Honda has introduced a mid-cycle update for the Elevate SUV in India, adding revised front-end styling, upgraded cabin materials and ventilated seats for both rows. Despite the equipment changes, the entry-level version retains the previous starting price.

Built in India, the Elevate entered the market in 2023 and is also exported to Japan, where it is sold as the WR-V. The facelift is intended to keep Honda’s smallest Indian SUV competitive without changing its mechanical package.

Revised exterior design

The most visible change is a redesigned grille that gives the Elevate a more rugged appearance. Honda has moved the badge onto the hood, while the grille now features a honeycomb pattern, black trim and segmented LED position lights positioned between the headlights.

The front bumper itself carries over, although the areas surrounding the fog lights now receive body-colored inserts. The side panels and rear design remain unchanged. A new Nordic Forest Pearl exterior color has also been added to the range.

At the top of the lineup, the ZX+ Black trim combines a darker exterior treatment with black 17-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery. Honda also offers optional protective cladding for the bumpers and doors, along with chrome or dark-chrome decorative inserts.

Ventilated seats added to the cabin

Inside, the outgoing model’s faux-wood dashboard trim has been replaced by expanded leatherette padding. New ambient lighting has also been added, while the center-console trim around the climate controls receives a minor redesign. The freestanding 10.25-inch infotainment display remains in place.

The key interior upgrade is the availability of ventilated front and rear seats. Other newly available equipment includes power-adjustable front seats, rear climate vents, touch-sensitive reading lights and remote engine start. Honda has also improved the vehicle’s insulation.

Safety equipment includes six airbags across the range. Higher-grade versions add Honda Sensing driver-assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. A massage function is not available, unlike on the Skoda Kushaq.

Carry-over powertrain and pricing

The updated Elevate continues to use the same naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces 119 hp (89 kW/121 PS) and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque, with power sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT.

The 4,312-mm (169.8-inch) SUV shares its underpinnings with the Honda City sedan, but it remains available with only this non-electrified powertrain.

Orders for the facelifted Elevate are now open in India. The entry-level SV manual starts at Rs 11.80 lakh, approximately $12,200, matching the predecessor’s price. Other versions receive small increases, with the range-topping ZX+ CVT priced at Rs 18.40 lakh, or about $19,000.

The Elevate competes with models including the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Renault Duster and Nissan Tekton. The updated features will likely also appear on the Japanese-market WR-V, which is built at the same Tapukara, Rajasthan, facility.