Honda has previewed a mildly updated Elevate SUV for India, introducing revised exterior styling and cabin changes three years after the model’s debut. The facelift is scheduled to make its official debut on October 6.

Updated exterior styling

The teaser shows a redesigned front grille featuring segmented lighting positioned between the daytime running lights. The front end also receives darker trim, while the Honda badge has been relocated to the hood. The headlights and side bumper intakes appear unchanged from the current Elevate.

At the rear, the existing taillight assemblies gain full-width LED graphics. Honda has not shown the entire vehicle, so potential changes to the alloy-wheel designs and exterior color options have not been confirmed.

Cabin changes

The teaser provides a brief look at the interior, where the passenger side of the dashboard now appears to use additional white leatherette padding in place of the current wood-look trim. Ambient lighting is also visible.

The infotainment screen is not shown in the preview. The current Elevate is offered with either an 8-inch or 10.25-inch display, and the facelift could bring additional equipment intended to strengthen the SUV’s appeal in India.

Powertrain expected to continue

The Elevate shares its underpinnings with the Honda City sedan. Measuring 4,312 mm (169.8 inches) long, the SUV currently uses a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine producing 119 horsepower (89 kW/121 PS) and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque.

That engine is expected to carry over for the facelift. It sends power to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission.

Pricing and the WR-V connection

Honda has not announced pricing for the updated Elevate. The current model is priced between ₹11.81 lakh and ₹16.36 lakh in India, equivalent to approximately $12,300 to $17,000.

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 facelift could also be applied to the Japanese-market Honda WR-V, which is manufactured in India. Honda previously previewed a more rugged direction for the SUV with the Elevate Field Explorer concept unveiled in late 2023.