New Honda SUV with Strong Hybrid Engine to Launch in 2026

Honda Cars India is gearing up to expand its hybrid vehicle lineup by launching a strong hybrid version of the Elevate SUV in the second half of 2026. The launch is expected around the festive season. This move will help to increase the brand's appeal in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment.

Why a Hybrid Elevate?

The current petrol-only Elevate SUV has seen a drop in sales. With rising fuel prices and demand for better mileage, Honda aims to attract buyers by offering a more fuel-efficient hybrid version, similar to the tech used in the Honda City e:HEV.

Proven Hybrid Tech Under the Hood

The upcoming Elevate Hybrid will use Honda’s 1.5L Atkinson cycle petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a small battery pack. This self-charging hybrid system doesn’t need external charging and automatically switches between EV, hybrid, and petrol modes for maximum efficiency.

- One motor works as a generator
- The second motor handles propulsion
- The setup is similar to the City e:HEV sedan

Made in India, for India

The hybrid SUV will be manufactured at Honda’s Tapukara plant in Alwar, Rajasthan. This move underlines Honda’s commitment to local production and aligns with India’s growing focus on cleaner mobility solutions.

Rivals in Sight

Once launched, the Honda Elevate Hybrid will take on Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, both of which already offer strong hybrid variants powered by Toyota’s 1.5L TNGA hybrid engine.

Launch Timeline and Expectations

The new hybrid variant of Elevate is expected to debut around Diwali 2026. Pricing will likely be higher than the regular petrol model, but buyers can expect significantly better mileage, lower emissions, and a smoother driving experience.

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