MG Astor vs Honda Elevate: Great SUV Features & Price Battle

MG Astor vs Honda Elevate

The compact SUV segment in India has become a battleground of epic proportions, where manufacturers deploy their finest engineering and most compelling value propositions to capture the aspirational middle class. Two formidable contenders representing different philosophies are the MG Astor and the Honda Elevate—vehicles that showcase how Chinese-backed innovation competes with Japanese reliability in one of the world’s most competitive automotive markets. This comprehensive comparison explores how feature-packed technology battles proven engineering across features and pricing, helping buyers make informed decisions in this crowded segment.

Brand Philosophy: Tech-Forward Disruption vs Time-Tested Reliability

MG Astor: The AI-Powered Disruptor

MG Motor India, backed by Chinese automotive giant SAIC Motor, entered the Indian market in 2019 with aggressive strategies emphasizing technology, features, and value. The Astor, launched in 2021 as a replacement for the Hector’s compact sibling, represents MG’s tech-forward approach—packing segment-first features, AI integration, and comprehensive connectivity at competitive pricing.

The Astor embodies MG’s philosophy of “disrupting through technology.” It’s designed for tech-savvy buyers who want their vehicle to feel like a smart device on wheels, who appreciate innovative features over brand heritage, and who value comprehensive equipment at accessible prices. MG positions the Astor as the most technologically advanced compact SUV, targeting younger, digitally-native buyers.

MG’s approach prioritizes immediate value and feature abundance—giving buyers more equipment, more technology, and more features than established competitors at comparable or lower prices. This strategy aims to overcome new-brand skepticism through undeniable value propositions.

Honda Elevate: Japanese Excellence Refined

Honda entered India’s compact SUV segment relatively late with the Elevate in 2023, but they brought decades of global SUV expertise and Honda’s legendary engineering quality. The Elevate represents Honda’s methodical approach—emphasizing space, refinement, proven reliability, and the brand prestige that Honda has cultivated over decades.

The Elevate embodies Honda’s “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” philosophy—maximizing interior space and passenger comfort while minimizing mechanical complexity. It’s designed for practical families who prioritize spaciousness, build quality, long-term reliability, and the peace of mind that comes with Honda ownership.

Honda targets established, slightly more mature buyers who value proven engineering over flashy features, who appreciate quality materials and assembly, and who view their vehicle as a long-term investment rather than a technology showcase.

Design and Styling: Bold Presence vs Sophisticated Simplicity

MG Astor Design Language

The Astor showcases contemporary, globally-influenced SUV design:

Exterior Styling

• Bold front grille with distinctive argyle diamond pattern creating strong identity
• Sharp LED headlamps with signature LED DRLs creating memorable face
• Sculpted bonnet with muscular lines suggesting strength
• Clean side profile with rising character line adding dynamism
• Distinctive 17-inch alloy wheels (variant dependent)
• Connected LED tail lamps spanning vehicle width (trend-following design)
• Dual-tone color options with contrasting roof adding visual interest
• Compact dimensions (4,323mm length) balanced with SUV presence
• Good ground clearance (210mm) suggesting capability

The Astor looks contemporary and substantial—design that communicates modernity and premium positioning. It won’t polarize opinions; the styling aims for broad appeal through familiar SUV proportions enhanced with contemporary details.

Build Quality

Build quality is good with decent panel fit and quality materials. However, some owners report minor quality inconsistencies—panel gaps varying slightly, occasional fit-and-finish niggles, and trim pieces that don’t quite match Japanese precision. Overall construction feels solid and substantial, though not quite achieving Honda’s meticulous standards.

Interior Design

• Modern dashboard with horizontal layering creating spacious feel
• Dual-tone color scheme (burgundy accent available) adding sophistication
• 10.1-inch touchscreen dominating center stack
• 7-inch digital instrument cluster with configurable displays
• Soft-touch materials on upper dashboard and door panels
• Ambient lighting creating upscale atmosphere
• Premium leatherette upholstery (variant dependent)
• Quality switchgear with satisfying operation

Honda Elevate Design Language

The Elevate adopts clean, functional design prioritizing timeless appeal:

Exterior Styling

• Robust front fascia with thick chrome grille creating commanding presence
• LED headlamps with L-shaped DRLs (Honda signature lighting)
• Clean, unfussy bodywork emphasizing substance over styling gimmicks
• Squared-off proportions maximizing interior space
• 16-inch alloy wheels (appearing slightly small for the body)
• LED tail lamps with distinctive light signature
• Body-colored door handles and integrated roof rails
• Generous dimensions (4,312mm length) with upright stance
• Excellent ground clearance (220mm) providing genuine capability

The Elevate looks honest and functional—design that won’t age quickly or appear trendy. It emphasizes Honda’s traditional values: practicality, quality, and timeless appeal over fashionable styling trends.

