The Indian SUV market is a proper battlefield. Every few months, a new contender arrives, armed with flashy features and aggressive pricing. When Honda launched the Elevate, it felt like a return to its core principles: solid engineering, practicality, and a no-nonsense approach. Now, in mid-2025, with the initial launch buzz settled, we have to ask: in a segment obsessed with the “next big thing,” is the Elevate’s strong and silent character still a winning formula?
Honda Elevate Specifications (2025)
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC with VTC |
| Displacement | 1498 cc |
| Max Power | 121 PS @ 6600 rpm |
| Max Torque | 145 Nm @ 4300 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual / 7-Speed CVT Automatic |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 15.31 km/l (MT) / 16.92 km/l (CVT) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4312mm x 1790mm x 1650mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm |
| Boot Space | 458 Litres |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 Litres |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Ventilated Disc / Drum |
| Key Features | 10.25-inch Touchscreen, Honda SENSING (ADAS), Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, LaneWatch™ Camera, 6 Airbags, LED Projector Headlamps, Electric Sunroof |
Spending time with the 2025 Elevate feels like catching up with a sensible old friend. It hasn’t chased every fleeting design trend. Instead, its bold, upright stance and clean lines have aged remarkably well. It projects a confident, almost tough, aesthetic that stands out without shouting. That impressive 220mm of ground clearance isn’t just a number on a spec sheet; it’s a genuine peace-of-mind feature on our often-unpredictable city roads and during monsoon adventures.
Inside, the story is much the same. The cabin is a masterclass in ergonomics and space. Rear-seat legroom is still a benchmark, and the class-leading 458-litre boot can swallow a weekend’s worth of luggage with room to spare. For many families, these are the features that matter day in and day out. It’s a cabin built for life, not just for the showroom.
However, the competition hasn’t been sleeping. Rivals are now armed with panoramic sunroofs, ventilated seats across more variants, and an array of powertrain options. The Elevate, with its trusty 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, feels wonderfully refined and is a joy in city traffic, especially with the smooth CVT. But the lack of a hybrid or turbo-petrol option is more noticeable now than it was at launch. It’s a fantastic engine, but the market is all about choices.
Where the Elevate has gained significant brownie points is in safety. The recent 5-star crash test rating from Japan NCAP has been a massive confidence booster for buyers. In a world of feature-heavy marketing, this focus on fundamental safety is a core Honda trait that resonates deeply. The ADAS system (Honda SENSING) also remains one of the more intuitive and well-calibrated systems in the segment.
So, where does that leave the 2025 Honda Elevate? It’s not the flashiest, nor is it packed with every feature under the sun. But it’s a car with integrity. It’s for the buyer who values a comfortable ride, a spacious and practical interior, and proven safety and reliability over fleeting gimmicks. While the upcoming Elevate EV has us excited, the current petrol model remains a compelling, sensible, and fundamentally sound choice in a very crowded room.