Honda Cars India is gearing up to strengthen its presence in the competitive midsize SUV segment with the launch of the Honda Elevate Hybrid in 2026. Initially launched in 2023 without a hybrid option, the Elevate missed an opportunity to capitalize on India’s growing demand for fuel-efficient, electrified vehicles. Responding to market trends and intensifying competition from models like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda is now set to introduce a strong hybrid variant of the Elevate, leveraging the proven 1.5L Atkinson Cycle petrol-hybrid powertrain from the Honda City e:HEV. Here’s a comprehensive look at what the Elevate Hybrid will bring to the table.
Powertrain: Proven Efficiency from the City e:HEV
The Honda Elevate Hybrid will adopt the same strong hybrid system as the Honda City e:HEV, ensuring a seamless blend of performance and efficiency. This powertrain features a 1.5L, 4-cylinder petrol engine operating on the fuel-efficient Atkinson Cycle, paired with two electric motors:
- Generator Motor: Starts the engine and charges the lithium-ion battery pack.
- Drive Motor: Powers the vehicle using electricity from the battery, enabling electric-only driving in low-speed conditions.
Together, this petrol-electric setup delivers 126 hp and 253 Nm of torque, transmitted to the front wheels via an e-CVT automatic gearbox. The system is tuned for maximum efficiency, with the City e:HEV achieving an ARAI-certified fuel economy of 27.26 kmpl. In the Elevate Hybrid, this powertrain is expected to offer similar efficiency, potentially exceeding 25 kmpl, making it a strong contender against the Grand Vitara (27.97 kmpl) and Hyryder (27.97 kmpl), both of which use Toyota’s strong hybrid system.
The strong hybrid system allows the Elevate to switch seamlessly between electric, hybrid, and engine-only modes, optimizing fuel consumption in urban and highway conditions. This versatility positions it as an ideal choice for buyers seeking eco-friendly performance without the range anxiety associated with fully electric vehicles.
Design and Features: Building on the Elevate’s Strengths
The Honda Elevate Hybrid is expected to retain the core design of the standard Elevate, which combines a bold, upright stance with modern aesthetics. However, to differentiate the hybrid variant, Honda is likely to introduce subtle updates, including:
- ‘Hybrid’ Badge: Exclusive badging on the exterior to highlight the electrified powertrain.
- Hybrid-Specific Software: Updates to the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system to display hybrid-specific data, such as energy flow, battery status, and fuel efficiency metrics.
- Exterior Tweaks: Potential enhancements like updated alloy wheel designs, revised grille accents, or LED lighting signatures to distinguish the hybrid model.
The standard Elevate already boasts a feature-rich cabin, and the hybrid variant is expected to build on this with premium touches. Key features from the top-spec ZX trim of the City e:HEV are likely to carry over, including:
- 10.2-inch Touchscreen Infotainment: With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Digital Driver’s Display: Enhanced with hybrid-specific readouts.
- Level 2 ADAS: Including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking, aligning with Honda’s safety-focused approach.
- Premium Comfort: Leatherette upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting.
- Safety Suite: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, and a 360-degree camera.
The Elevate Hybrid is expected to be offered in a fully loaded variant, similar to the City e:HEV’s ZX trim, following the discontinuation of the lower V trim in the sedan’s hybrid lineup.
The standard Honda Elevate is priced between ₹11.69 lakh and ₹16.43 lakh (ex-showroom), competing with midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara. The Elevate Hybrid, with its advanced strong hybrid powertrain, is likely to command a premium, with prices starting around ₹15 lakh and top-end trims approaching ₹20 lakh. This positions it directly against the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid (₹10.99 lakh–₹20.58 lakh) and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid (₹16.66 lakh–₹20.19 lakh), both of which benefit from Toyota’s hybrid expertise.
Honda’s decision to introduce the Elevate Hybrid aligns with the growing popularity of hybrids in India, where sales reached 1.25 lakh units in 2024, outpacing electric vehicles in certain periods. Favorable government policies, such as a reduced 18% GST rate on hybrids with engines under 1.5L, further enhance the Elevate Hybrid’s appeal in the price-sensitive Indian market.
Competition: Taking on the Hybrid Heavyweights
The midsize SUV segment is fiercely competitive, and the Elevate Hybrid will face strong rivals in the hybrid space:
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid: Powered by a 1.5L Atkinson Cycle petrol-hybrid system, it delivers 115 hp and an impressive 27.97 kmpl. Its lower starting price and Maruti’s extensive service network make it a formidable competitor.
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid: Sharing the same powertrain as the Grand Vitara, the Hyryder offers a premium cabin and strong brand reliability, with fuel efficiency matching its Maruti sibling.
- Mahindra XUV 3XO Hybrid (expected 2026): With a 1.2L turbo-petrol hybrid system, Mahindra’s upcoming compact SUV could offer superior performance but may lag slightly in fuel efficiency compared to the Elevate.
The Elevate Hybrid’s advantage lies in Honda’s proven hybrid technology, already successful in the City e:HEV, and its reputation for refinement and reliability. However, it will need to match or exceed the feature set and pricing strategy of its Maruti and Toyota rivals to gain market share.
