The facelift iteration of the mid-size SUV comes with a few design tweaks and added in-cabin amenities
In this post, we compare the recently launched Honda Elevate facelift with the old model. Note that the Elevate belongs to one of the most crowded market segments in the country. With rivals ranging from the Koreans to the Germans, the competition is stiff. As a result, every car marque needs to put its best foot forward. The Elevate was already a decent vehicle when it comes to design and features. However, with this mid-lifecycle facelift, the SUV has become even more enticing. Let us check out all that’s new.
Honda Elevate Facelift vs Old Model – Design
As we have seen with many facelift versions, the alterations to the exterior styling are often limited. That is exactly the case here too. The Honda Elevate facelift retains the bumpers, LED lighting and even the alloy wheels. However, to set it apart from the old SUV, the Japanese auto giant has introduced a segmented LED DRL setup, a new front grille with a honeycomb pattern, a body-coloured fog lamp housing and the Honda logo has been shifted to the bonnet from the grille. On the sides, the body skirting is now finished in silver and the wheel arches and other claddings now get a gloss-black treatment as opposed to a matte finish in the outgoing model. Finally, the tail section gets a connected LED taillamp setup. Also, a new Nordic Forest Pearl paint option is on offer this time around. Overall, the changes are minimal, as one would expect from a facelift.
Honda Elevate Facelift vs Old Model – Interior, Features and Safety
On the inside, there is a slight adjustment to the layout of the new Honda Elevate facelift in comparison to the pre-facelift avatar. Earlier, the vehicle was offered with two themes – black-and-white and black-and-brown. However, this time around, buyers will only be able to get the black-and-white combination. Talking about the new features on offer, the Elevate facelift now boasts leatherette padding on the dashboard in contrast to faux wood in the outgoing version, first-in-segment rear-seat ventilation, a 360-degree camera, powered and ventilated front seats, an air purifier and factory-fitted ambient lighting.
Apart from that, the features list includes things like a wireless charger, an 8-speaker sound system, a part-digital instrument cluster, a lane-watch camera system, front parking sensors, Level 2 ADAS, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, rear disc brakes, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and much more. Hence, the SUV continues to be an attractive purchase for those who want the latest functionalities in their vehicles.
Honda Elevate Facelift vs Old Model – Price
Interestingly, the Honda Elevate facelift starts at exactly the same price as the outgoing model, i.e. Rs 11.80 lakh, ex-showroom. Apart from that, a new range-topping ZX+ trim has also been added to the portfolio, which bears a price sticker of Rs 18.30 lakh, ex-showroom, in the CVT automatic guise. Previously, the top model used to cost Rs 16.36 lakh, ex-showroom.
| Variant | New Elevate Facelift | Old Elevate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SV MT | Rs 11.80 | Rs 11.80 | – |
| V MT | Rs 12.29 | Rs 12.27 | Rs 2,000 |
| V CVT | Rs 13.79 | Rs 13.43 | Rs 36,000 |
| VX MT | Rs 13.93 | Rs 13.92 | Rs 1,000 |
| VX CVT | Rs 15.39 | Rs 15.08 | Rs 31,000 |
| ZX MT | Rs 15.39 | Rs 15.18 | Rs 21,000 |
| ZX CVT | Rs 16.89 | Rs 16.36 | Rs 53,000 |
| ZX+ | Rs 16.89 | – | – |
| ZX+ CVT | Rs 18.30 | – | – |
Honda Elevate Facelift vs Old Model – Specs and NVH
One area where the two SUVs don’t differ at all is what powers them. The Honda Elevate facelift continues to draw power from the tried and tested 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol mill that is good for 121 PS and 145 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. Performing transmission duties is either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. To address the complaint of poor NVH levels, Honda has improved the overall sound insulation by adding more sound-deadening materials behind the instrument panel and wheel wells. As a consequence, the SUV is now more comfortable and quiet even at high speeds.
| Specs | Honda Elevate ADV Edition |
| Engine | 1.5L Petrol |
| Power | 121 PS |
| Torque | 145 Nm |
| Transmission | 6MT / CVT |
Editor’s Note
The Honda Elevate facelift is a fairly subtle update, but Honda has addressed several areas that could make the SUV more appealing in a highly competitive segment. I particularly like the fact that the changes are not limited to cosmetic tweaks, with features such as ventilated front and rear seats, a 360-degree camera, powered front seats and ambient lighting making the cabin considerably more premium. The unchanged 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine continues to offer a familiar and proven package, while the additional sound insulation should make the Elevate more comfortable at higher speeds. Most importantly, Honda has managed to keep the entry price unchanged, although the new ZX+ variant pushes the price of the range considerably higher. – Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
Also Read: Why India Made Jimny and Elevate Are Hit in Japan Yet Failed in India
