This Japanese SUV since its launch last year has put out decent sales numbers given it isn’t really much of a threat to any SUV in its segment around its price!

The Honda Elevate, an SUV launched in India last year has positioned itself as a decent contender in the compact SUV segment. However, with rivals like the Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Curvv, MG Astor, and Citroen Basalt, Elevate’s missing features stand out in a highly competitive market. Let’s delve into the specifics of these missing features and how they impact Honda Elevate’s stance against its rivals.

Key Features Missing in Honda Elevate

1. Ventilated Driver and Co-Driver Seats
   • In India’s warm climate, ventilated seats are a practical feature that boosts passenger comfort.
   • Rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos include this feature, offering an edge in overall driving comfort, especially during long journeys.
2. Electrically Adjustable Driver’s Seat
   • An electrically adjustable driver’s seat allows for greater personalization and ease in finding the ideal driving position.
   • Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Tata Curvv include this feature, enhancing driver comfort and convenience.
3. 360-Degree Surround View Camera
   • Many Indian cities have narrow lanes and high-traffic areas, making a 360-degree camera highly valuable.
   • The Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder offer this feature, assisting drivers in parking and navigating tight spaces.
4. Panoramic Sunroof
   • A panoramic sunroof is increasingly popular, bringing an airy feel to the cabin.
   • The Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara provide this feature, adding a premium touch that appeals to family buyers.

1. Dual-Zone Climate Control
   • Dual-zone climate control allows front-seat occupants to set individual temperatures, a luxury Honda Elevate lacks.
   • This feature, available in Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta, adds convenience, especially during long drives.
2. Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold Function
   • An electronic parking brake with auto hold is a modern feature that eases the burden of stop-and-go traffic.
   • Available in the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Tata Curvv, etc.
3. Fully Digital Instrument Cluster
   • A fully digital instrument cluster of size 10.25-inch similar to Creta or Seltos provides better visibility and data customization, giving the cabin a tech-forward feel.
4. Terrain Modes:
   • Terrain modes are particularly useful for off-road and challenging driving conditions, which some Indian buyers consider essential.
   • Offered by the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, this feature allows better adaptability on different terrains.

Honda Elevate’s Competitive Edge

Despite lacking these features, Honda Elevate has its own strengths that appeal to Indian buyers:

• Spacious Cabin and Practical Design: Honda is known for maximizing cabin space, and the Elevate is no exception, making it a great choice for families.
• Refined Engine and Driving Dynamics: Honda has a reputation for smooth and fuel-efficient engines, offering a refined drive experience even in urban settings.
• Build Quality and Reliability: Honda’s reliability and after-sales support gives the Elevate a trustworthy reputation among buyers who prioritize long-term ownership.

Final Thoughts

The Honda Elevate brings quality, reliability, and a practical design to the competitive Indian SUV segment. However, the absence of key features like ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and terrain modes can deter feature-seeking buyers, especially when rivals like Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Kia Seltos have already set high standards.

For Honda to maximize Elevate’s market potential, addressing these feature gaps in future variants could enhance its appeal and strengthen its position among India’s compact SUV frontrunners.