Abhimanyu, the owner of the Honda Elevate, highlights the smooth and proven 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine, also seen in the Honda City. He says it offers a refined drive, suitable for both city and highway usage. He appreciates the refinement levels and feels the engine performs effortlessly across varying speeds. While the CVT gearbox offers convenience in city traffic, he points out the typical rubber-band effect during quick overtakes. He believes the manual transmission would be a better choice for those who enjoy a more connected driving experience.

Bold Design with Proper SUV Appeal

According to the owner, the Honda Elevate gets full marks in terms of styling and SUV presence. He likes the upright stance, strong character lines, and overall road presence which makes it look bigger than many rivals. The chrome accents and sleek LED lighting further enhance its visual appeal. However, he feels the interior could be improved by reducing the use of hard plastics and adding more premium materials.

Ride Comfort Suits Daily and Highway Driving

The owner praised the Elevate’s ride comfort and high-speed stability, saying it handles rough roads, potholes, and speed breakers with ease. He finds the suspension setup well-balanced, offering a smooth experience for city rides and confidence-inspiring behaviour on highways. Even with four passengers and luggage, the SUV remains stable and composed. Braking performance has also been satisfying, with good bite and feedback.

Factory-Fitted CNG Kit Keeps Running Costs Low

One of the key highlights for the owner is the factory-fitted CNG kit that delivers impressive fuel savings. He shares that a full tank of CNG, around 7.5–8 kg, gives him a driving range of approximately 180 to 200 km. When driving on petrol, the Elevate returns about 12 km/l in city traffic and up to 20 km/l on highways. This dual-fuel setup allows him to keep fuel costs under control without compromising on daily practicality.

Cabin Offers Connected Tech and Practicality

The owner says the Elevate strikes a great balance between passenger space and boot space, making it well-suited for family use. He finds the cabin functional, with ample legroom and shoulder room even in the rear seats. He regularly uses wireless Android Auto, which he says is lag-free and intuitive. The Honda Connect app adds convenience by allowing him to track the vehicle and operate basic features remotely. He does wish the sunroof was larger, especially considering other rivals offer a panoramic setup in this price bracket.

ADAS Works Smoothly But Needs Caution

He notes that the ADAS features like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision mitigation braking work seamlessly during highway drives. The alerts are subtle, and the systems intervene only when needed. However, he adds that ADAS should be treated strictly as a driver-assist feature and not as a replacement for attention behind the wheel. He prefers to stay alert and in full control despite having these advanced features.

Maintenance Costs and Ownership Experience

In terms of upkeep, the owner says the Elevate has proven to be light on the pocket. The first two services were free, and the third service at 10,000 km cost him only ₹3,600. He opted for BH series registration, which helped save on RTO charges. He purchased the car for ₹17 lakh on-road post-discounts and feels that it offers strong value for the price. His experience with Honda’s service network has been positive, with professional staff and prompt updates on service schedules.

Honda Elevate Pros and Cons

Positive

• The owner appreciates the SUV-like styling and bold road presence
• Praises the refined 1.5L i-VTEC engine for city and highway use
• Comfortable ride quality and good high-speed stability
• Cabin space is well-optimised for passengers and luggage
• Wireless smartphone connectivity and responsive infotainment
• Honda Connect app offers added convenience
• Good fuel efficiency with both petrol and CNG
• ADAS enhances safety without being annoying
• Low service costs and overall economical to run

Negative

• The owner feels cabin materials could be better
• CVT shows rubber-band effect under sudden throttle inputs
• Sunroof size feels outdated for this segment
• CNG range limited to around 200 km per refill

Verdict: Strong Value in the Mid-Size SUV Segment

The owner concludes that the Honda Elevate is a smart choice for those seeking a dependable, fuel-efficient, and well-equipped SUV. It combines comfort, safety, and practicality while keeping running costs in check, especially with the CNG variant. He recommends the manual transmission for those looking for better performance, but says the CVT is ideal for relaxed, everyday use. Overall, he finds the Elevate to be a solid family SUV with great long-term potential.

Source: The Spirit of Automobiles