Elevate is Honda’s answer to the dominance of the Korean carmakers in the mid-size SUV segment and the launch is just around the corner.
Here is a detailed Honda Elevate vs Skoda Kushaq comparison. The Elevate is a mid-size SUV set to draw numerous elements from the well-established City sedan, a prominent vehicle in India for an extended period. With the intention of reviving its declining sales, Honda has strategized to venture into the rapidly expanding mid-size SUV category. This segment has become increasingly crowded over the years, with all major carmakers vying for a place in it. On the other hand, Skoda Kushaq is responsible for resurrecting the Czech carmaker in India in the last couple of years. It has established Volkswagen’s India 2.0 strategy with successful results.
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Price Comparison
The Honda Elevate ranges from Rs 10.99 lakh and Rs 15.99 lakh, ex-showroom. These are quite attractive retail prices making the competition fiercer. On the other hand, the Skoda Kushaq ranges from Rs 11.59 lakh to Rs 18.09 lakh, ex-showroom for the 1.0-litre TSI variants. The price range for the larger 1.5-litre turbo petrol variants starts at Rs 14.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 19.69 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, one needs to take this into consideration that the powertrains are not comparable directly.
| Price Comparison | Honda Elevate | Skoda Kushaq |
| Base Model | Rs 10.99 lakh | Rs 11.59 lakh |
| Top Model | Rs 15.99 lakh | Rs 19.69 lakh |
Honda Elevate vs Skoda Kushaq Specs Comparison
The Elevate has made its debut as a petrol-only variant. As anticipated, it shares the same engine as the City, a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, DOHC iVTEC mill that delivers a maximum power of 121 hp and a peak torque of 145 Nm. You can choose between a 6-speed manual and a 7-step CVT for the transmission. Additionally, there are hints of a Hybrid version in the works, as well as the possibility of a full-electric version in the future. It shares most of its components with the city sedan which is only a good thing. Its prices will be announced once the mid-size SUV is launched in our country.
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On the other hand, the Skoda Kushaq is equipped with two engine options: a 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. These engines generate 115 hp / 178 Nm and 150 hp / 250 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. The smaller engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic gearbox, while the larger unit comes exclusively with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The price of the Skoda Kushaq spans from Rs 11.59 lakh to Rs 19.69 lakh. These are the same engine and gearbox combinations which power the latest-gen models from Volkswagen and Skoda group.
| Specs | Honda Elevate | Skoda Kushaq |
| Engine | 1.5-litre petrol | 1.0-litre turbo petrol; 1.5-litre turbo petrol |
| Power | 121 hp | 115 hp / 150 hp |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 178 Nm / 250 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT / CVT | 6-speed MT / AT / 7-speed DCT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
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Features Comparison
Honda Elevate comes with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 10.25-inch infotainment unit. Notable highlights include an electric sunroof, and the top model comes equipped with 6 airbags for enhanced safety. The SUV also offers seamless support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to compatibility with Alexa, WatchOS, and Google. Furthermore, the Honda Elevate boasts advanced features such as a 360-degree camera system, voice commands, electrically adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors), and a Day/Night Inside Rear View Mirror. Moreover, the vehicle includes an array of passive and active safety features, including 6 airbags for the top-spec model, ABS with EBD, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, and ADAS (Honda Sensing tech).
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On the other hand, the Skoda Kushaq boasts an impressive array of features, encompassing all the modern amenities, connectivity, and conveniences one could desire. Notable highlights include a free-standing 10-inch Digital Touchscreen Infotainment System with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Connected Car Tech that offers a multitude of features and pre-installed apps. Additionally, the SUV is equipped with Wireless Charging, Automatic Climate Control with touch inputs, and a two-spoke multi-purpose Steering Wheel for added convenience.
The interior of the Kushaq exudes elegance and comfort with White Ambient Lighting, LED Reading Lights, chrome-plated Door Handles, and chrome accents thoughtfully placed throughout the cabin. The 6-speaker Skoda Audio System, complemented by an extra subwoofer in the Spare Wheel well, ensures an exceptional audio experience. Furthermore, the Skoda Kushaq incorporates several clever features, including a non-slip base in a cup holder, a ticket holder on the A-Pillar, bag hooks in the boot, and a phone box in the front for secure smartphone storage. Additionally, smartphone storage pockets on the front seatbacks add to the practicality of the SUV.
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Mileage Comparison
Honda has revealed the mileage figures of the Elevate recently. The manual trim offers a fuel economy of 15.31 km/l while the CVT automatic will churn out a better 16.92 km/l. On the other hand, Skoda Kushaq offers an impressive mileage of 18.09 km/l with 1.0-litre engine and 18.86 km/l with the 1.5-litre petrol mill. Kushaq has a clear edge in this aspect.
| Mileage | Honda Elevate | Skoda Kushaq |
| Manual | 15.31 km/l | 18.09 km/l |
| Automatic | 16.92 km/l | 18.86 km/l |
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Skoda Kushaq vs Honda Elevate Dimensions Comparison
The Skoda Kushaq is 4,225 mm long, 1,760 mm wide, 1,612 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,651 mm. Moreover, it has a boot capacity of 385 litres. On the other hand, the Elevate measures 4,312 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm. The new compact SUV also offers a decent boot space of 458 litres and has a ground clearance of 190 mm.
| Parameter | Skoda Kushaq | Honda Elevate |
| Length | 4,225 mm | 4,312 mm |
| Width | 1,760 mm | 1,790 mm |
| Height | 1,612 mm | 1,650 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,651 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Boot Space | 385 l | 458 l |
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What We Think
Both these SUVs come with the latest styling, modern tech, convenience and connectivity features to pamper the passengers and powerful engines. It will be interesting to witness how Honda decides to price the Elevate at the launch. That will allow us to make an informed decision about which one is more value for money. That is a huge factor in a price-conscious market like India. In any case, one can’t really go wrong with either of these SUVs.
