SUV SMACKDOWN

Compact SUVs don't come cheap. Where should you be putting your money?

- VIPUL PUNETHA

What did one Japanese SUV say to another? ‘Hey there, are you a hybrid? Because you’ve been giving me some serious electric competition.’

I chuckled at the joke, but it dawned on me that many wouldn’t get it. Why? Because there are few takers for strong hybrid technology, and despite their impressive fuel efficiency, these SUVs are still far from mass acceptance. Not many users fully grasp the benefits on offer, which is why a staggering 70 percent of Grand Vitaras sold are the naturally aspirated four-cylinder variants.

Now that we know where the market trends are, let’s talk about how you can spend your money more wisely. Am I already suggesting that the Elevate is a superior vehicle? At least in terms of costs, yes, to begin with. It’s seventy thousand less, and you end up with a superior car.

Why superior? Because it’s a Honda. And sporting that emblem upfront sets certain expectations for the Elevate. Quality, fit and finish, the materials used, and the engineering behind it all—these are the aspects where the Elevate truly shines. Distinguishing between the two is tricky because they’re both Japanese SUVs, but it’s the Honda that truly makes you feel special.