[MotorDev]

Comparison | Honda City vs. Honda Elevate

Introduction

Honda has recently introduced a fresh addition to its lineup, the Elevate SUV. This compact SUV shares its foundation with the well-established Honda City, but it's designed with a unique SUV style. For quite some time, the Honda City has held a prominent position as one of Honda's flagship models in India. Now, the question that arises is whether the new Elevate outperforms the City. Below, I compare the Honda City with the Honda Elevate across various parameters.

Brochures

Honda City 2023.pdf

Elevate Brochure 4th Sept 23.pdf

Dimensions

There are some differences in the dimensions of the City and Elevate. The City measures 4583 mm in length, 1748 mm in width, and 1489 mm in height. In contrast, the Elevate's dimensions are 4312 mm in length, 1790 mm in width, and 1650 mm in height. Additionally, the City has a ground clearance of 165 mm, which is less than the Elevate's substantial 220 mm. When it comes to boot space, the City offers a larger capacity of 506 litres compared to the Elevate's 458 litres. The wheelbase of the City measures 2600 mm, while the Elevate boasts a larger wheelbase at 2650 mm.

Exterior Changes

Design

While the City presents a sleek and elongated profile with a clean and elegant appearance, the Honda Elevate shows a boxy yet sophisticated silhouette. It looks more like a stretched-out hatchback than a regular SUV. Both cars have simple designs that are expected to stay attractive for a long time.

Front

In the front of the City, you'll find a honeycomb grille along with a chrome strip. The front bumper has a sporty appearance, and there's a tasteful carbon fibre finish on the chin, which isn't overly done. On the other hand, the Elevate features a larger grille with a chrome strip, albeit smaller than the City's. The substantial grille has a commanding presence. The bumpers have a neat appearance, and underneath, there's a faux skid plate. Overall, the front end of both cars looks impressive.

Rear

The rear of the City has a sporty appearance with a lid spoiler and a sporty rear bumper. The bumper has a slim design, featuring a blacked-out lower portion, and similar to the front, there are carbon-fibre elements used here. In contrast, the rear of the Elevate adopts a more straightforward, simplistic look with many straight-line elements. It comes with connected tail lamps. The rear bumpers have a clean design with minimal details, and like the front, there's also a faux skid plate. Overall, both rear designs look good.

Side

The side profile of the City looks elegant, resembling that of a D-segment sedan, giving it a premium appearance. On the other hand, the Elevate's side profile appears boxy, with a straight roofline and squared-off wheel arches that give it a sturdy stance. However, it resembles a stretched hatchback from the side rather than a typical SUV. Overall, the City's side profile looks a tad more premium, but there's no significant issue with the Elevate's side profile either.

Interior

Dashboard and Cabin

The City boasts a delightful interior ambience with an overall premium cabin look and feel. The presence of leather inserts adds a nice touch. Its interior design is straightforward and follows a beige and black theme, which looks very premium. Inside the Honda Elevate, you'll discover a clean dashboard design with straight lines, much like its exterior appearance. The interior adopts a black and tan theme, which complements the overall feel of the cabin.

Front Seats

Both the cars have similar front seats. The front seats are comfortable in both the cars but lack ventilation. They're soft enough for long drives.

Rear Seats

In the City, you'll find good legroom and knee room, suitable for three adults, although there might be a slight concern about headroom. However, it lacks adjustable headrests. On the other hand, the Elevate offers good legroom, knee room, and headroom. It also comes with adjustable headrests for the side passengers in the rear. However, it lacks a headrest for the middle passenger and surprisingly does not have a 3-point seat belt for the middle passenger, a feature present in the City. The Elevate is better suited for accommodating two adults rather than three.

Instrument Cluster

Both cars share a similar instrument cluster, which includes a traditional analogue speedometer combined with a 7-inch digital screen. This digital screen provides a range of information, including details on fuel consumption, trip information, outside temperature, and more.

Infotainment System

The Honda City features an 8-inch infotainment system that might seem a bit outdated, sporting an older interface and a somewhat uninspiring design. While it does offer wireless connectivity, its overall design might not be very appealing. On the other hand, the Elevate offers a user-friendly 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that's responsive and easy to navigate. It also comes with physical buttons for added convenience and provides wireless connectivity, delivering a more modern and enjoyable tech experience.

Speakers

Both the Honda City and the Elevate come equipped with the same 8-speaker audio system, providing clear and high-quality sound even at high volume levels. The audio quality is good in both cars.

Features

Infotainment System

Elevate: 10.25-inch touchscreen

City: 8-inch touchscreen

Driver's Display

Elevate: 7-inch semi-digital

City: 7-inch semi-digital

Apple Carplay/Android Auto

Both models offer wireless connectivity.

Connected Car Tech

Both the Elevate and the City are equipped with connected car technology.

Climate Control

Elevate and City come with automatic AC for climate control.

Rear AC Vents

Both models have rear AC vents for passenger comfort.

Headlights

Elevate boasts LED projector headlights with LED DRLs, while City features LED reflector headlights with LED DRLs. Both models offer auto headlights.

ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors)

Both have automatic and electronically adjustable ORVMs.

Keyless Entry/Push Button Start-Stop

Both Elevate and City provide keyless entry and push-button start-stop functionality.

Sunroof

Both the Elevate and the City come equipped with a sunroof.

Wireless Phone Charger

While both models offer wireless charging, the City's wireless charger appears more like an aftermarket addition.

Airbags

Elevate and City prioritize safety with 6 airbags each.

ISOFIX Mounts

Both models include ISOFIX mounts for securing child seats.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Neither the City nor the Elevate gets TPMS. The City features a tire deflation warning system that alerts drivers in case of air pressure loss, while the Elevate does not have this feature.

Both the Elevate and the City offer similar features, and they are quite alike in many aspects. However, the Elevate's superior infotainment system sets it apart and elevates the overall experience for the passengers.

Safety

Both the Honda City and the Honda Elevate have not undergone crash testing yet. However, they are equipped with a comprehensive range of safety features, including 6 airbags, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, high-beam assist, seat belt warning, child lock, anchor points for child seats, overspeed warning, speed-sensing door lock, anti-theft engine immobilizer, middle rear three-point seatbelt, lane departure warning, central locking, and more. It is anticipated that they will achieve a minimum 4-star safety rating, considering that the Honda City 4G received a good 4-star rating from GNCAP.

Performance

In terms of performance, both the Honda Elevate and City are equipped with the same 121PS 1.5-litre petrol engine. They also share identical transmission options, offering a choice between a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT. However, there are differences in their fuel efficiency figures. The Honda Elevate claims a fuel efficiency of 16.92kmpl with the CVT and 15.31kmpl with MT, while the City boasts slightly better figures with a claimed efficiency of 18.4kmpl with the CVT and 17.8kmpl with the MT.

When it comes to driving experience, both cars provide effortless city driving with a light clutch and a responsive gearbox. Their high-revving nature allows you to explore the engine's rpm range effectively. The 6-speed manual transmission offers precise gear changes. The 1.5L CVT is suitable for urban commuting, ensuring smooth operation and being ideal for city driving. Both cars exhibit impressive straight-line stability and offer a comfortable ride. The user-friendly electric power steering enhances the driving experience, although they have limited steering feedback.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the City offers a self-charging strong hybrid variant, while the Elevate will get an all-electric version in 2026.

Variants and Price

Honda City

Manual Transmission:

SV(Petrol) (Base Model): Rs.11,62,900
V(Petrol): Rs.12,50,900
VX(Petrol): Rs.13,62,900
ZX(Petrol) (Top Model): Rs.14,85,900


Automatic Transmission:

V CVT(Petrol) (Base Model): Rs.13,75,900
VX CVT(Petrol): Rs.14,87,900
ZX CVT(Petrol) (Top Model): Rs.16,10,900

Honda Elevate

Manual Transmission:

SV(Petrol) (Base Model): Rs.10,99,899
V(Petrol): Rs.12,10,899
VX(Petrol): Rs.13,49,899
ZX(Petrol) (Top Model): Rs.14,89,899


Automatic Transmission:

V CVT(Petrol) (Base Model): Rs.13,20,899
VX CVT(Petrol): Rs.14,59,899
ZX CVT(Petrol) (Top Model): Rs.15,99,899

Conclusion

Distinguishing between the Elevate and the City can indeed be a challenge. While they have different body styles, their shared features and powertrains make it even harder to draw a clear line between them. In the end, your choice will depend on your personal preferences.

The Honda Elevate commands attention with its bold, boxy exterior and elevated ride height, giving it a strong road presence. However, the City, with its sophistication, has its own set of advantages.

If having more boot space and accommodating a fifth passenger is a priority for you, then the City would be the choice. However, if you prefer a proper four-seater configuration and seek something distinct from the City while still enjoying that Honda DNA and a good driving experience, then the Elevate is the way to go.

[07CR]

Considering a difference of just 10K between the top variants of both, City ZX CVT certainly feels the better car.

Between the two, be it the space, interior ambience, boot, performance, fuel efficiency, and features City easily aces it over the Elevate. Pretty sure, the City sales would definitely increase post Elevate launch, since Elevate will indeed pull few more customers to Honda showrooms, and the customers would be swayed by the City standing beside it!

If the higher GC is an absolute requirement, only then the Elevate makes sense.

[ron178]

The City just seems like a more modern car to me in so many ways. The Elevate isn't bad, but its styling is a little too boxy and upright for me, and the lower trims are not as well-equipped. For its size, the grille could have been much more interesting, and the keyhole on the door is such an eyesore. And, I have a particular gripe with Honda's inexplicable decision to omit the three-point seatbelt and headrest in the rear seat.

Maybe I have some bias towards sedans, but the City's styling seems more global Honda, and although it's bland, it is a generally cohesive design that is easy on the eyes and follows a theme.

The Elevate does have an advantage in interior ambience, because of the tan seats and Compass-like centre console, but it isn't enough to push me over the fence.

[sunikkat]

Voted none, as personally for me that engine is outdated and doesn’t stand a chance against the current turbo petrols.
But as a city car, I would pick City over Elevate.

[ashish2135]

I got the Elevate last week which is my first Honda car. It was supposed to replace my daily drive - Creta but my wife liked the Elevate so much that she kept it for herself.

I find myself opting for the Elevate over the Safari and the Creta whenever I want a relaxed drive. The suspension setup is so much better than the Creta and the small size makes it easy to drive than the Safari!

Given that the City's backseat is so good I have made up my mind to replace my Verna with the Honda City. My Verna is used by my mother and is mostly chauffeur driven!

[srh]

Any Honda City iteration has always been in the no-go zone for me for only one reason - ground clearance. It doesn't matter what else a car offers if it can't go half a kilometer anywhere in India without scraping its underbelly.

[revsperminute]

The only reason to buy these pseudo-SUVs is the ground clearance. But C-segment sedans come with ample ground clearance anyways. They’re not like luxury German sedans where you have to crab over speed bumps. So, I don’t see the point in choosing cars like the Taigun, Kushaq, Elevate over their sedan counterparts.

[Rakeshmbalaji]

Originally Posted by srh

Any Honda City iteration has always been in the no-go zone for me for only one reason - ground clearance. It doesn't matter what else a car offers if it can't go half a kilometer anywhere in India without scraping its underbelly.

From my own experience, I just completed 21k on the odo and I have scrapped the underbelly like 3-4 times over steep ramps and couple of bad speed breakers.

[avdhesh15]

Originally Posted by srh

Any Honda City iteration has always been in the no-go zone for me for only one reason - ground clearance. It doesn't matter what else a car offers if it can't go half a kilometer anywhere in India without scraping its underbelly.

Disagreed totally. I have a 2014 City which has almost never scraped the under belly having driven 95k km.

[MotorDev]

Originally Posted by srh

It doesn't matter what else a car offers if it can't go half a kilometre anywhere in India without scraping its underbelly.

Well, let's be real here - our good ol' 4th gen Honda City was quite impressive. It handled challenges without a hitch and never seemed bothered, even when dealing with tough situations. Now, sure, its ground clearance isn't exactly top-tier, but it did handle some bumpy roads without major issues.

But let's not go overboard here. It's almost like you want to transform a sedan into an off-road explorer, scaling mountains and crossing rivers. While it's a great car for city life, it's not meant for off-roading adventures.

[lemedico]

I would like to correct the original poster that neither cars get TPMS. The system is merely deflation warning, without any indication of the psi, or even the corner at which deflation occurs.

[pannags]

We'll reasearched and put together, MotorDev.

For me it'd be the Elevate for the following reasons:

1. Taller seating position is less prone to fatigue on long periods of driving (both within and outside the city)

2. Better ground clearance along with a sorted suspension ensure you can drive without anxiety

3. New product. The City has been around for ages (not a bad thing though)

[07CR]

Originally Posted by MotorDev

Elevate and City are equipped with TPMS for monitoring tire pressure.[/b]

Correction neither City nor Elevate gets TPMS. City gets a tire deflation warning system. It just warns the driver incase of loss air pressure in a tyre, but does not indicate which tyre is losing pressure.

Elevate doesn't even get that.

[MotorDev]

Originally Posted by 07CR

Correction neither City nor Elevate gets TPMS. City gets a tire deflation warning system.

Elevate doesn't even get that.

Originally Posted by lemedico

I would like to correct the original poster that neither cars get TPMS.

Thank you for pointing that out. I will reach out to the mods and request an update.

[greenhorn]

The tyre deflation warning is a type of TPMS called indirect TPMS. This is achieved through monitoring and comparing rotation of wheel speeds across the car using the feeds from the ABS sensors - having a sensor on the wheel that measures pressure (and what most of us know as TPMS) is called direct TPMS.