Hyundai Creta vs Honda Elevate CVT: Real-World Performance Comparison

Among the midsize SUVs in India that use naturally aspirated petrol engines, the Hyundai Creta CVT and Honda Elevate CVT are two of the most popular choices. Both target similar buyers and fall in a close price band, making a direct comparison inevitable—especially for customers prioritising smooth automatic convenience and dependable performance.

In this detailed real-world test, we compare the Creta and Elevate CVT across specifications, acceleration, rolling performance and braking to find out which SUV delivers a stronger overall package.

Specifications: Honda Elevate Has Slight Edge on Paper

While both SUVs use a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, Honda’s unit enjoys a minor advantage in output. The Elevate not only produces slightly more power and torque, but also weighs less, resulting in better power- and torque-to-weight ratios.

Specifications and Price Comparison

Key takeaway:
The Elevate’s slightly stronger engine and lower kerb weight give it a clear advantage on paper. It also comes in at a lower starting price, though the Creta counters with more features in its top variants.

Acceleration: Honda Elevate Is Faster in Every Sprint

Real-world performance tests confirm what the numbers suggested—the Honda Elevate CVT is consistently quicker off the line and continues to widen the gap as speeds rise.

0–100kph Acceleration

The Elevate gets off the line more energetically and maintains the lead throughout. By 60kph, it is nearly 0.7 seconds quicker, and by 100kph, the gap widens to 1.84 seconds. Even at 120kph, the Honda stays nearly 3 seconds ahead, showcasing its stronger mid-range pull.

Rolling Acceleration: Elevate Still Ahead

Rolling acceleration (kickdown) reflects real-world overtaking ability, and here too, the Elevate retains its performance lead.

Rolling Acceleration

The Elevate performs both roll-on tests quicker—0.77 seconds faster in the 20–80kph run and 1.12 seconds in the 40–100kph test. For highway overtakes and fast-moving traffic conditions, the Honda feels more alert and responsive.

Braking: Honda Elevate Stops Sooner

Despite the Creta offering a premium feel and powerful braking hardware, the Elevate’s lighter weight helps it stop quicker in panic braking scenarios.

80–0kph Braking

The Elevate stops 3.45 metres shorter and nearly 2 seconds quicker, delivering better emergency braking performance—an important real-world factor, especially in unpredictable Indian traffic conditions.

Verdict: Honda Elevate CVT Delivers Stronger Performance Overall

Across all measurable parameters—acceleration, rolling performance and braking—the Honda Elevate CVT emerges as the clear winner in performance.

Why the Elevate CVT performs better:

• Higher power and torque output

• Better power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios

• Lighter overall kerb weight

• More responsive CVT behaviour

That said, the Hyundai Creta CVT still holds its own with a more feature-rich cabin, broader variant lineup and a more premium feel. Buyers prioritising comfort, equipment and brand familiarity may still prefer the Creta.

But if outright performance, quicker response and braking confidence are top priorities, the Honda Elevate CVT is the stronger choice in the midsize SUV segment.

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