Build Quality

Build quality is exemplary—typical Honda precision with tight panel gaps, flawless paint finish, and materials that feel premium throughout. Everything fits perfectly, operates smoothly, and communicates quality through precision engineering. The Elevate feels more expensive and better-assembled than its price suggests.

Interior Design

• Clean, functional dashboard with logical layout
• 10.25-inch touchscreen with floating design
• 7-inch instrument cluster with semi-digital display
• Premium materials with excellent fit and finish
• Soft-touch plastics where they matter
• Beige and black interior theme creating airy feel
• Quality fabric or leather upholstery
• Durable, well-textured materials throughout

Design Verdict

The Astor wins for:

• More contemporary, trend-following styling
• Bolder visual presence
• More distinctive design elements
• Trendier interior color options

The Elevate wins for:

• Superior build quality and assembly precision
• Timeless design that ages gracefully
• Better material quality throughout
• More spacious, practical proportions
• Cleaner, more refined aesthetic

This is partially subjective—the Astor looks more contemporary and feature-rich; the Elevate looks more refined and quality-focused. However, the Elevate’s superior build quality is objectively measurable.

Space and Practicality: Maximum Utility Showdown

MG Astor Interior Space

Passenger Accommodation

• Front seats: Excellent headroom and legroom; supportive seats with good bolstering
• Rear seats: Good legroom (adequate for 6-foot adults); generous headroom despite panoramic sunroof
• Rear seat width: Comfortable for two adults; three possible but snug
• Rear seat features: Reclining backrest (top variants), center armrest, rear AC vents
• Overall cabin feel: Spacious and airy with panoramic sunroof enhancing openness

Boot Space

• Cargo capacity: 448 liters—adequate for weekend luggage
• Usable shape: Square, practical configuration
• Rear seats: 60:40 split folding expanding cargo capacity substantially
• Loading height: Reasonable, not too high

Practical Features

• Front center armrest with storage
• Rear center armrest with cupholders
• Door pockets holding bottles
• Glovebox (cooled on top variant)
• Multiple USB charging ports
• Seatback pockets

Honda Elevate Interior Space

Passenger Accommodation

• Front seats: Exceptional headroom and legroom; supportive, comfortable seats
• Rear seats: Class-leading legroom rivaling sedans; excellent headroom despite upright roofline
• Rear seat width: Genuinely comfortable for three adults
• Rear seat features: Reclining backrest (60:40), rear AC vents, adjustable headrests
• Overall cabin feel: Exceptionally spacious—best-in-class rear seat space

Boot Space

• Cargo capacity: 458 liters—segment-leading capacity
• Usable shape: Square, practical, with low loading lip
• Rear seats: 60:40 split folding with nearly flat load floor
• Loading height: Conveniently low for heavy items

Practical Features

• Large door pockets throughout
• Front center armrest with substantial storage
• Rear center armrest with cupholders
• Glovebox (cooled on top variant)
• Multiple USB ports (Type-A and Type-C)
• Coat hooks, bottle holders
• Thoughtful storage solutions throughout

Space and Practicality Verdict

The Honda Elevate wins decisively:

• Superior rear seat legroom and headroom
• More comfortable three-abreast rear seating
• Larger boot capacity (458L vs. 448L)
• Better overall space utilization
• More thoughtful storage solutions
• Lower boot loading height

Honda’s “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” philosophy delivers genuinely superior practicality. The Elevate feels more spacious despite similar exterior dimensions, demonstrating superior packaging efficiency.

