Honda Elevate (2024) First Drive Review

Whether you’re married, single, young, old, a mom or a dad, it goes without saying that you need practical wheels. It shouldn’t be too big and easy to park but not too small inside. It should be high, for good visibility and getting in and out easily, but it should feel like a hatch to drive. It should have modern convenience features on board, and it should be safe, but it can’t cost too much, yet wear a badge that’s synonymous with quality and reliability.

It sounds almost impossible, but finding good value isn’t too difficult in this segment if you know where to look, and Honda has just added a new little SUV to their lineup that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Did Honda just Elevate the compact crossover segment?

So, let’s dive into the launch and what Honda offers in terms of their new Ballade-based *Elevate, available in two trim levels, namely the 1.5 Comfort (manual) and 1.5 Executive CVT.

(*It’s worth noting that the Elevate doesn’t serve as a replacement for the 1.2-litre WR-V that launched in 2020 (from R320 800), but is in the same price range as the Honda BR-V 7-seater SUV (from R399 900), and the Honda Fit hatch (from R379 900). 

Bold exterior, spacious interior

Honda knows how important image can be to consumers and has gone all out with a bold octagonal (albeit square-looking) grille, swept-back headlamps with DRLs, square wheel arches and faux bash plates. The top-tier Elegance model is further equipped with 17-inch alloys, LED front fog lamps, and automatic headlights.

The top-spec Elegance model was available for media to sample; this colour is called Phoenix Orange.

I like the look of the crescent-shaped garnish at the bottom end of the doors, which also serves to protect the Elevate’s sheet metal, although the Comfort model’s is more practical as the Elegance derivative’s is body-coloured. At the back, a LED tail light cluster does its thing on both derivatives.

Related: 2022 Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDi - Turbo power for Kia's smallest SUV

At first glance, the boxy shape of the Elevate reminded me of the now-discontinued Vitara Brezza and previous-gen Toyota Urban Cruiser. This form allows for a big cabin and boot for ultimate family friendliness and the Elevate doesn’t disappoint with a class-leading 458 litres of cargo room and a low boot floor for easy loading, along with a spacious second row that will easily seat two adults and a skinnier one in-between. Rear air vents are a nice touch.

The overall shape is much like that of its competitors, especially Kia's Sonet.

Related: Honda CR-V now available in SA

The rear end is a bit generic, but it's neat.

Practicality takes centre stage

While the exterior is bang on-trend, the cabin is slightly on the bland side, but a plain interior usually ages better. Honda employed hard-wearing hard plastics on the dashboard, which alludes to its focus on budget buyers, but there is soft-touch material in the doors and some glossy accents here and there.

The interior isn't terribly exciting, but the quality is decent, and Elegance models get a sunroof as standard.

Overall build quality looks and feels robust. In the Elegance model, the seats are covered in “eco-friendly” faux leather, while the Comfort model (not driven on launch) has cloth seats. 

The full leather upholstery in the Elegance model is a win for families and dog owners.

 

2 USB-A ports in front, an 8-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and a 7-inch TFT multi-info display screen conclude the standard in-car infotainment technology. Elegance models are privy to a wireless charging pad, paddle shifters, and a sunroof, and get a 6-speaker sound system instead of the 4-speaker system in the Comfort. Surprisingly, automatic climate control is standard in both derivatives. (See the bottom of this article for the grade walk.)

Check out the depth and height of that boot!

Driving Impressions: Smooth & efficient

Only the Elegance models with CVT transmission were available on launch, and Cape Town was highly congested, so we didn’t get too much of a chance to stretch the Elevate’s mechanical legs. The coastal drive from Scarborough past Cape Point afforded us a few gaps to overtake slower traffic and the Elevate did so, sure-footedly, without any lean in the corners whatsoever. 

There was only one Comfort model (left) on launch—note the steel wheels and lack of fog lamps—but it's a sweet deal!

The free-revving 1.5-litre engine feels energetic enough for daily, modern life—after all, it’s nothing new—and resides beneath the bonnet of other well-loved Hondas too. As with most of Honda’s Continuous Variable Transmission models, its noise rears its head when you flatten your foot but it’s really not that bad, thanks to a well-insulated cabin. I do enjoy Honda’s manual models more on the open road, but in traffic, the CVT is where it's at; our consumption showed 7 litres per 100 km, proving its mettle in city environments.

Built for the city and beyond.

The absence of USB-C ports is a small drawback, considering many modern devices rely on them for charging and it’s strange that tech-savvy Honda didn’t think to include at least one. I tried to charge my iPhone via the wireless charging pad, but despite showing me a green light on the power button, it didn’t charge at all. It’s not a deal-breaker though; an adaptor can be plugged in and then Bob will be your uncle—I just didn’t have one on hand.

Legroom? Check!

 

After lunch, I jumped into the back of the Elevate to catch a lift to the parking bay and made myself at home on the comfortable seats, air-conditioning in my face on full blast, with plenty of room to stretch out. By the time we arrived, I could see myself as the owner of an Elevate; it’s such a no-nonsense, easy-to-drive, practical car, and you know it’s going to last.

Verdict: A strong contender for budget-savvy SUV seekers

Related: Is the Toyota Urban Cruiser good for long drives?

The Honda Elevate will do well in more than just urban environments.

While some competitors offer specific advantages, the Elevate's combination of Honda reliability, affordability, and a well-rounded package makes it a strong contender in the segment. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and priorities, but knowing how mechanically sound the Honda brand is, the Elevate may just make it into my garage first for years of worry-free ownership. 

Pricing

1.5 Comfort: R369,900

1.5 Elegance CVT: R429,900

Another shot of the Comfort variant.

Grade Walk: Honda Elevate 1.5 Comfort vs. 1.5 Elegance CVT 

Key Differences

Transmission:

• 1.5 Comfort: 6-speed manual
• 1.5 Elegance CVT: CVT with paddle shifters

Engine:

• Both: 1.5L naturally-aspirated i-VTEC, 89 kW/145 Nm

Fuel Economy:

• 1.5 Comfort: 6.7 L/100km
• 1.5 Elegance CVT: 6.1 L/100km

Wheels & Tyres:

• 1.5 Comfort: 16" steel wheels, 215/60R16 tyres
• 1.5 Elegance CVT: 17" alloy wheels, 215/55R17 tyres

Dimensions:

• Both: Same exterior and interior dimensions

Seating:

• Both: 5-seater with 60:40 split rear seats

Comfort & Convenience:

• Both: Automatic climate control, rear ventilation, standard mirrors, electric windows (driver auto up/down)
• 1.5 Elegance CVT: Additional features: rear seatback pockets, power-folding side mirrors, all windows auto up/down, wireless charging pad

Infotainment & Technology:

• Both: 8" touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, USB connectivity (2x), 7-inch TFT screen
• 1.5 Elegance CVT: Additional 2 speakers

Safety:

• Both: ABS, VSA, Hill Start Assist, rear view camera, rear parking sensors, front airbags (2)
• 1.5 Elegance CVT: Additional front side & side curtain airbags (6)

Exterior:

• 1.5 Comfort: Body-coloured door handles, shark fin antenna, roof rails, silver bumper skid garnish, black lower door garnish
• 1.5 Elegance CVT: Chrome door handles, shark fin antenna, roof rails, silver bumper skid garnish, body-coloured lower door garnish, sunroof, LED fog lights, auto headlights

Other:

• Both: Start/Stop button, electric power steering, tilt & telescopic steering wheel

ENDS