Honda Elevate Facelift Pre-Bookings Open Ahead of October 6 Launch
Honda Cars India has officially opened pre-bookings for the upcoming Elevate facelift, with customers able to reserve the SUV at authorized dealerships for a token amount of Rs 21,000. The updated model is scheduled for a formal market launch on October 6, 2026, and will be the first global market to receive these enhancements. The company has released a teaser confirming significant cosmetic revisions to the exterior and interior, aimed at bolstering the SUV's competitiveness in the crowded midsize segment.
According to Times of India Auto, the compact SUV segment recorded 53,023 sales in August 2026 across 11 key models, with Honda Elevate accounting for 1,326 units. According to Fortune India, for Honda Cars India, Honda opened pre-bookings ahead of the festive season, a key period for passenger vehicle sales in India.
According to Times of India Auto, honda Elevate recorded 1,326 sales in August 2026, lagging behind market leaders Hyundai Creta with 16,288 units and Kia Seltos with 11,716 units. According to Group Landmark, the Honda Elevate's current average ex-showroom price ranges from ₹11.59 lakh to ₹16.84 lakh.
According to Autocar India, honda Cars India opened pre-launch bookings across authorized dealerships nationwide for ₹21,000 ahead of the October 6 debut. According to Fortune India, honda refreshed the Elevate's cabin and exterior styling to stay competitive against midsize segment rivals Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Exterior and Interior Design Updates
The teaser reveals a more aggressive front fascia, characterized by a revised gloss-black grille featuring a hexagonal honeycomb pattern. A notable design shift sees the Honda logo relocated from the grille to the bonnet, mirroring the aesthetic seen on the City facelift. The vehicle retains its existing bi-projector LED headlamps, but introduces new segmented LED daytime running lamps and a true connected LED tail-light setup, replacing the dummy unit found on the current model. The exterior also features a silver skid plate on the front bumper.
Inside, the cabin receives a refresh with a redesigned dashboard, incorporating white leatherette padding and stitching. Amber ambient lighting, previously available only as a dealership-level accessory, is now integrated into the dashboard and door pads. The central AC vents have also been slimmed down to provide a more modern look.
Powertrain and Feature Expectations
Under the hood, the Elevate facelift is expected to retain the current 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. This unit produces 121hp and 145Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-step CVT. Despite market speculation, the 1.5-litre strong-hybrid powertrain currently offered in the City is not expected to be included in this update.
While official feature lists remain under wraps, the facelift is anticipated to address gaps in the current model's equipment. Potential additions include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable driver seat, and front parking sensors. It is anticipated that the existing safety features, comprising a Level 2 ADAS setup and six airbags, will remain unchanged. Pricing for the updated SUV is projected to range between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 18 lakh, positioning it against rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and the upcoming Renault Duster.