Honda Elevate Facelift: Style Meets Substance?

The 2026 Honda Elevate receives a significant update, addressing its initial shortcomings with enhanced styling and interior features. Externally, it adopts a new grille with signature lighting and a full-width taillamp, creating a more modern family aesthetic. Inside, the cabin gains a light-themed leatherette upholstery and crucial upgrades like ventilated front and rear seats and powered adjustments for the driver and passenger.

Despite these improvements, the Elevate notably misses out on the hybrid powertrain found in the Honda City. It continues to be powered by the familiar 1.5-litre petrol engine, producing 120 bhp and 145 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT or manual transmission. This powertrain offers refinement for city driving but can feel underpowered on highways during overtakes.

The SUV maintains its well-balanced chassis and comfortable ride quality, complemented by improved NVH levels and all-wheel disc brakes. However, it still lacks a panoramic sunroof and a larger infotainment display, features popular with Indian customers.

While the updated Elevate is a sensible and reliable choice with improved comfort and convenience features, its decision to forgo a hybrid option and a larger screen places it at a disadvantage against segment leaders who are pushing technological boundaries.