The Honda Elevate has been a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, offering a blend of performance, practicality, and premium features. As Honda updates the Elevate for 2025 in Japan, the latest version brings several refinements that enhance its appeal. While not a complete overhaul, these updates make the SUV more stylish, tech-savvy, and comfortable.
In this blog, we’ll take a detailed look at the changes, covering everything from design tweaks and tech enhancements to performance refinements and new features. Whether you’re considering an SUV upgrade or just a Honda enthusiast, this deep dive into the 2025 Honda Elevate’s Japanese update will give you everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
1. Exterior Updates: A Bolder, More Aggressive Look
One of the most noticeable changes in the 2025 Honda Elevate is its exterior design. While the overall silhouette remains unchanged, Honda has introduced subtle yet significant tweaks to enhance its road presence.
🔹 Redesigned Front Grille & Bumper
Honda has slightly redesigned the front grille, giving it a more aggressive and sporty appeal. The new grille features a honeycomb pattern with chrome accents, lending a premium touch while maintaining a rugged aesthetic.
The front bumper has also been subtly reworked, with sharper contours and a wider air intake, contributing to a more aerodynamic design. These changes not only improve the SUV’s look but may also enhance its efficiency.
🔹 Sleeker LED Headlamps & DRLs
The LED headlamps and daytime running lights (DRLs) have been upgraded for a sleeker look and better illumination. The new adaptive LED technology improves visibility in low-light conditions, making night driving safer and more comfortable.
🔹 Fresh Alloy Wheel Designs
The new alloy wheel designs, available in 17-inch and 18-inch variants, add to the SUV’s sporty character. Honda has introduced machine-cut dual-tone alloys that enhance the vehicle’s stance and road grip.
🔹 Additional Color Options
Honda has expanded the color palette for the 2025 Elevate, introducing two new colors—a Pearl White with Black Roof and a Metallic Blue variant. These new shades add more customization options for buyers.
2. Interior & Technology: Smarter, More Premium Cabin
The cabin of the 2025 Honda Elevate sees multiple refinements, focusing on comfort, convenience, and technology. Honda aims to enhance the premium appeal while making the SUV more intuitive for drivers and passengers.
🔹 Larger Infotainment System with Wireless Connectivity
The centerpiece of the updated interior is a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new system has a crisper display, faster response time, and a more user-friendly interface.
🔹 Digital Driver’s Display
The 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster now provides customizable displays, allowing drivers to access navigation, fuel economy stats, and safety alerts seamlessly.
🔹 Premium Upholstery & Soft-Touch Materials
Honda has introduced new premium upholstery choices, including a dual-tone leatherette finish for the top-end variants. Additionally, soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels add to the upscale feel.
🔹 Enhanced Cabin Comfort & Features
- Dual-Zone Climate Control ensures personalized comfort for both driver and passengers.
- Ventilated Front Seats offer relief during hot weather.
- Wireless Charging Pad for added convenience.
- Panoramic Sunroof (available in select trims) enhances the sense of space and luxury.
3. Performance & Engine Enhancements
While the 2025 Honda Elevate retains its 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine, Honda has fine-tuned it for smoother performance and better fuel efficiency.
🔹 Smoother CVT Gearbox
Honda has optimized the CVT gearbox tuning, resulting in seamless gear shifts, better throttle response, and reduced lag. The revised transmission calibration improves urban drivability and fuel economy.
🔹 Improved Fuel Efficiency
The tweaks in transmission and aerodynamics contribute to a slight improvement in mileage, now offering up to 19 km/l (CVT) and 17.5 km/l (manual variant) in standard test conditions.
🔹 No Hybrid Variant Yet
While global markets are seeing an increase in hybrid and electric SUVs, Honda has not introduced a hybrid powertrain for the Elevate yet. However, sources indicate that Honda might consider an e:HEV hybrid version in future updates.
4. Safety Features: Honda Sensing Gets Smarter
Honda’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), branded as Honda Sensing, gets an upgrade in the 2025 Elevate, making it one of the safest SUVs in its class.
🔹 Updated Honda Sensing Features Include:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS): Improved radar sensors detect obstacles more accurately.
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA): Helps in maintaining lane discipline.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Adjusts speed based on surrounding traffic.
- Traffic Sign Recognition: Reads road signs and displays warnings on the driver’s screen.
- Blind Spot Monitoring & Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Enhances situational awareness while changing lanes or reversing.
🔹 360-Degree Camera & Parking Assistance
Honda has introduced a 360-degree surround-view camera for better visibility during parking. The SUV also features front and rear parking sensors to assist in tight spaces.
🔹 Six-Airbag Safety Standard in Top Variants
The 2025 Elevate now offers six airbags as standard in the top-end trims, reinforcing Honda’s commitment to safety.
5. Pricing & Availability in Japan
Honda has positioned the 2025 Elevate as a value-for-money offering in Japan’s competitive SUV market.
🔹 Expected Pricing
The updated Honda Elevate is expected to be priced around ¥2,200,000 – ¥2,800,000 in Japan, which translates to approximately ₹14.5 lakh – ₹18.5 lakh in Indian currency.
🔹 Launch & Global Availability
- The 2025 Elevate is set to launch in Japan by mid-2025.
- India and Southeast Asian markets might receive similar updates later in the year.
- No official word on whether the North American or European markets will get the Elevate.
Final Thoughts: Is the 2025 Honda Elevate Worth It?
The 2025 Honda Elevate may not be a drastic redesign, but it brings several meaningful upgrades that enhance its appeal. From a sharper design and better tech to improved fuel efficiency and smarter safety features, this SUV remains a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.
✅ Pros:
✔️ Fresh exterior styling & new color options ✔️ Improved tech with larger infotainment & digital driver’s display ✔️ Enhanced safety with upgraded Honda Sensing ADAS ✔️ Better fuel efficiency & smoother CVT tuning ✔️ Premium cabin feel with ventilated seats & panoramic sunroof
❌ Cons:
❌ No hybrid variant yet ❌ No diesel engine option ❌ Panoramic sunroof limited to top trims
🚘 Would you consider the updated 2025 Honda Elevate for your next SUV purchase? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!