Comparison: Honda Elevate vs MG Astor

Honda’s answer to the booming compact SUV market in India is the all-new Elevate. It is a much-awaited offering from the Japanese brand that currently has no other SUV in its portfolio. The Honda Elevate faces tough competition from established rivals such as the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and MG Astor.  While Honda has a reputation for producing stellar models such as the Honda City, the Elevate needs to prove itself in this highly competitive segment. 

Among the rivals, the MG Astor is similar to the Honda Elevate in many ways. Both models utilize a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and offer ADAS tech. The Astor is an underrated product in its crowded segment; while it lacks a bit of SUV-esque styling compared to its rivals, the Astor compensates with a turbo petrol engine and a premium cabin that comes loaded with tech. MG has also competitively priced the Astor, starting at just Rs 10.82 lakh. So, here’s how the MG Astor and the new Honda Elevate stack up against each other on paper.

Honda Elevate vs MG Astor: Dimensions 

The MG Astor is 4323 mm long and 1809 mm wide which gives it an edge over the Honda Elevate and makes it the longer and wider SUV here. But look further, and where it matters in terms of usable space and dimensions, it is clear the Elevate trumps the Astor in terms of overall dimensions. Yes, the Honda and the MG have identical height figures, but what makes the Elevate take the lead here is its 2650mm of increased wheelbase along with a huge, class-leading boot space of 458 litres as opposed to 359 litres of the MG Astor. The Honda also gets an adequate 220mm of ground clearance which is the highest in this segment. 

Also read: Comparison: Honda Elevate vs. Hyundai Creta

Honda Elevate vs MG Astor: Engine & Transmission

While both SUVs differ in terms of size and dimensions, they are similar when it comes to engine options. Honda is only offering one petrol engine option for the Elevate –  a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that develops 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque. This is the same tried and tested engine that powers the Honda City as well. On the other hand, MG also offers a similar 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine for the Astor. This engine develops 110 PS of peak power and 144 Nm of peak torque. Honda has a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed CVT option for the Elevate while MG is offering the option of either a 5-speed manual or a CVT. 

Also read: Comparison: Honda Elevate vs Kia Seltos

Up until this, both SUVs are similar, but the MG has something up its sleeve – a more powerful turbocharged petrol engine. The 1.3-litre three-cylinder unit is good for 140PS and 220 Nm of peak torque making it one of the most punchy units in its segment. This engine comes mated with the sole option of a 6-speed torque converter AT as well. Since Honda lacks a turbo petrol engine option, the MG is the choice here if you prefer a potent compact SUV that offers good straight-line performance. 

Honda Elevate vs MG Astor: Features & Comfort

At first glance, the Honda Elevate and the MG Astor seem to offer similar features with all the essentials such as climate control, sunroof, cruise control, rear AC vents, digital driver display, wireless charger, and the 10-inch instrument cluster which is the main attraction. However, the MG Astor wins in this area as it offers some really cool features including an AI assistant inside the cabin. Some other features which it offers over the Honda Elevate are a panoramic sunroof, steering modes, electric seats, TPMS, cornering fog lamps, heated ORVMs, and a PM 2.5 air filter for the cabin. 

In terms of comfort and convenience, both these SUVs offer a climate control AC with rear vents, a good music system and a touchscreen. That said, an important feature, ventilated seats, is missing from both these SUVs.

Also read: Comparison: Honda Elevate vs Volkswagen Taigun

Honda Elevate vs MG Astor: Safety Features

The MG Astor and the Honda Elevate come packed with 6 airbags and all the crucial safety kits such as traction control, ESP, and ABS with EBD. But, neither of these SUVs have been tested by any crash testing agencies as of now. On paper, these SUVs are closer than we imagined as they also offer a full ADAS suite that includes lane keep assist, headlamp control, adaptive cruise control and much more. But if we go by each and every safety feature on offer, the MG Astor comes up on top as it offers rear disc brakes, hill descent control, and a 360-degree camera – all missing in the Honda. 

Also read: Comparison: Honda Elevate vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Honda Elevate vs MG Astor: Price Comparison

MG has aggressively priced the Astor, starting from Rs 10.82 lakh reaching all the way up to Rs 17.70 lakh for the range-topping model with the turbo petrol engine and the 6-speed automatic gearbox. There are multiple variants on offer, namely –  Sharp, Sharp EX, Smart, Smart EX, Super, Super EX, Style, Style EX, and Savvy. It is hard to undercut the MG Astor in terms of pricing and we expect Honda to price the Elevate between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 17 lakh. At that price, the MG is still the more value-for-money offering here. Then again, we cannot arrive at a conclusion since Honda will only reveal prices for the Elevate when it officially launches the SUV in August 2023. 

Summary

Honda’s new compact SUV, Elevate, has a lot riding on it as it’s heavily based on the successful Honda City sedan, essentially making it a City-based SUV. The City, known for its brilliance, is the class leader in overall sales. However, the Elevate faces fierce competition from rivals that are hard to fault, including the Astor which is one of the most affordable options in the segment. Despite its affordability, the MG Astor offers nifty features, full ADAS tech and a more powerful turbo petrol engine compared to the Elevate’s sole petrol engine option. The Astor is a hard SUV to ignore and at least on paper, it delivers everything you expect and some more.

Honda has taken a distinctive approach with the Elevate, focusing more on space and a premium feel. The SUV offers the best boot space, commendable interior space and a well-crafted cabin featuring premium materials. While it may lack some of the dazzling features found in its rivals, the Elevate compensates with a robust and reliable powertrain option, full ADAS tech, and important features, even though it skips a few others. Ultimately, the Elevate might seem a tad lacking on paper, but its success hinges on pricing. If Honda gets that right, Elevate has all the enthusiasm to follow in the footsteps of Honda City.

If you’re someone who likes your cars to be loaded with cutting-edge features that simplify life, the MG Astor might be the better car for you. It caters to buyers seeking a powerful SUV with a turbo petrol engine that delivers the thrills. On the other hand, the Honda might suit someone who prefers a laid-back SUV that promises a premium feel, despite skimping on some features.