First Honda Hybrid SUV to Launch in 2026; Elevate with Over 26kmpl Mileage

Honda Cars are known for their reliability and carries a huge fan following among Indian car buyers. However, its sales tumbled due to lack of right products. For long, Honda banking on sedans to drive sales while Indian buyers move towards SUVs. The Japanese brand did launched the Elevate mid-sized SUV, which initially received great response from buyers. However, its sales declined due to lack of powertrain options. 

Honda has already completely stopped selling diesel cars, and the Elevate is only offered with a 1.5L NA petrol engine. Despite having a potent hybrid engine, Honda launched the Elevate in petrol only option which is criticised for its low efficiency. It seems like Honda has learned its lessons and now working on multiple new SUVs to regain lost market in the fast growing Indian auto industry. 

Honda Cars India has officially announced to launch 5 new SUVs before the end of this year, and its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) will arrive in our market in 2026. The big news is that Honda’s first hybrid SUV will also launch next year. 

It was speculated to be an all-new model; however, some media reports suggest that the Honda Elevate will receive a strong hybrid powertrain. It is likely to be launched around festival season 2026, most probably before Diwali next year.  The new Honda hybrid SUV will be produced at Honda’s Tapukara manufacturing facility in Alwar, Rajasthan. 

Honda Elevate Hybrid Specs 

It is expected that the new Elevate Hybrid will be equipped with the same powertrain that powers the Honda City e:HEV. It is an Atkinson Cycle 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol engine paired with two electric motor, and a small battery pack. One electric motor work as an electric generator, while the other motor is for propulsion. 

This hybrid powertrain is likely to be localised to achieve cost competitiveness, as the current unit is fully imported. The existing Honda City hybrid is claimed to offer an ARAI certified mileage of 27.13kmpl, and offers a driving range of around 1,000km in a single tank. We expect the Elevate hybrid to deliver nothing less than 26kmpl (ARAI) with a range of around 1000km in a single tank. 

The outgoing Honda Elevate is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 119bhp and 145Nm of torque. It is paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed CVT. 

The Honda Elevate Hybrid will directly rival the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder. Kia and Hyundai will also launch the next-gen Seltos and Creta with hybrid engine, while the new Renault Duster is also expected to receive a hybrid engine. Maruti Suzuki will also launch the Escudo midsize SUV with a strong hybrid engine.

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