Honda Cars India has launched the Elevate facelift, bringing revised styling, additional features and a new range-topping ZX+ trim. Introductory prices remain close to the outgoing model for comparable variants, while ZX+ adds a more extensive comfort and convenience package.
Prices now extend up to Rs 18.40 lakh, ex-showroom, for ZX+ Black CVT. With these updates, Honda aims to strengthen Elevate’s appeal in the competitive midsize SUV segment ahead of the festive season. We drove the facelifted SUV from Delhi NCR to Jaipur during the national media drive to find out how much these changes improve the overall experience.
Honda Elevate Facelift Review – Visual Updates!
Where design is concerned, Honda Elevate facelift is based on the WR-V TrailSport HRC Concept showcased at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 in Japan. It is a facelift and not a lot has changed with this update other than design and aesthetic revisions. There’s a new launch colour called Nordic Forest Pearl and alongside it, we got the Crystal Black Pearl and then a bunch of regular mainstream colours.
Headlights and LED fog lights are still the same, but the chrome element connecting both headlights is now finished in Black. Below it, we now get a new grille with tri-bar LED DRLs that amplify the looks of Elevate facelift. Honda badge is now shifted from grille to the bonnet. Lower down, we now get body coloured inserts around fog lights, which used to be black.
Parking sensors and cameras have been added to the front, which is a welcome addition. At the sides, same 17” wheels and silhouette are retained and wheels get a new finish. Side body cladding used to be body coloured, but they’re now finished in a Silver shade. ORVMs now gets cameras for a 360-degree coverage.
At the rear, connected tail lights are new and they’re only separated by the Honda badge in the middle. Rear disc brakes have been added with CVT variants, which look more aesthetic than drum brakes. Another notable attribute that I personally liked is Black painted claddings which will age much better than unpainted claddings pre-facelift used to get.
Upgraded Interior!
On the inside, we now get Black and Ivory interior theme. Dashboard is still the same and faux wood effect is now gone, replaced by more soft-touch elements. Door trims also get the same Black and Ivory theme along with soft touch. We can see new ambient lighting strips on dash and door trims with just one colour – Active Orange. Centre console is revised and now gets an auto-parking brake and wireless charger.
With Elevate facelift, Honda has added an 8-way powered driver’s seat and 4-way powered co-driver seat. Infotainment screen is still the same and we would have liked better UI / UX with this screen. Addition of a 360-degree camera is appreciated, but slightly higher resolution would have made the overall experience better. Also, rivals have started offering dashcams as standard or even turn the existing 360-cameras into DVRs, both missing in Elevate facelift.
Also, the 7-inch TFT instrument cluster is retained alongside an analogue speedo. We wished tacho was analogue, instead of speedo. It is alright, though. What is not alright is the utilisation of this 7-inch TFT cluster as it does not show Google Maps and it does not project the LaneWatch camera feed, both of which are limited just to the infotainment screen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay worked fine. However, audio quality could have been better to match some rivals in the segment.
Features continued are auto-dimming IRVM, LED interior lighting, multi-functional steering wheel, cruise control, push-button start (red illuminated, love it), request sensors on both front doors with capacitive unlock, traditional CVT gear selector (love it) and a single-pane sunroof with a manually operated shade.
Comfort & Space
Comfort at the front is good even for my large 6-footer frame. Powered seat adjustment is welcome, but under-thigh support could have been slightly better because rivals have started to offer extendable under-thigh support. Front and rear seats are now ventilated with three fan settings. Ventilation effect was not strong enough to cool us in sunny Rajasthan.
Rear AC vents are there, but airflow felt concentrated around knee level, with limited reach towards the upper body. Rear occupants get three adjustable headrests and a folding centre armrest with cupholders. They get a Type-C port, central rear reading lights are replaced with capacitive individual LED reading lights which look quite upmarket.
Boot space is still the same at around 450L and there is a 60:40 split with the boot, allowing you to expand cargo capacity the way you want. There is halogen lighting for illumination in the boot and a few hooks for practicality. Not all of the advertised boot is usable because overall shape is not square and then there is a small loading lip, which necessitates some effort while loading and unloading. Tailgate is not powered, which is fine.
Drive & Dynamics
The same 1.5L NA Petrol 4-cylinder engine with VVA has been carried forward without any updates. The same 6-speed manual and 7-step CVT gearbox options are retained too. Only CVT variants get paddle shifters and rear disc brakes. We only drove the CVT variant.
The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 121 PS and 145 Nm, delivering adequate performance for everyday driving rather than outright excitement. Refinement remains a strength, and improved cabin insulation makes Elevate facelift feel quieter, particularly for rear-seat passengers.
Under hard acceleration, the CVT’s familiar rubber-band effect remains noticeable, with engine revs rising ahead of a corresponding increase in road speed. Progress is smooth during relaxed driving, but enthusiastic inputs make the transmission’s limitations more apparent.
During our roughly 240 km drive from Gurgaon to Jaipur, which included sustained triple-digit highway speeds, the fuel gauge dropped from an indicated full tank to near empty. That prompted concern about the remaining range, but without a tank-to-tank measurement, we cannot establish actual fuel consumption or draw a reliable comparison with the manual version.
Elevate is softly sprung and you can see the suspension sag when four adults are inside. It is not concerning as we didn’t experience any suspension thunks even on bad roads. When driving full load, you have to be a little mindful of ground clearance, bad roads and speed breakers. Elevate is set up to tackle Indian roads, but not to put a grin on your face. Overall dynamics is decent, even though body roll and nose dive are evident. Initial bite from the added disc brakes are appreciated.
Should You Buy One?
Honda Elevate facelift is a more complete proposition for buyers prioritising space, everyday comfort and a straightforward petrol powertrain. Added equipment addresses several earlier omissions, while improved cabin insulation makes longer journeys more relaxed.
Some features could work better, particularly seat ventilation, camera clarity and infotainment presentation. Enthusiastic drivers may also want stronger performance. For family buyers comfortable with those compromises, however, the updated Elevate deserves a test drive.
