Imagine an Indian-made SUV taking on Japan’s toughest safety tests and coming out with a perfect score. That’s exactly what the Honda Elevate, exported as the WR-V, has done, earning a coveted 5-star rating from the Japan New Car Assessment Programme (JNCAP) in April 2025. Scoring an impressive 90% (176.23/193.8 points), this mid-size SUV, built at Honda’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan, is making waves globally. In India, it rivals heavyweights like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, but its JNCAP triumph raises a big question: Is the Elevate the safest SUV in its class? Let’s dive into its stellar performance and what it means for Indian buyers.
A Safety Powerhouse in Japan
The JNCAP is no walk in the park—it’s one of the world’s strictest crash test programs. Yet, the India-made Elevate aced it. In preventive safety, it scored 95% (82.22/85.8 points), excelling in tests like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), where it earned a top Level 5 rating. Its collision safety wasn’t far behind, with 86% (86.01/100 points), including perfect 5/5 scores in full-wrap and offset frontal collisions. The SUV’s Automatic Emergency Call System also scored a flawless 8/8, ensuring rapid response in emergencies.
Pedestrian safety? The Elevate delivered there too, with a Level 4/5 for head protection and a perfect Level 5/5 for leg protection, totaling 28.28 points. For occupants, it secured 57.73 points, with side-impact tests earning full marks. The Z+ trim tested in Japan came loaded with six airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like lane-keeping assist and collision mitigation braking. Posts on X buzzed with pride, with users like @samonwheel noting, “Made in India Elevate scores 90% in JNCAP—huge win!”
What Sets the Elevate Apart?
Honda Elevate JNCAP)
So, what makes the Elevate a safety standout? Its Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure absorbs and distributes crash energy effectively, as seen in its 96% driver protection and 88% rear passenger protection in frontal collisions. The Japan-spec WR-V, while visually similar to India’s Elevate, includes extras like rear seatbelt pretensioners, which boosted its JNCAP performance. Indian buyers, however, get a robust safety suite too, with six airbags, hill start assist, and ADAS on top trims.
In India, the Elevate competes in a crowded segment. Priced between Rs 11.91 lakh and Rs 16.73 lakh (ex-showroom), it takes on the Creta, Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara. Its 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine (119 bhp, 145 Nm) offers smooth performance with a 6-speed manual or CVT gearbox. While it hasn’t been tested by Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP yet, its JNCAP results suggest it could score high locally, giving buyers confidence in its build quality.
A Boost for ‘Make in India’
The Elevate’s success isn’t just a win for Honda—it’s a proud moment for Indian manufacturing. As the first India-made Honda exported to Japan, it showcases the country’s growing automotive prowess. Built in Tapukara, the Elevate is a flagship export model, proving Indian cars can meet global safety standards. “This is a game-changer for India’s auto industry,” one X user posted, echoing widespread sentiment. With Honda leveraging India as an export hub, the Elevate’s 5-star rating could pave the way for more Indian-made cars to shine abroad.
Will this boost the Elevate’s appeal in India? With safety becoming a top priority for buyers, its JNCAP rating gives Honda an edge in a competitive market. As one fan tweeted, “Honda Elevate is setting the bar high!”
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FAQs
1. What safety features helped the Honda Elevate earn a 5-star JNCAP rating?
The Elevate’s Z+ trim, tested as the WR-V, includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, Level 2 ADAS (like AEB and lane-keeping assist), and an Automatic Emergency Call System, contributing to its 90% score.
2. Is the India-spec Honda Elevate as safe as the Japan-spec WR-V?
While structurally similar, the Japan-spec WR-V has additional safety features like rear seatbelt pretensioners. However, the India-spec Elevate’s ACE body and standard safety features suggest strong safety credentials, pending Bharat NCAP tests.
