Honda Elevate vs Maruti Suzuki XL6: Comparing Their Automatic Variants Priced Rs 13-15 Lakh for First-time Car Buyers

Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which are the best, or top cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at the Honda Elevate and Maruti Suzuki XL6, and find out which of their variants will be the best for you.

In this first-time car buyers’ guide, we will share

• What a first-time buyer should look for in a car
• Honda Elevate vs Maruti Suzuki XL6 – an in-depth guide to their variants, features, cost, and driveability
• How to pick the right car for you

So, are these affordable cars for first-time buyers in India? And which variant of these models is the right car for a first-time car buyer? Let’s find out.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

What a First-time Car Buyer Looks for in a Car

This is what a first-time buyer should look for in a car:

• Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
• Affordability – The car should be well within budget and affordable.
• Fuel efficiency – The car should have good fuel efficiency, thereby reducing its running cost.
• Ease of driving – The car should be easy to drive, with features that help in driving and offer convenience for new drivers.

First-time car buyers generally prioritize affordability, fuel efficiency, safety features, convenient features like power windows and steering controls, sufficient cabin and boot space for family, an automatic transmission for ease of driving, and a reputable brand that assures peace of mind. 

They prefer SUV body-type for good road visibility and muscular looks. Value for money is also critical.

Why Honda Elevate and Maruti Suzuki XL6 are popular

The Honda Elevate and Maruti Suzuki XL6 both offer great value to first-time buyers. They fall in the price range of Rs 13-15 lakh, making them quite affordable. Both offer automatic transmissions which simplify driving. Their engines deliver decent mileage of around 16-21 km/l.

Honda’s brand commands higher resale value. The Elevate gets premium interiors and generous boot space of 458 liters. It also has 6 airbags and modern safety tech like ESC and hill-hold assist.

The Maruti XL6 enjoys the brand’s vast service network. It gets Maruti’s reliable petrol-hybrid engine. The XL6 offers one-touch tumble & recline seats, roof-mounted AC vents for 2nd and 3rd row, and 209 liters boot. Its variant range stretches from Rs 12-15 lakh.

So both these SUVs check many right boxes for first-car buyers. Their style and road presence is also youthful.

Honda Elevate and Maruti Suzuki XL6 Automatic Variants Shortlist in Rs 13-15 Lakh Range

For Maruti Suzuki XL6, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 29 November 2023
Zeta AT	₹13.06 lakh
Alpha AT	₹14.06 lakh

For Honda Elevate, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 29 November 2023
V CVT	₹13.21 lakh
VX CVT	₹14.60 lakh

Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta AT

The Maruti XL6 Zeta AT is feature-loaded given its price. It gets 7-inch touchscreen, auto AC, push button start, steering controls, fog lamps and alloy wheels. Safety is also covered with 4 airbags, ABS and ISOFIX child seat anchors. If you enjoy long-distance road trips, you can check out our comparison of the XL6 with Maruti Ertiga.

Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha AT

The higher Alpha AT trim adds leatherette upholstery, cruise control and auto headlamps over the Zeta. So for Rs 1 lakh more, the upgrades seem worthwhile. If you’re a style-conscious car buyer, you can read our comparison of the XL6 with Kia Carens.

Honda Elevate V CVT

In Honda Elevate, the V CVT base variant itself gets a ton of features like auto LED headlamps, 6 airbags, hill assist, ESC, auto AC, electric sunroof, and 16-inch wheels. Boot space is class-leading at 458 liters. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Elevate with Volkswagen Taigun.

Honda Elevate VX CVT

The VX CVT top-end brings additions like 17-inch alloys, leather-wrapped steering, auto-dimming IRVM, and auto-folding ORVMs. So it offers good value too.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Honda Elevate and Maruti Suzuki XL6 for First-time car buyers

The best variant for a first-time buyer is the Honda Elevate V CVT priced at Rs 13.21 lakh.

Despite being an entry variant, it offers an overload of premium features coupled with Honda’s brand image and reliability. 

The safety package is unmatched with 6 airbags, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist and ISOFIX seats. Few cars even in higher segments provide this level of safety.

Interiors are plush with auto climate control, electric sunroof, auto headlamps, push button start, steering mounted controls, and 16-inch wheels. The touchscreen supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay for smartphone connectivity. Upholstery is premium black fabric.

With 458 liter trunk, it leads the segment in cargo room. Mileage is decent at 16.92 km/liter. The responsive 1.5-liter petrol engine puts out 145 Nm torque using Honda’s efficient technology.

Service network is wide spread. Resale value and brand trust gives further peace of mind. Compared to Maruti XL6 Zeta MT, the Elevate V CVT gives safety, more features and brand name for a minor Rs 32,000 premium. It clearly excels as the best pick.

The Top 3 choices

1. Honda Elevate V CVT
2. Maruti XL6 Alpha AT
3. Honda Elevate VX CVT

Variant	Price	Key Strengths
Honda Elevate V CVT	Rs 13.21 lakh	Loaded safety tech Premium interior features Class-leading cargo space Honda’s brand equity
Maruti XL6 Alpha AT	Rs 14.06 lakh	Leatherette seats Cruise control Auto LED headlamps Maruti’s reliability & service
Honda Elevate VX CVT	Rs 14.60 lakh	Adds leather wrap steering 17-inch diamond-cut alloys Auto-dimming IRVM Value for money

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Honda Elevate V CVT emerges the undisputed winner as explained earlier. It strikes the optimal balance of safety, features, space, brand value and price.
• The Maruti XL6 Alpha AT makes it to the top 3 for its status features like auto headlamps, cruise control and leatherette seats which enhances the first-time ownership experience. Brand reliability is a bonus.
• Though expensive, the Elevate VX CVT offers additions like sunroof, push button start, rear camera, auto-fold ORVMs, and 17-inch stylish wheels. So there is decent value-add over the V CVT.

The Honda Elevate V CVT tops the list with its safety, features and brand name. The XL6 Alpha AT gives tough competition with its comfort goodies. And the VX CVT too warrants consideration.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered