Is it worth nearly $17,000 for a Honda Elevate that looks ready for adventure but isn't? That's the question we're tackling with the new Elevate ADV Edition, the latest offering from Honda for the Indian market. This SUV, built for India and exported to places like Japan (where it's known as the WR-V), aims to capture the attention of younger buyers who crave a rugged aesthetic. But does it deliver on its promises? Let's dive in.
This new ADV Edition boasts a refreshed look, including a new grille design with vertical slits and a vibrant orange stripe. Orange accents also appear on the bumper intakes, paired with glossy black alloy wheels, and an aluminum-look skid plate at the rear. You'll also find black and orange decals on the hood, ADV lettering on the front doors, and special emblems on the front fenders and tailgate. Buyers can choose between Meteoroid Gray Metallic and Lunar Silver Metallic shades, both available with a black roof.
Inside, the theme continues with a black headliner and leatherette upholstery stitched in 'Active Orange.' This color also highlights the door panels, gear knob, and air vents. The standout feature is a new illuminated panel on the passenger side of the dashboard, displaying an ADV terrain pattern that cycles through seven colors. The equipment list remains generous, including a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a 7-inch display between analog dials, an eight-speaker sound system, and a sunroof. Safety features include six airbags and Honda's ADAS suite as standard.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite its adventurous appearance, the Elevate ADV Edition doesn't offer any mechanical upgrades. It remains front-wheel drive only, powered by the familiar 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, producing 119 hp (89 kW / 121 PS) and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque. This power is delivered to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT with seven simulated gears.
The Elevate, at 4,312 mm (169.8 inches) long, shares its platform with the Honda City sedan, which explains the absence of all-wheel drive. However, it does offer a respectable 220 mm (8.7 inches) of ground clearance, making it suitable for the varied road conditions found in India.
And this is the part most people miss... The Elevate ADV Edition is positioned as the range-topping variant, priced between Rs. 15,29,000 and 16,66,800 ($17,300–18,800), depending on the chosen specification. The standard model starts at Rs. 10,99,900 ($12,400). So, you're paying a premium for the visual upgrades. Do you think the aesthetic enhancements justify the price, even without any performance upgrades? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
