Honda Elevate RS 2025 Sport Edition, confirmed for India, is set to redefine the compact SUV segment with its sporty flair and enhanced performance. Launched to rival the Hyundai Creta and Skoda Kushaq, this variant builds on the Elevate’s success, which has sold over 50,000 units in India since 2023.
Priced between Rs. 15.51 lakh and Rs. 16.93 lakh (ex-showroom), the RS variant boasts a tuned 1.5L i-VTEC engine delivering 129 PS, bold styling, and features like ADAS and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Targeting young enthusiasts, it blends practicality with excitement. This article explores the Elevate RS’s sporty upgrades, performance, and appeal in India’s competitive SUV market.
Sporty Design Overhaul
The Honda Elevate RS 2025 introduces a dynamic exterior, setting it apart from standard variants. Launched in April 2025, it features aggressive styling cues inspired by Honda’s global RS badge, known for performance.
The SUV’s bold look, enhanced by new colors and 17-inch alloy wheels, targets young buyers seeking a standout ride in India’s compact SUV space.
New Color Choices
The Elevate RS offers exclusive colors like Rallye Red, Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver with Black Roof, and Pearl White with red RS accents. These vibrant shades, paired with roof stickers and decals, amplify its sporty vibe.
The Rallye Red, a signature RS hue, adds drama, while dual-tone options appeal to buyers wanting a personalized look. These colors make the RS a head-turner on Indian roads, competing with the Kia Seltos’s bold aesthetics.
Aggressive Styling Elements
The RS sports a blacked-out grille, revised bumpers with air intakes, and a gloss-black rear diffuser. Red RS badges, dark chrome 17-inch alloys, and gloss-black mirrors enhance its edgy appeal. A boot-lid spoiler and dual exhaust finishers complete the sporty stance.
These tweaks give the Elevate RS a confident road presence, appealing to enthusiasts who value style. The design draws inspiration from global Honda models like the HR-V, ensuring a modern yet practical look for urban and highway driving.
Enhanced Performance
The Elevate RS 2025 is powered by a reworked 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine, delivering 129 PS and 145 Nm, up from the standard 121 PS.
Paired with a six-speed manual or CVT with paddle shifters, it offers sharper throttle response and improved mid-range performance, making it a fun-to-drive SUV.
Tuned Engine Dynamics
The RS’s engine features recalibrated ECU settings, a lightweight flywheel, and refined intake-exhaust systems, boosting power by 8 PS. This tuning enhances acceleration, with the SUV feeling lively in city traffic and on highways.
The CVT’s paddle shifters add engagement, while the manual gearbox appeals to purists. Real-world mileage ranges from 14–16 kmpl, slightly lower than the standard Elevate’s 15.31–16.92 kmpl, but the trade-off is worth it for the spirited performance, rivaling the Volkswagen Taigun’s 1.0L TSI.
Sport Suspension Setup
- Stiffer Springs: Improve cornering agility, making the RS feel planted on twists, ideal for spirited drives.
- Refined Dampers: Balance sportiness with comfort, handling India’s uneven roads without feeling harsh.
- Lowered Ride Height: Enhances stability at high speeds, though the 220 mm ground clearance ensures pothole clearance.
The suspension tweaks make the RS more dynamic than the standard Elevate, appealing to buyers who enjoy sharp handling. While the ride is firmer, it remains practical for daily commutes, offering a blend of fun and usability on India’s diverse roads.
Premium Interior Upgrades
The Elevate RS’s cabin combines sporty aesthetics with premium features. Based on the top-spec ZX trim, it offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen, leather accents, and a driver-centric layout, elevating the experience for enthusiasts and families.
Sporty Cabin Accents
The RS features black upholstery with red stitching, RS-branded seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Ambient lighting and a 7-inch digital driver display add sophistication.
The 458-liter boot and 220 mm ground clearance ensure practicality, though rear legroom is slightly tighter than the Hyundai Creta.
The cabin sporty yet functional design caters to young buyers who want a premium feel without sacrificing utility, making it ideal for urban commutes and weekend trips.
Advanced Infotainment
The 10.25-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a premium sound system. The MyHonda Connect app offers remote locking and diagnostics, while paddle shifters and Sport mode enhance driver engagement.
The system is responsive, but some users note the interface could be more intuitive. Compared to the Skoda Kushaq’s 10-inch screen, the Elevate RS’s infotainment feels more feature-rich, appealing to tech-savvy drivers who prioritize connectivity and entertainment on the go.
Safety and ADAS Features
The Elevate RS builds on the standard model’s five-star Japan NCAP rating with Honda Sensing ADAS and six airbags, ensuring top-tier safety. These features make it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.
Honda Sensing ADAS
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains safe distances on highways, reducing driver fatigue during long drives.
- Lane-Keeping Assist: Gently corrects steering to keep the SUV within lanes, ideal for busy roads.
- Emergency Braking: Automatically slows or stops the vehicle to avoid collisions, enhancing urban safety.
The ADAS suite, standard on the RS, rivals the MG Astor’s tech, offering peace of mind for families. The 360-degree camera aids parking, though some buyers may miss a panoramic sunroof, available on competitors like the Creta.
Pricing and Availability
The Elevate RS is priced from Rs.(On-road pricing not yet available) 15.51 lakh to Rs. 16.93 lakh (ex-showroom), available in Black Edition and Signature Black Edition variants. Deliveries began in April 2025, with priority in cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Value Proposition
The RS’s pricing aligns with the top-spec Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta, offering more power and sporty styling. Benefits up to Rs. 76,100 in May 2025 enhance affordability.
The lack of a diesel or hybrid option may deter some, but the five-year warranty and Honda’s reliable service network add long-term value. The RS’s unique blend of performance and practicality makes it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a sporty SUV.
Target Audience
The Elevate RS targets young professionals and enthusiasts who crave a sporty SUV with premium features. Its bold design and performance appeal to urban drivers, while safety features attract families.
Ideal Buyer Profile
The RS suits buyers prioritizing style, driving dynamics, and tech over outright space or fuel efficiency. Its ADAS and sporty tuning cater to younger drivers, while the five-star safety rating reassures families.
Those needing a seven-seater or diesel engine might prefer the Mahindra XUV700. The Elevate RS’s vibrant community on platforms like Reddit praises its flair but notes service costs as a concern, making it ideal for city and highway adventures.
Conclusion of Honda Elevate RS
Honda Elevate RS 2025 Sport Edition, launched in April 2025, brings a thrilling edge to India’s compact SUV market with its 129 PS 1.5L engine, sporty styling, and advanced features like Honda Sensing ADAS. Priced from Rs. 15.51 lakh to Rs. 16.93 lakh, it rivals the Hyundai Creta and Skoda Kushaq, offering sharp handling, vibrant colors like Rallye Red, and a premium cabin.
While the lack of a diesel or hybrid option and slightly tight rear space are drawbacks, its five-star safety rating, engaging drive, and bold design make it a top pick for young enthusiasts and style-conscious families.