Honda has introduced the 2026 Elevate facelift in India with a substantial equipment and styling update over the outgoing version. The facelift is the first major mid cycle update for the midsize SUV since its introduction in 2023. Rather than changing the underlying mechanical package, Honda has concentrated on exterior styling, cabin comfort, technology, convenience features and safety equipment.
The new Honda Elevate is priced from Rs 11.80 lakh to Rs 18.40 lakh, ex showroom Delhi, depending on the variant and transmission. The updated SUV is available in five manual transmission grades and four CVT grades, giving buyers a wider choice across the range.
Exterior Design Changes
The most noticeable difference between the new and old Elevate is the exterior styling. Honda has given the facelift a more aggressive and contemporary appearance while retaining the basic proportions of the original SUV.
At the front, the facelift receives a new Bold Mesh Grille with gloss black elements. The Honda badge has also been repositioned as part of the revised front end. The SUV gets new Tri Bar Signature LED Position Lights that create a different visual identity compared with the outgoing model.
The lower sections of the front and rear bumpers receive additional gloss black treatment. The side and fender garnishes have also been updated. At the rear, one of the biggest visual changes is the introduction of a full width connected LED tail lamp design.
The new model also gets newly finished 17 inch diamond cut alloy wheels with a dark finish. Honda has added Nordic Forest Pearl to the colour range, giving buyers another exterior colour option.
While these changes give the facelift a more modern appearance, the overall dimensions remain largely unchanged. The new Elevate measures 4,312 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width and 1,650 mm in height. It continues with a 2,650 mm wheelbase and 220 mm ground clearance.
Interior and Comfort Updates
The cabin of the new Elevate retains the basic layout of the previous model, but Honda has introduced several upgrades to make it feel more premium.
The facelift gets a new dual tone ivory and black interior theme with soft touch surfaces and gloss black elements. Ambient lighting has also been added to the cabin. Honda has replaced some of the older interior treatment with new decorative elements and updated trim details.
One of the most significant comfort upgrades is the addition of ventilated seats. The new Elevate offers active ventilation for both the front and rear seats. This is a major addition over the outgoing model and is designed to improve comfort, particularly in India's warmer conditions.
The front seats are now power adjustable, with an eight way electrically adjustable driver's seat and four way electrically adjustable front passenger seat. The updated model also continues with a one touch electric sunroof.
Technology and Convenience Features
Honda has also expanded the Elevate's technology package. The facelift comes with a 10.25 inch floating touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also supports Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
Another major addition is the 360 degree Surround Vision Camera. The system provides multiple views around the SUV and is designed to make parking and low speed manoeuvring easier.
The new Elevate also gets front parking sensors in addition to rear parking sensors and the rear camera. USB Type C charging ports have been added at the front and rear.
Other cabin updates include an updated seven inch TFT multi information display, a PM2.5 air quality display with an automatic clean air function and an eight speaker premium surround sound system.
Engine and Transmission
The mechanical package is one area where the facelift remains largely unchanged. Honda continues to use its 1.5 litre i VTEC naturally aspirated petrol engine.
The engine produces 121 PS of maximum power at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of peak torque at 4,300 rpm. It is available with a six speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic gearbox with seven speed paddle shift functionality.
Honda claims fuel efficiency of 15.31 kmpl for the manual version and 16.61 kmpl for the CVT version. Therefore, buyers looking for a major engine or powertrain change will not find one in the 2026 facelift. The focus is instead on improving the overall ownership and driving experience through additional features and technology.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is another important area where the new Elevate receives upgrades. The facelift continues with Honda's Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems.
The system includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lead Car Departure Notification System and Auto High Beam.
A new Low Speed Follow function has also been added to CVT variants. This feature is intended to provide additional convenience in slow moving traffic by assisting with low speed following situations.
The new Elevate also gets a 360 degree camera and front parking sensors. The safety package includes six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist and an electric parking brake with Auto Brake Hold.
Price and Variant Lineup
The 2026 Honda Elevate starts at Rs 11.80 lakh ex showroom in Delhi for the entry level SV manual variant. The V manual variant is priced at Rs 12.29 lakh, while the VX manual starts at Rs 13.93 lakh.
The ZX manual variant is priced at Rs 15.39 lakh and the ZX Plus manual costs Rs 16.80 lakh. The range also includes the ZX Plus Black variant at Rs 16.90 lakh.
For customers choosing the CVT, prices start at Rs 13.79 lakh for the V variant and extend up to Rs 18.30 lakh for the ZX Plus. The ZX Plus Black CVT is priced at Rs 18.40 lakh, ex showroom Delhi.
New Elevate vs Old Elevate
Overall, the 2026 Honda Elevate is an evolutionary update rather than an entirely new SUV. The core platform, dimensions, engine and transmission choices remain familiar to existing Elevate customers.
The biggest differences are in the equipment list. The new model adds a more distinctive exterior design, connected rear lighting, a revised cabin, ambient lighting, ventilated front and rear seats, power adjustable front seats, a 360 degree camera, front parking sensors and additional connectivity features.
The facelift also strengthens the safety and driver assistance package with Low Speed Follow on CVT variants. These changes address some of the areas where the earlier Elevate faced competition from newer and more feature rich rivals.
For existing Elevate buyers, the facelift may not represent a major mechanical change. However, for new customers comparing the SUV with other midsize models, the additional equipment makes the updated version a more competitive proposition.
The 2026 Honda Elevate therefore continues the strengths of the previous model while adding features that modern SUV buyers increasingly expect. Its unchanged 1.5 litre petrol engine means the driving fundamentals remain familiar, but the revised styling, improved cabin comfort, additional technology and upgraded safety equipment give the facelift a more contemporary package.
