Honda ElevateOverviewManufacturerHondaModel codeDG5[1]Also calledHonda WR-V (Japan, Singapore and South America)ProductionAugust 2023 – presentAssemblyDesignerChachawal Prapai, Andhika Dimas Dwiputra, Nirmay, Kaushal Abhay Dabak[3]Body and chassisClassSubcompact crossover SUV (B)Body style5-door SUVLayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-driveRelatedPowertrainEnginePower output89 kW (119 hp; 121 PS)TransmissionDimensionsWheelbase2,650 mm (104.3 in)Length4,312 mm (169.8 in)Width1,790 mm (70.5 in)Height1,650 mm (65.0 in)ChronologyPredecessorHonda WR-V (Brazil and Argentina)
The Honda Elevate is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) produced by Honda since 2023. It was introduced in June 2023 in India. It is also marketed in Japan as the Honda WR-V which went on sale in 2024.[4]
According to Honda, the name Elevate is a backronym, which the name represents ’empowerment, liberation, exploration, versatility, aspiration, transformation and evolution’.[5]
The Elevate was unveiled in India on 6 June 2023.[6] Developed by Honda R&D Asia Pacific in Thailand under the lead of Large Project Leader Munetsugu Kaneko,[7] the Elevate is built on the Global Small Car platform which also underpins the seventh-generation City. Its exterior dimensions are comparable to the Fit-based, global-oriented HR-V/Vezel. It is the only Honda SUV available in India at the time of its introduction, following the discontinuation of the first-generation WR-V.[8]
According to Honda, the boot space is rated at 458 litres (16.2 cu ft). Its ground clearance is claimed at 220 mm (8.7 in), and the turning radius is 5.2 m (17.1 ft). It is also available with optional single-pane sunroof, and Honda Sensing, a advanced driver-assistance systems package.[9]
The Elevate is equipped with the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine shared with the City. Peak output for this engine is rated at 89 kW (119 hp; 121 PS) and 145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) of torque. This engine is also designed to run on E20 fuel.[9] Honda stated that the Elevate will be available as a battery electric vehicle “in the next three years”.[7]
The facelift was unveiled on 2 September 2025, the exterior features an ‘Alpha-Bold Plus Grille’ with nine vertical slats and a thick chrome surround, available as standard on the Signature Black Edition or optional on other trims. The top-spec ZX variant added an ‘Ivory’ interior theme with white leatherette seats and soft-touch materials, joining existing Tan and Black schemes. New features include an optional 360-degree camera and seven-color ambient lighting on ZX models, with black fabric upholstery replacing beige on V and VX trims.[10]
The vehicle was introduced in Japan on 16 November 2023 as the Honda WR-V.[11] Imported from India, the WR-V is marketed in three variants, namely X, Z, and Z+.[12] Honda Japan targets monthly sales of 3,000 units.[13] In April 2025, the Honda Elevate was crash tested by the Japanese NCAP and it scored a 5-star rating.[14]
The Elevate was launched in South Africa on 23 February 2024, it is available in two trim levels: Comfort (manual) and Elegance (CVT).[15]
The Honda WR-V was relaunched in Argentina on 23 January 2026. it is imported from Brazil. it is offered exclusively in EXL trim level, powered by a both powered by a 1.5-litre DI i-VTEC petrol flex-fuel engine paired with a CVT.[16]
The Honda WR-V was relaunched in Brazil on 16 October 2025 after a three-year hiatus. Locally assembled in Itirapina, it is offered in EX and EXL trim levels, both powered by a 1.5-litre DI i-VTEC petrol flex-fuel engine paired with a CVT.[17]
- Official website