Honda Elevate Facelift Launched at ₹11.80 Lakh — India Is the World's First Market

A Bigger Update Than the Price Suggests

Honda Cars India has launched the Elevate facelift at an ex-showroom starting price of ₹11.80 lakh, unchanged from the outgoing base model, even as the SUV gains a long list of equipment. India is the first market in the world to receive the updated Elevate, which is a notable vote of confidence in a model that Honda also builds here and exports to Japan as the WR-V. The update is the Elevate's first major one since its 2023 launch, and a new ZX+ variant now sits at the top of the range.

The most visible changes are up front. The Elevate gets segmented LED daytime running lamps integrated into a new gloss-black honeycomb grille, with the Honda badge moved from the grille onto the bonnet. At the rear, a connected LED light bar now links the tail lamps. New alloy wheels and a fresh Nordic Forest Pearl shade complete the exterior revisions.

Where the Real Upgrades Are

The bigger story is inside, where Honda has finally closed the equipment gap that held the Elevate back against feature-rich rivals. A factory-fitted 360-degree surround camera replaces the dealer-level accessory of the old car, and ventilated front seats are now on the list, with the ZX+ adding rear-seat ventilation. There is an eight-way powered driver's seat, a four-way powered co-driver's seat, rear disc brakes, an electric parking brake, a wireless charger, a PM 2.5 air filter and a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen on higher variants. Honda Sensing, the brand's Level 2 ADAS suite, gains a low-speed follow function, and a LaneWatch camera is included.

Mechanically, nothing changes. The Elevate continues with Honda's 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 121 PS and 145 Nm, paired with a six-speed manual or a CVT. Honda has ruled out a hybrid for the updated SUV, and there is no turbo option, which means the facelift is about comfort and features rather than performance.

What This Means for You

By holding the base price at ₹11.80 lakh while adding a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats and a stronger ADAS package, Honda has made the Elevate a more credible alternative to the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara. The catch is the top end: the ZX+ at ₹16.80 lakh, and more with the CVT, pushes into well-equipped turbo-petrol territory. If you value Honda's refinement, safety and resale over outright power, the mid ZX variant looks like the value pick. Compare the facelift against its rivals on our Compare page and check the on-road price in your city before booking.

(Sources: Honda Cars India, CarWale, India Today, CarLelo. Cover: cover-1-honda-elevate-facelift.jpg)