Honda Elevate RS : The compact SUV segment in India is fiercely competitive, and Honda has now entered the performance conversation with the all-new Elevate RS 2025 Sport Edition.
Designed to offer more than just utility, this variant brings a dynamic blend of sporty styling and added power, redefining what the Honda Elevate lineup stands for.
While the base Elevate models focus on comfort, practicality, and daily usability, the RS edition is aimed squarely at buyers who crave more flair and fun behind the wheel.
Honda has a long history of building performance-focused variants under the RS badge globally, and the Elevate RS finally brings that ethos to Indian roads. It’s not just about aesthetics.
There are significant upgrades under the hood, in the suspension system, and across the interior that make this SUV feel distinctly more engaging. From aggressive design touches to a more responsive engine tune.
The Elevate RS is built for a new generation of drivers who want a confident stance, advanced technology, and a sportier drive. This article unpacks every feature, upgrade, and detail of the Elevate RS 2025 to help you understand why it’s turning heads across the market.
Engine and Performance
The core highlight of the Elevate RS 2025 is its reworked powertrain. Honda has taken the familiar 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine and tuned it specifically for the RS variant to produce a more energetic drive. With recalibrated ECU settings and refined intake and exhaust systems.
The RS now delivers around 129 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque. While the numbers may seem modest on paper, it’s the tuning that makes the real difference.
The throttle response has been sharpened, and mid-range performance feels more alive. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT gearbox with paddle shifters, the power delivery is smooth yet engaging.
The suspension has also been re-tuned to improve cornering dynamics, making the RS feel more planted around curves.
- Increased Power Output: From 121 PS to 129 PS, enhancing acceleration.
- Better Throttle Response: Thanks to reworked ECU and lightweight flywheel.
- Sport Suspension: Stiffer springs improve agility while maintaining ride quality.
- Paddle Shifters with CVT: Adds manual-like control for those who want more engagement.
- Drive Mode Optimization: The Sport mode enhances engine mapping for spirited performance, while Eco keeps it fuel-efficient when needed.
RS Styling and Exterior Design
Visually, the Honda Elevate RS 2025 immediately separates itself from the standard model. The design tweaks aren’t over-the-top but are enough to create a bold, confident stance.
A new blacked-out grille, RS badging, revised bumper with aggressive air intakes, and a gloss-black diffuser at the rear give the RS its distinct personality.
On the sides, the RS sports 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels finished in dark chrome. The door mirrors and roof rails are painted in gloss black.
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while the addition of red RS accents on the front bumper and side skirts add a touch of drama. At the rear, dual exhaust finishers and a boot-lid spoiler complete the sport-inspired look.
- Blackout Treatment: Grille, mirrors, skid plates, and roof.
- New Alloy Wheel Design: Sharper look with improved aerodynamics.
- LED Headlamps with Smoked Finish: Offer better visibility and match the RS theme.
- Sporty Color Options: Includes Rallye Red, Crystal Black Pearl, and Lunar Silver with contrast roof.
- Functional Aesthetics: Each visual upgrade has a subtle aerodynamic or cooling benefit.
Interior Design and Cabin Upgrades
Step inside the Elevate RS and you’re greeted with an all-black cabin theme, subtly accented by red stitching, metal pedals, and RS-specific branding. The dashboard layout remains largely unchanged but feels more premium due to new upholstery and soft-touch materials.
The front seats are now sportier with extra bolstering to hold the driver and passenger during spirited driving.
Honda has also added ambient lighting in red, aluminum scuff plates, and RS-branded floor mats. Rear-seat comfort remains intact, with reclining seats, adjustable headrests, and dual AC vents for passenger comfort.
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- RS Upholstery: Leatherette with contrast red stitching.
- Aluminum Pedals: Enhance the sporty driving vibe.
- Digital Display: 7-inch semi-digital cluster with RS-themed graphics.
- Rear Seat Comfort: Reclining backrests and center armrest with cupholders.
- Premium Details: Soft-touch dashboard inserts and brushed aluminum surrounds on air vents elevate cabin feel.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Honda has packed the Elevate RS with all the tech modern buyers expect. It comes with a 10.25-inch floating infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The interface has been slightly reworked with RS-specific themes and startup animations.
- Premium Audio System: 8-speaker surround system tuned for immersive sound.
- Wireless Charging Pad: Positioned for easy access, works with most phones.
- Honda Connect: Telematics suite with remote start, geo-fencing, vehicle health alerts.
- Custom User Profiles: Stores climate control, seat position, and infotainment settings.
- Split-Screen Display: Allows simultaneous use of navigation and media.
- OTA Updates: Future-ready system with downloadable enhancements over time.
