The facelifted Honda Elevate has been revealed in India – and the Japanese brand’s local division has already confirmed when we will see the updated crossover in SA…
- Refreshed Honda Elevate revealed in India
- Updates to crossover are largely cosmetic
- Facelifted model expected in SA in H1 2027
Meet the facelifted Honda Elevate. Freshly revealed in India, the updated crossover debuts a handful of exterior design changes as well as some new equipment. And it’s already been locked in for South Africa, where the Elevate serves on Honda’s top seller.
Yes, Honda Motor Southern Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the refreshed Elevate is scheduled to touch down in Mzansi at some point in the opening half of 2027, with various specification “enhancements” on the cards.
From what we can tell, the Elevate’s facelift is largely cosmetic. Up front, you’ll notice a new gloss-black, honeycomb-effect grille, above which Honda’s designers have added a trio of LED strips (effectively connecting the headlamps).
The chrome trim that was sited above the pre-facelift model’s grille falls away in favour of a black bar, while the foglamp bezels gain body-coloured elements. Interestingly, the Honda badge has been shifted from the grille to the leading edge of the bonnet.
Around back, the taillights are now linked by an in-vogue LED bar. Taking a look at the profile, we see the 2-tone alloy-wheel design appears to have been retained. We do, however, expect new exterior paint options to be added to the colour palette.
Inside, Honda has rolled out not only fresh soft-touch materials (and ostensibly more effective sound insulation) but also some extra kit. In the Indian market, for instance, the facelifted Elevate is now available with big-car items like a 360-degree camera system, ambient cabin lighting, a sunroof, powered (and ventilated) front seats and even rear-seat ventilation.
As expected, the mid-cycle update doesn’t include any changes to the Elevate’s powertrain. As such, the 4 312 mm-long crossover retains its naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder “i-VTEC” petrol engine, which delivers an unchanged 89 kW and 145 Nm to the front axle via either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
As a reminder, the Elevate arrived in South Africa in the opening quarter of 2024 (having been revealed in June 2023), effectively replacing the WR-V. The local line-up currently comprises a pair of derivatives: the 1.5 Comfort 6MT (priced from R373 800) and the 1.5 Elegance CVT (available from R434 000).
In 2025, the Elevate served as Honda’s top seller in South Africa, with 1 136 units registered, according to figures reported to Naamsa. The Indian-built crossover has continued in that role in 2026, with 1 092 units sold locally over the opening 9 months of the year.
Find a used Honda Elevate on Cars.co.za!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When will the facelifted Honda Elevate launch in South Africa?
A: Honda Motor Southern Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the refreshed Elevate crossover is scheduled to arrive in South Africa in the first half of 2027 (H1 2027).
Q: What exterior and interior updates does the facelifted Honda Elevate get?
A: The facelift features a new gloss-black honeycomb grille, a bonnet-mounted Honda badge, a new rear LED light bar connecting the taillights and upgraded interior equipment including available ventilated front seats, rear-seat ventilation, a 360-degree camera and ambient lighting.
Q: Are there any engine changes for the updated Honda Elevate?
A: No, the powertrain remains unchanged. It retains the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine producing 89 kW and 145 Nm, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT.
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Ryan Bubear
Having written about everything from sport and politics to crime, Ryan eventually settled on motoring. For well over 15 years, he's been penning articles – both online and in print – about the broader automotive industry, though he's particularly fascinated by vehicle-sales statistics. A freelance writer and editor, Ryan has owned a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 for 20-plus years.
