First Impressions: The Elevate Looks… Fine
The design is clean and practical—let’s just say it’s a safe choice. It’s not going to turn heads, but it won’t embarrass you either. That said, the 220 mm ground clearance is a lifesaver for those bumper-to-bumper school pickups. Getting onto the curb? Easy peasy.
Driving Experience: Smooth but Not Speedy
The Elevate’s 1.5L petrol engine is smooth and refined, but don’t expect it to set your heart racing. It’s more like a gentle jog than a sprint. On the freeway, I suggest sticking to the middle lane because overtaking trucks takes some planning—there’s no on-demand power here.
The CVT gearbox is smooth, though it can feel a bit lazy when you need quick acceleration. The manual version is more engaging, but let’s be real: who wants to deal with a clutch in traffic?
Interior: Spacious but Basic
The cabin is roomy and comfortable, with enough space for a family of four and all your stuff. The 458-liter boot is massive! You can fit everything from groceries to camping gear without breaking a sweat.
But here’s the thing: the interior feels a bit dated. The materials are decent, but the design is underwhelming. No ventilated seats, no panoramic sunroof, and the infotainment system feels like nails on a chalkboard when you press those physical buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are there, but the screen is small, and the interface isn’t the most responsive.
Safety: A+ for Effort
The Elevate comes with 6 airbags and ADAS (Level 2), including collision mitigation, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features are great on highways, but in the city, the lane-keep assist can be a bit overzealous. It’s like having a backseat driver who won’t stop nagging.
Negatives: The “Why, Honda?” Moments
- Noisy Cabin: At highway speeds, the road noise is noticeable. It’s not unbearable, but it’s definitely there.
- Missing Features: For the price, I expected more. No ventilated seats, no 360-degree camera.
- Rear Seat Comfort: While the rear seats are spacious, the under-thigh support is lacking. Not ideal for tall people.
Positives: The “Thank You, Honda!” Moments
- Reliability: It’s a Honda. It will start every morning and get you to your destination without drama.
- Fuel Efficiency: With petrol prices being what they are, the Elevate’s frugal nature is a blessing.
- Safety: The ADAS features give you peace of mind, especially on long trips.
Spec Sheet for the South African Market
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L i-VTEC Petrol |
| Power | 89 kW (119 BHP) |
| Torque | 145 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual / CVT Automatic |
| Fuel Efficiency | 6.2–7.7 L/100km (City), 5.6–6.3 L/100km (Highway) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Boot Space | 458–468 liters |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm |
| Safety Features | 6 Airbags, ADAS (Level 2), Lane-Watch Camera |
| Warranty | 5 years/200,000 km |
| Price | Starting at R450,000 |
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Honda Elevate is a solid, no-nonsense SUV that’s perfect for families and long-term owners who value reliability over flashiness. It’s not the most exciting car out there, but it gets the job done without drama. If you’re looking for a practical, fuel-efficient, and safe SUV, the Elevate is worth considering. Just don’t expect it to wow you with features or performance.
So, if you’ve got a R450k budget and you’re looking to spend wisely… this is a safe bet.