Features and Technology: AI Innovation vs Proven Functionality

MG Astor Features Arsenal

MG positions the Astor as the segment’s technology leader:

Infotainment and Connectivity

• 10.1-inch HD touchscreen with responsive interface
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• i-SMART connected car technology with comprehensive features:
  • Remote engine start/stop
  • Remote AC control
  • Vehicle tracking and location
  • Geo-fencing with alerts
  • Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
  • 75+ connected features
• Premium sound system (6 speakers)
• Wireless phone charging

Unique AI Features

• Personal AI Assistant with natural voice commands
• Autonomous Level 2 ADAS (segment-first at launch):
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
  • Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
  • Lane keep assist and lane departure warning
  • Blind spot detection
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • High beam assist
  • Speed assist system
• 360-degree camera with multiple viewing angles

Comfort and Convenience

• Panoramic sunroof creating airy cabin ambiance
• Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
• Cruise control
• Electric parking brake with auto-hold
• 6-way power-adjustable driver seat (top variant)
• Push-button start with smart key
• Auto-dimming IRVM
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Ambient lighting (multiple colors)
• Air purifier (PM 2.5 filter)

Safety Features

• 6 airbags (standard across variants)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction control system
• Hill hold assist
• ISOFIX child seat anchors
• Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
• All four disc brakes

The Astor’s feature list is genuinely impressive—MG packed technology and equipment that shames vehicles costing significantly more.

Honda Elevate Features

Honda focuses on essential features executed with precision:

Infotainment and Connectivity

• 10.25-inch touchscreen with Honda Connect
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Honda Connect with Alexa remote connectivity:
  • Remote engine start
  • Remote AC control
  • Vehicle tracking
  • Geofencing
  • Service reminders
  • Roadside assistance
• 6-speaker audio system
• Wireless phone charging (top variant)

Advanced Safety (Top Variant)

• Honda Sensing ADAS suite (top variant only):
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Collision mitigation braking
  • Lane keeping assist
  • Road departure mitigation
  • Auto high beam
  • Lead car departure notification
• 360-degree camera (top variant)
• 6 airbags (standard)

Comfort and Convenience

• Single-pane sunroof (not panoramic)
• Automatic climate control with rear vents
• Cruise control
• Electric parking brake with auto-hold (top variant)
• 8-way power-adjustable driver seat (more adjustment than Astor)
• Push-button start
• Auto-dimming IRVM (top variant)
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Walk-away door lock

Safety Features

• 6 airbags standard
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
• Traction control
• Hill start assist
• ISOFIX anchors
• TPMS
• Disc brakes all around

Features Verdict

The MG Astor wins on:

• More comprehensive standard features across variants
• Panoramic sunroof (vs. single-pane)
• ADAS available on mid-variants (Honda: top only)
• Personal AI assistant
• More connected car features (75+ vs. fewer)
• Ambient lighting
• Air purifier
• Better feature distribution across range

The Honda Elevate counters with:

• More sophisticated Honda Sensing ADAS (when equipped)
• 8-way driver seat vs. 6-way
• Honda’s proven reliability and integration
• Better execution of features (less gimmicky)
• Superior build quality affecting feature durability

For buyers prioritizing maximum features and technology, the Astor delivers more equipment. For buyers valuing quality over quantity, the Elevate’s more focused feature set with superior execution appeals.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

MG Astor Powertrains

1.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated Petrol

• Power: 110 PS at 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 144 Nm at 4,200 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or CVT automatic
• 0-100 km/h: ~12 seconds (adequate, not exciting)

1.3-Liter Turbocharged Petrol

• Power: 140 PS at 5,000 rpm
• Torque: 220 Nm at 1,500-4,000 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed DCT automatic
• 0-100 km/h: ~9.5 seconds (genuinely brisk)

Driving Character: The turbo engine transforms the Astor—strong mid-range punch, confident highway performance, and satisfying acceleration. The DCT shifts quickly when driven enthusiastically. Handling is composed with decent body control, though the steering lacks feedback. Ride quality is comfortable, absorbing typical road imperfections well.

Honda Elevate Powertrain

1.5-Liter i-VTEC Naturally Aspirated Petrol

• Power: 121 PS at 6,600 rpm
• Torque: 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or CVT automatic
• 0-100 km/h: ~11 seconds (adequate)

Driving Character: The Honda engine is refined and smooth—typical Honda excellence with linear power delivery. It lacks the turbo Astor’s punch but delivers smooth, predictable performance. The CVT is well-calibrated, avoiding excessive droning. Handling is confidence-inspiring with precise steering and good body control. Ride quality is excellent—composed, comfortable, and sophisticated.

