability, reliability.