All-new Elevate is Honda's new global SUV, could PH get it?

Remember when Honda teased an all-new SUV for the Indian market? Well, it recently made its global debut in the country, and the automaker dubbed it as their new global SUV.

This is the 2024 Honda Elevate, and it looks promising with its chiseled looks, compact size, and a long list of standard features plus amenities. Officially launched in New Delhi, the Elevate will be the first country to manufacture and sell the Elevate for global markets. Moreover, it was developed by Honda R&D Asia Pacific center in Thailand to match the needs and aspirations of younger customers who are looking for status, comfort, and an active lifestyle.

Starting with its design, the Elevate has a sculpted look that differs from its closest sibling, the HR-V. Whereas the latter has a more sweeping, coupe-like design, the former has a more SUV-like look with its large LED headlights, massive front grille, distinct beltline, angled rear quarters, and inverted L-shaped taillights. What is perhaps the most peculiar feature on the Elevate are 17-inch alloy wheels which keen-eyed viewers will notice is also the same ones found in the BR-V.

In terms of size, the Elevate is slightly smaller than the HR-V but is marginally taller. Measuring 4321mm long, 1790mm wide, and 1650mm tall, the Elevate is 73mm shorter in terms of length but has the same width as the HR-V. When it comes to height, however, the Elevate is 60mm taller compared to the HR-V. The Elevate's wheelbase is 2650mm which is 40mm more than the HR-V's – allowing for more legroom and cargo space. Last but not least is its ground clearance which is rated at 220mm which beats the HR-V's 181 to 196mm.

Inside, the Elevate's interior features a “Progressive and Protective” interior design that highlights comfort, functionality, and safety. On high-grade models, the seats are upholstered with a tan-like leather finish which gives the cabin a warm ambiance. Meanwhile, other parts of the cabin are finished in a two-tone tan and black finish which gives the Elevate a more sophisticated look and feel.

When it comes to features, the Elevate comes with the following; a 7-inch digital multi-info display, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a rear center armrest, assistant side view monitor that provides extra visibility when turning right, an electric sunroof, a wireless phone charger, 60:40 split rear seats, charging points for the front and rear passengers, rear A/C vents, and 458-liter cargo space.

Under the hood, the Elevate comes with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine. It makes 121 PS along with 145 Nm of torque and can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed CVT. If those figures sound familiar, that's because it's the same engine that powers the HR-V S and the BR-V.

As mentioned earlier, the Elevate is available with Honda Sensing. This gives SUVs a host of intelligent driver aids like; collision mitigation braking systems, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, lead car departure notification, and auto high beam.

The all-new Elevate will be hitting Indian roads soon and will be offered in other global markets in the future. The question now is, could the Honda Elevate make its way here? And could it co-exist with the HR-V if it actually lands in the Philippines?