Honda’s first facelift for the Elevate brings a sharper look, a more premium cabin and new features as the SUV prepares to launch on October 6
Honda is giving the Elevate its first major update since the SUV was launched in India in 2023. The 2026 Elevate facelift will get a revised exterior, changes inside the cabin and a longer features list. Pre-bookings are already open for Rs 21,000, with the official launch scheduled for October 6. India will also be the first market globally to get the updated SUV.
The most noticeable change is at the front. The facelift gets a new grille with a geometric pattern, while the Honda logo has been moved from the grille to the bonnet. The SUV also gets segmented LED DRLs and a new lighting signature. At the rear, Honda has added connected LED tail-lights, giving the Elevate a wider appearance. The bumper and alloy wheel designs are also expected to be revised. The overall shape of the SUV, however, remains familiar rather than being completely redesigned.
The changes continue inside, although Honda has not revealed the complete cabin yet. The teaser shows lighter-coloured upholstery and revised dashboard and door trim, along with ambient lighting. More importantly, Honda is expected to add some of the features that have been missing from the Elevate.
These could include ventilated front seats, a powered co-driver’s seat, rear sunblinds, dual-zone climate control and a factory-fitted 360-degree camera. Honda has already indicated that some of these features, currently available as accessories, could be offered directly from the factory on the facelift.
There doesn’t appear to be a major mechanical change planned. The Elevate facelift is expected to retain the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces around 121hp and 145Nm. The engine is expected to continue with the six-speed manual and CVT gearbox options. Interestingly, the strong-hybrid powertrain available with the City is not expected to make its way to the Elevate with this facelift.
Honda has opened bookings for the updated Elevate ahead of its October 6 launch. The company has not revealed prices yet, although the facelift is expected to command a premium over the outgoing SUV. The changes are fairly focused. Honda isn’t reinventing the Elevate, but is addressing some of the areas where the SUV has started to fall behind newer rivals. Connected lighting, a fresher cabin and features such as ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera could make the updated Elevate considerably better equipped than the current model.