5 Minutes
Honda's Elevate (WR-V) Reimagined as a Compact Pickup
You don't always see every Honda model on American roads — the brand sells many region-specific cars worldwide. Brazilian CGI artist Kleber Silva, known online as KDesign AG, recently imagined a bold new direction for one such nameplate: the Elevate (also badged WR-V in some markets). His render envisions a compact, unibody pickup that could sit below the Ridgeline and square off with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
From subcompact crossover to mini pickup
The WR-V/Elevate is currently a subcompact crossover primarily aimed at emerging markets. Introduced in 2017, the first-generation WR-V was derived from the Fit/Jazz; the latest iteration shares underpinnings with models like the BR-V and Amaze in certain regions. Silva's concept takes those small-CUV roots and imagines a practical, squared-off pickup body grafted onto a unibody platform.
The result is a design described by the artist as 'robust and square' — a compact truck with clean surfaces, a short bed, and practical urban proportions. The styling keeps Honda's visual DNA while leaning into toughness and utility rather than flashy ornamentation.
Key imagined specs and positioning
- Powertrain: Honda's 1.5-liter turbocharged engine rated at roughly 177 horsepower (as proposed by the artist).
- Architecture: Unibody construction, similar in spirit to the Ridgeline and other compact crossovers-turned-trucks.
- Target buyers: Urban drivers who want a versatile daily vehicle with light-duty hauling capability and weekend adventure potential.
'Compact, stylish, and efficient — it would be the ideal pickup truck for those who want urban versatility with a touch of adventure,' Silva says of his virtual creation.
Market context: Could an Elevate pickup succeed?
In North America the Ford Maverick demonstrated a clear appetite for small, affordable unibody pickups, combining carlike handling with truck utility. Hyundai’s Santa Cruz followed with more premium ambitions but has sold more slowly. Silva's Elevate pickup would likely target the Maverick's sweet spot: affordability, efficiency, and everyday usability.
In South America and other emerging markets, the competitive landscape includes the Fiat Toro, Chevrolet Montana, and Ram Rampage. A compact Honda pickup could play well there, too — particularly if it undercuts larger body-on-frame trucks on price while offering better fuel economy and urban friendliness.
Practical advantages for Honda would include platform sharing (lower development cost), proven small-displacement turbo engines, and strong dealer networks in many regions. Challenges: differentiating from the Ridgeline enough to avoid brand overlap, ensuring competitive payload and towing numbers, and deciding which markets justify production.
How it compares to likely rivals
- Ford Maverick: Proven volume seller with hybrid options; the Maverick sets the benchmark for price-to-utility.
- Hyundai Santa Cruz: More premium and comfortable, but higher price may limit mass appeal.
- Fiat Toro / Chevrolet Montana / Ram Rampage: Strong contenders in Latin America where smaller pickups are popular and often more practical than larger trucks.
Highlights:
- Potential 1.5L turbo with ~177 hp provides a balance of efficiency and adequate performance.
- Unibody layout emphasizes ride comfort and everyday handling over rugged off-roading.
- Compact footprint fits dense urban environments while retaining cargo versatility.
Final thoughts
Silva’s concept is unofficial, but it sparks a sensible question: could Honda realistically expand its pickup lineup beyond the Ridgeline with a smaller unibody truck? Given the market appetite for fuel-efficient, city-friendly pickups, the idea has merit. Whether such a model would be sold globally or tailored to specific regions depends on pricing, platform choices, and how Honda positions it against existing rivals.
For now it's a digital tease — a well-executed CGI study that highlights a gap in Honda's current North American lineup and imagines how a WR-V/Elevate pickup might capture buyers who want more utility without the footprint of a full-size truck.
What do you think — would you buy a compact Honda pickup for city life and light-duty hauling?
Source: autoevolution
Comments
v8rider
Whoa this actually looks badass! Compact Honda pickup would be perfect for city runs and weekend gear, small bed but clever. I'd take a test drive asap
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