Honda To Launch 3 New SUVs In India

Honda is all set to launch 3 new SUVs in the Indian market, starting 2026. This strategy will be continuation of the SUV-first approach that the Japanese car maker plans to adopt for the Indian market, where most new launches will comprise of SUVs rather than sedans, hatchbacks or other body styles.

The first new SUV will be Elevate EV, which while being based on the Elevate, will get EV-specific styling. It’ll arrive in 2026, along with the facelifted model of the Elevate. Battery specifications and other details of the Elevate Electric SUV will be revealed closer to launch. For now, we know that it’s not going to be a ‘born-electric’ SUV but one that’s based on the current version of the Elevate.

Apart from the Elevate EV and the facelifted Elevate, Honda is also said to be working on a 7 seat SUV, possibly a seven seat version of the Elevate, stretched out to accommodate the extra row of passengers. Again, details of the 7 seat SUV remain scarce for now.

If the new 7 seat Honda SUV uses the Elevate platform,  it’s likely to share its mechanicals with the Elevate, and this includes a 1.5 liter iVTEC petrol engine, 5 speed manual and CVT automatic gearboxes.

The third Honda SUV for India remains somewhat of a mystery, and we’ll have to wait and watch for an official announcement. It’s either likely to be a SUV that sits below the Elevate, in the hotly contested sub-4 meter compact SUV segment, or something larger. If it’s something larger, it will have to possibly occupy the segment vacated by the CR-V as the 7 seat SUV is likely to sit below it.

Honda’s just launched a new Amaze

Weeks ago, Honda introduced the new Amaze sedan in India. The car gets fresh styling and is the third generation version of the compact sedan. It gets a 1.2 liter i-VTEC petrol engine with 5 speed manual and CVT automatic gearbox options.

Interestingly, Honda is selling the old Amaze with the new model. The idea is to offer the older generation model for those who want a more affordable car while the new Amaze will be aimed at those who want a fresher car, with more features.

The two other cars that Honda sells in India currently include the City sedan and the Elevate SUV. Both cars get the same engine and gearbox options – the tried and tested 1.5 liter i-VTEC petrol engine (118 Bhp-145 Nm), and 5 speed manual and CVT automatic gearboxes. The City sedan is aimed at those who want a very refined and comfortable full-sized sedan known for high reliability and smoothness.

The Elevate is for those who want additional ground clearance, ruggedness and the SUV form factor. Currently, the Elevate is Honda’s best selling product, but could soon be overtaken by the newly launched Amaze – a much more affordable car that’s aimed at budget sedan buyers. To make the Elevate more appealing, the electric variant should be joined by the hybrid model. The hybrid version will make the Elevate a far more interesting choice as the lack of diesel is a major hampering factor for sales.