Fuel Efficiency and Economy
Even with its performance tweaks, the Elevate RS manages to maintain respectable fuel economy. Honda has optimized the transmission ratios and engine tuning to ensure that the fun doesn’t come at the cost of efficiency.
- Manual Variant: Offers approx. 16.8 kmpl in real-world driving.
- CVT Variant: Delivers around 15.5 kmpl, depending on driving conditions.
- Eco Assist Feature: Helps drivers adjust throttle inputs for better mileage.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 40 litres, offering a usable range of 600+ km per tank.
- Intelligent Start-Stop: Saves fuel in city traffic without interrupting performance.
Ride Quality and Handling
The RS is where the Elevate feels more alive. Honda has fine-tuned the dampers and spring rates to reduce body roll and improve turn-in response.
The steering has also been recalibrated to feel weightier at higher speeds, providing better confidence on highways.
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- Stiffer Suspension Setup: Helps the car hug corners with more control.
- Lower Centre of Gravity: Achieved through RS-tuned underpinnings.
- Reduced Understeer: Thanks to improved suspension geometry.
- Braking System: Disc brakes with increased pad surface area for better bite.
- Cornering Grip: Enhanced by RS-specific tyre compound and pressure calibration.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Honda continues to prioritize safety in the RS variant as well. All core safety features from the standard Elevate are retained, and new driver-assist tech is added to enhance confidence behind the wheel.
- Six Airbags: Dual front, side, and curtain airbags.
- Honda Sensing: ADAS suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking.
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Keeps the car stable during hard cornering.
- Hill Start Assist and Reverse Camera: Useful for city and hilly driving conditions.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Visual alerts in ORVMs for added highway safety.
- TPMS: Real-time monitoring of tyre pressure adds a layer of protection.
Pricing and Variant Breakdown
Positioned above the top-end ZX variant, the Elevate RS will serve as a flagship performance edition in the lineup.
- Expected Price Range: ₹14.9 lakh to ₹16.2 lakh (ex-showroom).
- Manual and CVT Options: Available in both forms to appeal to a wider audience.
- Exclusive Accessories: RS floor mats, decals, scuff plates, and body kits available as dealer add-ons.
- Subscription Plans: Monthly ownership models introduced in metros to attract younger buyers.
Launch Date and Availability
Honda officially revealed the Elevate RS at the beginning of 2025, with bookings now open across showrooms and online platforms.
- Launch Date: March 2025.
- Delivery Timeline: Begins from mid-April 2025.
- Online Booking: Token amount ₹11,000 for early reservations.
- Limited Edition: Only a few thousand units for the first production run.
- City-Wise Rollout: Priority deliveries in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Color Options and Personalization
Buyers can choose from a curated palette designed to highlight the RS theme.
- Rallye Red: Signature RS color.
- Crystal Black Pearl: Sleek and stealthy.
- Lunar Silver with Black Roof: Stylish dual-tone variant.
- Pearl White: Classic contrast with red RS accents.
- Roof Stickers and Decals: Personalize the roof and sides with official RS kits.
Key Reasons to Consider Elevate RS
- More Power Without Compromising Mileage.
- RS Styling Makes a Bold Statement on the Road.
- Driver-Centric Features Including Paddle Shifters and Sport Mode.
- Packed with Tech and Safety Equipment.
- Unique in Segment for Combining Sport and Practicality.
- Wide Service Network: Honda’s strong support system adds long-term value.
Competition and Market Positioning
The Elevate RS sits in a unique space. It offers a sportier option in a segment that’s dominated by comfort-focused compact SUVs.
- Hyundai Creta N Line: Similar concept but more aggressive pricing.
- Kia Seltos GT Line: More expensive, with stronger engine options.
- Maruti Grand Vitara: Hybrid-focused, less performance-oriented.
- Volkswagen Taigun GT: More powerful but with higher pricing.
- Nissan Kicks Turbo (discontinued): Previously the only direct turbo rival in value.
Conclusion of Honda Elevate RS
Honda Elevate RS 2025 is a fresh take on what a compact SUV can be. It’s not just about being sporty for the sake of styling it adds tangible improvements in power delivery, driving dynamics, and cabin engagement.
For enthusiasts who want a daily driver that doesn’t feel boring, this special edition makes a compelling case.
With sporty design, improved throttle response, and all the practicality of the standard Elevate, it hits a sweet spot that few rivals currently address.
This RS edition brings back fun to the Honda brand in a segment where excitement is often traded for efficiency.
It blends the everyday nature of a city SUV with just the right amount of extra flair to make every drive more enjoyable. It’s built for those who want to stand out not just at the traffic light, but on every curve and corner too.