Honda Cars India is all set to launch the facelifted Elevate in early October 2026, ahead of the festive season. The mid-size SUV is expected to get updated exterior and interior design, larger touchscreen, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, and improved ADAS, on the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine.
Exterior: Updated front grille treatment, LED lamps, and SUV-inspired bumpers
While the facelifted Honda Elevate will not be a complete redesign, the automaker is expected to give the mid-size SUV a more premium and sportier look to stay in contention with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara.
Some of the exterior design changes that can come with the facelifted Honda Elevate:
More prominent front grille treatment with updated chrome or glossy-black detailing on the bumper, inspired by Honda’s latest global design language
New projector headlamps, LED tail lamps, and DRL graphics to give the front end a bolder look
New front and rear bumpers with sharper creases and updated faux skid plates for a sportier SUV stance
New 17-inch alloy wheel design, which will give the side profile a slight update
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Updated taillamp graphic treatment for the rear bumpers
The overall silhouette of the Honda Elevate will most likely stay the same for the facelift as it is a mid-cycle update. The same goes for the roof rails and window line treatment.
Interior: Bigger infotainment screen, new theme, and ventilated seats as standard
The interior of the facelifted Honda Elevate is also expected to see significant updates, with some of the much-needed features that were missing in the current model. In particular, the 2026 Honda Elevate is expected to get ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, and bigger infotainment screen, with the last two features becoming standard on higher trims.
Among the interior upgrades, the most needed ones in our opinion, will be:
Bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system (same as the one in the facelifted Honda City)
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support on higher trims
Front ventilated seats, which were available only in the Honda City hatchback until now
360-degree camera view with blind-view monitor on premium trims
New cabin theme, interior seat upholstery, and revised dashboard graphics
Upgraded LEVEL 2 ADAS driving assistance system
Some much-needed active safety tech features, such as the panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, powered front seats, and rear sunblinds, are still likely to be deferred to future models or reserved for the higher trims.
Engine: Same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine; hybrid not arriving soon
The engine line-up of the facelifted Honda Elevate is expected to stay the same, with the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine retaining its place in the line-up. The engine produces 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque and comes with either a 6-speed MT or a 7-speed CVT automatic gearbox.
While earlier there were reports of a strong-hybrid variant of the Honda Elevate coming to India in the near future, the latest information suggests that at least for now, Honda has no plans for hybrid powertrains in the mid-size SUV segment. The automaker is instead focusing on the development of the 0 Alpha EV electric SUV for India, with other new SUV launches anticipated between 2026 and 2028.
Expected pricing and competitor comparison
With the 2026 facelift, the Honda Elevate is expected to see a slight price hike over the current model, which starts at ₹11.81 lakh and goes up to ₹16.36 lakh ex-showroom depending on the variant and location. However, the overall positioning of the facelifted Honda Elevate is expected to stay similar to the current model, meaning it will still be a premium mid-size SUV that competes directly with the likes of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and Renault Duster.
Expected features that are missing from the 2026 Honda Elevate
The upcoming facelift of the Honda Elevate will see several much-needed updates and upgrades across the board, but there are still some features that we expect to see in the next-generation model, including:
Panoramic sunroof
Dual-zone climate control
Power-adjustable front seats (including the co-driver’s seat)
Rear sunblinds for added privacy and comfort
These much-needed features are likely to come with the next major update of the Honda Elevate, possibly in 2028 or later.
Who should buy the facelifted Honda Elevate?
The facelifted Honda Elevate is a great option for buyers who want a reliable petrol SUV with a refined driving experience and a warranty. It is also an attractive choice for those who want ventilated front seats, bigger infotainment screen, and 360-degree camera that were not available in the previous model.
The 2026 facelift of the Honda Elevate is a solid update that will make it even more competitive against the rivals, but if you have been considering the current model, it may be worth waiting for the minor update that is due later this year.
What is next for Honda SUVs in India?
In addition to the facelift of the Honda Elevate, the automaker has several other upcoming SUV launches in India for 2025-2027, including:
The 0 Alpha EV electric SUV – expected to debut in late 2025 or early 2026
A sub-4-metre SUV to compete with the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, and Renault Kiger
A new mid-size SUV (possibly 7-seater) to complement the Honda CR-V and position itself above the Honda Elevate
The all-new Honda CR-V Hybrid– expected to debut in mid-2026
While the facelifted Honda Elevate will help the automaker maintain its presence in the mid-size SUV segment, the next few years will see Honda unveiling several new models that will utilise the benefits of electrification to offer more compelling value to Indian buyers.
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