Honda plans to launch Elevate hybrid in India by late 2026
Honda Cars India is reportedly planning to introduce a hybrid version of the Elevate in the second half of 2026, with a market launch likely timed for the festive season. This move aligns with the company’s strategy to expand its hybrid offerings and regain traction in a highly competitive and evolving automotive market.
The Elevate is currently Honda’s sole SUV offering in the Indian market and will become the second hybrid model in its domestic lineup, following the City e:HEV. The City hybrid has shown moderate success, contributing approximately 12% to the City’s total sales. Honda appears to be looking to replicate this result with the Elevate in the mid-size SUV segment.
Preparations for the Elevate hybrid’s production have already begun at Honda’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan, with the model expected to be manufactured on a newly dedicated line. The launch of this hybrid variant comes at a time when the company’s domestic sales have been on a steady decline.
According to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Honda’s domestic volumes fell from 91,418 units in FY23 to 65,925 units in FY25. Market share also dropped during the same period, from 2.35% in FY23 to 1.53% in FY25.
Meanwhile, the hybrid vehicle segment in India has been witnessing steady growth. From 41,477 units in FY23, hybrid vehicle sales increased to 1,04,800 units in FY25, with market share doubling from 1.1% to 2.4% over the same period. The Elevate hybrid could allow Honda to tap into this expanding segment, particularly in states offering incentives for strong hybrid vehicles.
The Elevate competes in the crowded mid-size SUV category alongside models such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Kia Seltos. Among these, the Grand Vitara and Hyryder already offer strong hybrid options, while rivals like Hyundai and Kia are expected to join the hybrid race soon. Domestic automakers Tata Motors and Mahindra are also reportedly exploring hybrid technologies to diversify their portfolios further.
While Honda has not officially confirmed specifications or further details of the Elevate hybrid, the company has reiterated its long-term focus on electrification. It is also working on launching a battery electric vehicle (BEV) for the Indian market in the next fiscal year.
