2026 Honda Elevate New vs Old: 10 Major Changes You Should Know Before Buying

2026 Honda Elevate new vs old comparison covering design, features, safety, comfort, prices and engine changes in the facelifted SUV.

Introduction

The 2026 Honda Elevate New Vs Old comparison is important because Honda has given its mid-size SUV its first major update since its 2023 launch. The facelift brings a sharper exterior, a more premium cabin, additional comfort features and improved safety technology.

However, Honda has not changed the basic engine or transmission setup. So, is the new Elevate a major upgrade or simply a feature-rich facelift? Let’s compare the two models.

1. Exterior Design Is Now Bolder

The biggest visible change in the 2026 Honda Elevate New Vs Old comparison is at the front.

The new Elevate gets:

New gloss-black honeycomb grille
New tri-bar LED position lights
Repositioned Honda logo on the bonnet
More gloss-black exterior elements
Updated 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
Connected LED tail-lamps

The older Elevate had a more conventional chrome grille and a simpler rear lighting design.

The overall SUV dimensions and basic side profile remain almost unchanged.

2. Connected LED Tail-Lamps

At the rear, the new Elevate gets full-width connected LED tail-lamps.

This gives the SUV a wider and more modern appearance. The older model had a connecting element between the tail-lamps, but the central section was not fully illuminated.

3. New Premium Cabin

The old Elevate used a tan-and-black cabin theme on some variants. The facelift moves to a more premium Ivory-and-Black interior.

The new model also gets:

Soft-touch dashboard treatment
Piano-black details
Premium leather upholstery
Wrap-around ambient lighting
Updated cabin lighting
Illuminated passenger vanity mirror

The result is a more premium-looking cabin compared with the outgoing model.

4. Ventilated Seats Are a Major Upgrade

One of the biggest changes is seating comfort.

The new Elevate gets ventilated front seats and ventilated rear seats, with Honda describing the rear-seat ventilation as a first-in-segment feature.

Higher variants also get power-adjustable front seats, including an 8-way driver’s seat and 4-way front passenger seat.

This is a significant improvement over the old model.

5. 360-Degree Camera Added

The old Elevate’s rear camera was useful, but the facelift goes much further.

The new model gets a 360-degree Surround View Camera, along with front parking sensors. This should make parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces much easier (2026 Honda Elevate New Vs Old).

6. Bigger 10.25-Inch Touchscreen

The new Elevate gets a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It also supports the 360-degree camera, rear-view functions, Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

The facelift continues to offer the wireless phone charger and other connectivity features from the previous model.

7. ADAS Gets Better

Honda has retained its Honda SENSING safety technology but added Low-Speed Follow to CVT variants.

The system includes features such as:

Collision Mitigation Braking
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Keeping Assist
Road Departure Mitigation
Auto High Beam
Lead Car Departure Notification

This makes the new Elevate more competitive with feature-rich rivals (2026 Honda Elevate New Vs Old).

8. Better Cabin Quietness

Honda has also worked on one area that was criticised in the old model: NVH or cabin noise.

The company has added more sound-deadening material behind the instrument panel and around the wheel wells to make the new Elevate quieter and more comfortable.

9. Engine Remains the Same

This is where the 2026 Honda Elevate New Vs Old comparison shows very little change.

Both models use the same:

1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine

Power: 121 PS
Torque: 145 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual / CVT
New claimed efficiency: 15.31 kmpl MT / 16.61 kmpl CVT

There is no new hybrid powertrain with this facelift.

10. Price Has Increased at the Top

The new Elevate starts at Rs 11.80 lakh, the same starting price as the outgoing model.

However, like-for-like variants have seen increases, while Honda has added a new ZX+ top trim.

Model	Old Elevate	New Elevate
Starting price	Rs 11.80 lakh	Rs 11.80 lakh
V MT	Rs 12.27 lakh	Rs 12.29 lakh
VX MT	Rs 13.92 lakh	Rs 13.93 lakh
ZX MT	Rs 15.18 lakh	Rs 15.39 lakh
Top variant	Rs 16.36 lakh	Rs 18.40 lakh*

*ZX+ Black CVT. Prices are ex-showroom.

2026 Honda Elevate New Vs Old: Should You Buy the New One?

Yes, if you want more features and premium comfort.

The new Elevate brings meaningful upgrades such as the 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, larger touchscreen, ambient lighting, powered seats, improved ADAS and a more premium cabin.

However, if you already own the old Elevate and are expecting a major performance upgrade, there is little reason to change. The engine, basic dimensions and overall driving package remain familiar.

FAQs

What is new in the 2026 Honda Elevate?

The facelift gets new exterior styling, connected LED tail-lamps, ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, ambient lighting, powered seats and improved ADAS.

Has the Honda Elevate engine changed?

No. It continues with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 121 PS and 145 Nm.

Does the new Elevate get a hybrid engine?

No, the 2026 facelift continues with the petrol engine and does not introduce a hybrid powertrain.

Does the new Elevate get a 360-degree camera?

Yes. The facelift introduces a 360-degree Surround View Camera.

Is the 2026 Elevate bigger than the old model?

The basic dimensions remain essentially unchanged. The facelift focuses more on styling, features and comfort upgrades.

Conclusion

The 2026 Honda Elevate New Vs Old comparison shows that Honda has focused on the areas where the SUV needed improvement. The facelift looks bolder, feels more premium and offers significantly more equipment.

The unchanged petrol engine may disappoint buyers expecting a hybrid or major performance upgrade, but the added comfort and technology make the new Elevate a much stronger overall package.

In simple words: New Elevate = Same proven engine + much better features + fresher design + more premium cabin.

Disclaimer: Prices, specifications and features are based on information available at the time of writing and may vary by variant or location. Please confirm the latest details with an authorised Honda dealer before purchase.