Upcoming Honda Cars in India 2025-2026: Elevate, Sedan & More

Introduction Honda Cars India, renowned for its refined engines, impeccable build quality, and legendary reliability, is gearing up for a significant product offensive in the Indian market. After the successful launch of the Elevate SUV in 2023, the brand is poised to build on that momentum with a series of new launches and updates between 2025 and 2026. For Honda loyalists and those looking for dependable, quality-focused vehicles, the next couple of years are set to be very exciting.

This article consolidates all the latest news, spy shots, and industry reports about Honda’s future plans for India. We cover the anticipated facelifts for existing models, the potential introduction of strong-hybrid technology, and the all-important debut of Honda’s first mass-market electric vehicle for India.

1. Honda Elevate Facelift The Elevate has been a crucial model for Honda, successfully entering the hotly contested compact SUV segment. A mid-life facelift is expected around late 2025 or 2026 to keep it fresh against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara.

•       Expected Launch: Late 2025 / 2026
•       Key Updates: The facelift will likely feature revised front and rear bumpers, new alloy wheel designs, and updated lighting elements. Inside, we can expect an upgraded infotainment system with more connected features and possibly additional ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) functionalities.
•       Powertrain: It will continue with the trusted 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. The big news could be the introduction of the Honda City Hybrid’s superb 1.5-litre e:HEV powertrain into the Elevate, which would give it a massive fuel efficiency advantage.

2. Honda City Hybrid & Facelift The Honda City is an icon in the Indian sedan segment. While a mid-cycle update arrived in 2023, a more substantial facelift or next-generation model is on the horizon.

•       Expected Launch: 2026
•       Key Updates: A next-gen City would feature a completely new design, a more premium and tech-loaded cabin, and enhanced safety features. The focus will be on retaining its segment-leading comfort and driving dynamics while modernizing its appeal.
•       Powertrain: The petrol variants will continue. The more immediate expectation is the wider availability of the City Hybrid. Currently sold in limited numbers, Honda might push this powertrain more aggressively to meet CAFE norms and offer a high-mileage, low-emission option.

3. Honda’s New Global SUV (Based on Elevate Platform) Honda is developing a new, larger SUV for emerging markets, which will sit above the Elevate in terms of size and price. This model will share its platform with the Elevate but will have a three-row configuration to take on rivals like the Hyundai Alcazar and Tata Safari.

•       Expected Launch: 2026
•       What to Expect: A more butch and rugged design compared to the Elevate, with a spacious 6/7-seater cabin. It will be heavily localized to ensure competitive pricing.
•       Powertrain: This SUV is almost certain to be offered with both the 1.5-litre petrol engine and the more powerful and efficient 1.5-litre e:HEV strong-hybrid system.

4. Honda’s First Mass-Market Electric Vehicle (EV) This is the most anticipated launch from Honda. The company has confirmed its intention to launch multiple electric vehicles in India, with the first one expected around 2026.

•       Expected Launch: 2026
•       What to Expect: Honda’s first EV for India will likely be a mid-size SUV, positioned to compete with the likes of the Hyundai Creta EV and Tata Curvv EV. It will be based on one of Honda’s global architectures, possibly the e:N Architecture.
•       Key Highlights: Expect Honda’s typical strengths—solid build quality, a practical and well-built interior, and a focus on reliability. It will feature a modern suite of connected car technology and a competitive electric range expected to be over 400-500 km.

5. Honda Amaze Facelift The Amaze is Honda’s entry-level sedan and a key volume driver. A facelift is due to keep it relevant in the competitive sub-4-meter sedan space.

•       Expected Launch: 2025
•       Key Updates: A refreshed exterior with a new grille and bumper design, and an interior update with new features and materials to match the competition.
•       Powertrain: It will continue with the current 1.2-litre petrol engine. A hybrid version is less likely due to cost constraints in this segment.

Challenges and Strategy for Honda in India

•       Strengthening SUV Portfolio: With the Elevate and the upcoming 3-row SUV, Honda is finally addressing its historical weakness—the lack of SUVs.
•       Push for Electrification: The launch of EVs and wider adoption of hybrid technology is crucial for Honda to meet future emission regulations and stay competitive.
•       Brand Positioning: Honda will continue to leverage its core strengths of reliability, refinement, and safety to attract discerning buyers who prioritize long-term ownership quality over flashy short-term features.

Conclusion

The period of 2025-2026 marks a transformative phase for Honda Cars India. The brand is moving beyond its reliance on sedans and building a robust, future-ready portfolio with a focus on SUVs and electrification. For customers, this means more choice and the assurance of Honda’s engineering excellence in new body styles and powertrains. The upcoming Honda Elevate facelift, the potential 3-row SUV, and the debut EV are all models to watch out for, promising to make Honda a formidable player in the next chapter of the Indian automotive story.

FAQs

1. Will Honda launch the Civic or CR-V again in India? As of now, Honda has no official plans to re-launch the Civic or CR-V. The company’s focus is entirely on high-volume segments with localized products. The Civic and CR-V were discontinued due to their CBU (Completely Built Unit) status, making them expensive after new tax regulations.
2. Is the Honda City Hybrid worth the premium over the petrol version? Yes, if you are a high-mileage driver. The City Hybrid offers phenomenal fuel efficiency (often 25-27 km/l in real-world conditions), a smoother driving experience, and lower emissions. The higher initial cost can be recovered through fuel savings over 4-5 years for those who drive a lot.
3. When is Honda’s electric car coming to India? Honda’s first mass-market EV for India is expected to launch around 2026. It will likely be a mid-size SUV to compete with the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV and Tata Curvv EV.
4. What is Honda’s ADAS strategy for India? Honda introduced ADAS in the Elevate, and it’s likely to become a standard feature in the top variants of all their future new models, including the facelifted City and the upcoming 3-row SUV, to enhance safety and competitiveness.
5. Which upcoming Honda car is most expected? The most anticipated models are the Honda Elevate with a hybrid powertrain and Honda’s first mass-market electric SUV. Both have the potential to be game-changers in their respective segments.

Tags: Upcoming Honda Cars, Honda Elevate 2025, Honda City Hybrid, Honda EV India, Honda 7-Seater SUV, Honda Amaze Facelift, Honda India Plans.