Honda Introduces Updated Elevate SUV Starting at Rs 11.80 Lakh

UPDATE - follow-up to Honda Elevate facelift launched at Rs 11.80 lakh: Honda Cars India has launched the facelifted Elevate midsize SUV, with ex-showroom prices spanning from Rs 11.80 lakh to Rs 18.40 lakh. Pre-bookings opened on October 1 for this first major refresh since the vehicle debuted in 2023.

Pricing And Trims

The updated lineup spans five core trims—SV, V, VX, ZX, and the newly added ZX+—alongside a special ZX+ Black edition. While entry-level manual variants still start at Rs 11.80 lakh, the highest-tier models have gone up in price by Rs 1.94 lakh. Manual options for the new ZX+ cost Rs 16.80 lakh, while the CVT versions reach Rs 18.30 lakh, with the Black edition adding another Rs 10,000.

Design Changes

Exterior tweaks include a revised mesh grille, body-coloured fog lamp housings, and a segmented LED daytime running light strip that links the LED headlights. The Honda badge has shifted from the grille to the front edge of the bonnet, and the rear now features a connected LED light bar. A fresh body paint option named Nordic Forest Pearl joins the colour palette, and the surrounding plastic cladding now sports a gloss-black finish instead of matte.

Interior And Safety

Inside the cabin, the layout brings a new ivory-and-black theme with white leatherette padding replacing the old faux wood trim. Key equipment upgrades feature powered front seats and segment-first rear ventilated seats, alongside a 360-degree camera and a capacitive-touch rear LED reading lamp. Safety tech has also expanded to include front parking sensors, rear disc brakes, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow for CVT models equipped with the Honda Sensing suite.

Engine And Performance

Under the bonnet, the SUV keeps its trusted 1.5-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, which puts out 121 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. Buyers can pair this motor with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic. Fuel economy is rated at 15.31 kilometres per litre for the manual and 16.61 kilometres per litre for the CVT. To address earlier complaints about cabin noise, Honda has added extra sound deadening material to lower cabin sound levels.

Context

Midsize SUVs remain one of the most fiercely contested vehicle categories in the Indian market, requiring automakers to frequently refresh their models with advanced features to stay competitive against established rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Earlier report (2026-10-06 20:17): Honda Cars India has officially launched the refreshed version of its popular midsize sports utility vehicle, with starting prices held steady at Rs 11.80 lakh for the base SV manual trim. Pre-order bookings for the updated vehicle opened on October first.

Design Changes

Exterior adjustments focus primarily on lighting setups and the front fascia. The redesigned front end features a larger mesh grille finished in gloss black, paired with a new segmented LED daytime running lamp strip placed above the headlamps. The Honda emblem has shifted from the centre of the grille to the leading edge of the bonnet. Body-coloured accents now frame the fog lamps, while the rear showcases a connecting LED light bar across the tail lamps. Buyers can also select a new paint shade named Nordic Forest Pearl, offered in both single-tone and dual-tone finishes alongside other existing colours.

Interior And Features

Cabin upgrades include powered front seating and a segment-first rear seat ventilation function on higher variants. The vehicle also adds a 360-degree surround-view camera, capacitive-touch rear LED reading lamps, and front parking sensors. The dashboard replaces previous faux-wood inserts with white leatherette padding and stitching, while ambient lighting now comes as standard on upper trims. Safety enhancements feature rear disc brakes and an upgraded Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance system that incorporates adaptive cruise control with a low-speed follow option specifically for models equipped with continuous variable transmissions.

Engine And Pricing

Power comes from the same 1.5-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol motor carried over from the previous model, generating 121 horsepower and 145 Newton-metres of torque. Transmission choices remain a six-speed manual or a continuous variable transmission, with no strong-hybrid powertrain option included. The lineup continues across five main variants including SV, V, VX, ZX, and a newly introduced top-tier ZX+ grade which is also sold as a Black Edition. While base model costs remain unchanged, top-end variations have increased by up to Rs 1.94 lakh, with prices reaching up to Rs 18.40 lakh for the top automatic edition.

Context

Midcycle vehicle updates typically introduce cosmetic refreshes and technology upgrades to help maintain buyer interest in a competitive market segment without changing the core platform or mechanical foundations. The sports utility vehicle category in India remains a high-volume space where manufacturers frequently add comfort features to stand out against rival models.