Dynamics Verdict

The Astor (turbo) wins performance:

• More powerful turbo option
• Quicker acceleration
• Stronger mid-range punch

The Elevate wins refinement:

• Smoother, more refined engine
• Better steering feel and handling
• Superior ride quality
• More sophisticated chassis tuning
• Better CVT calibration

Pricing and Value: The Critical Decision

MG Astor Pricing (Ex-showroom)

• Base variant (Style): ₹9.98-10.50 lakhs
• Mid variants: ₹11.50-13.50 lakhs
• Top variant (Savvy Pro): ₹17.00-18.00 lakhs

Honda Elevate Pricing (Ex-showroom)

• Base variant (SV): ₹11.00-11.50 lakhs
• Mid variants (V, VX): ₹12.50-14.50 lakhs
• Top variant (ZX): ₹16.00-16.50 lakhs

Direct Variant Comparison

Mid-Spec Comparison:

• Astor Select (with ADAS): ~₹13.50 lakhs
• Elevate V: ~₹12.90 lakhs

The Astor includes ADAS, panoramic sunroof, and more features; the Elevate offers better build quality and space.

Top-Spec Comparison:

• Astor Savvy Pro: ~₹17.50 lakhs
• Elevate ZX (with Honda Sensing): ~₹16.25 lakhs

Despite lower price, the Elevate ZX includes Honda Sensing ADAS, though the Astor offers more comprehensive standard features.

Value Analysis

The Astor offers:

• Lower entry price
• More features at every price point
• Better feature-per-rupee value
• Comprehensive equipment even in mid-variants

The Elevate offers:

• Superior build quality and reliability
• Better space and practicality
• Honda brand trust and resale value
• Lower long-term ownership costs
• More refined driving experience

Ownership Costs (5-Year Projection)

MG Astor:

• Purchase: ₹15.00 lakhs (mid-spec, approximate)
• Fuel (15,000 km/year): ₹1,10,000-1,20,000
• Maintenance: ₹45,000-55,000
• Insurance: ₹45,000-50,000
• Depreciation considerations: Lower resale value
• Total: ₹17.00-17.75 lakhs

Honda Elevate:

• Purchase: ₹14.50 lakhs (mid-spec, approximate)
• Fuel: ₹1,10,000-1,20,000
• Maintenance: ₹35,000-40,000 (lower Honda service costs)
• Insurance: ₹40,000-45,000
• Depreciation: Superior resale value
• Total: ₹16.35-16.55 lakhs

The Elevate offers lower total ownership costs through better fuel efficiency, lower maintenance, and superior resale value.

The Final Verdict

Choose the MG Astor if:

• Maximum features and technology are priorities
• You want comprehensive ADAS in mid-variants
• Panoramic sunroof is important
• AI assistant and connected features appeal
• Turbocharged performance matters
• Lower entry price is crucial
• You appreciate bold, contemporary styling
• You’re comfortable with newer brands

Choose the Honda Elevate if:

• Build quality and reliability are paramount
• Maximum interior space is essential
• You prioritize Honda brand trust
• Long-term ownership costs matter
• Superior resale value is important
• Refined driving experience appeals
• You want best-in-class rear seat space
• You value proven engineering over features

Final Recommendations

Best Overall Value: Honda Elevate VX Superior space, build quality, and reliability with adequate features at competitive pricing.

Best for Features: MG Astor Select Pro Comprehensive ADAS, panoramic sunroof, and extensive equipment at accessible pricing.

Best for Performance: MG Astor Savvy Turbo DCT Strong turbocharged engine with quick-shifting DCT.

Best for Families: Honda Elevate ZX Class-leading space, Honda Sensing safety, and proven reliability.

Best Budget Choice: MG Astor Style Lowest entry price with decent equipment.

Best Premium Choice: Honda Elevate ZX Honda Sensing, superior quality, and comprehensive features justify premium.

Conclusion

The Astor and Elevate represent fundamentally different value propositions. The Astor maximizes features, technology, and equipment at competitive prices—perfect for tech-enthusiast buyers who want comprehensive features and don’t mind accepting some quality compromises. The Elevate prioritizes space, build quality, refinement, and long-term reliability—ideal for practical families who value Honda’s proven excellence and view their SUV as a long-term investment.

Neither is objectively better—they serve different buyer priorities. The Astor wins feature count and tech sophistication; the Elevate wins quality, space, and ownership experience. Choose based on what matters most: feature abundance or proven excellence.