The current fifth-generation Honda City received an update in 2023, which included minor changes. The facelift arriving on May 22, 2026, however, will be its most comprehensive yet, bringing in a variety of changes on the outside and inside to keep it fresh in the midsize sedan segment.
2026 appears to be a prime time for midsize sedans, as the Hyundai Verna has already been refreshed, and the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia are also going to get facelifts this year.
1. What are the exterior updates on the Honda City facelift?
Recently, the design of the updated Honda City facelift was leaked online, revealing a new fascia. The restyled fascia has new LED headlamps, which seamlessly integrate with the new grille featuring a honeycomb pattern. The bumper also gets a new design for the air inlets on both sides and a revised air dam. The dual-tone alloy wheels also receive a new look, and the Honda badge is now placed above the grille instead of being on it. Like the front, the rear end is also expected to get a do-over with revised LED tail-lamps and bumper.
2. What interior changes are expected on the Honda City facelift?
Spyshots of the Honda City facelift revealed a freestanding infotainment system, which could be a larger 10.25-inch unit, as seen on the Elevate. As the current model has an 8-inch dash-integrated infotainment screen, a minor redesign of the dashboard is possible. New colour schemes and trim pieces could also be on board. The 2026 City facelift could bring goodies like a powered driver’s seat, ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera setup. Features like Level 2 ADAS, connected car tech, a semi-digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-speaker sound system, a single-pane sunroof, a rear windscreen sunshade, a wireless phone charger, and ambient lighting are expected to carry over.
3. What powertrains will the Honda City facelift offer?
As stated earlier, the new City will most likely remain unchanged on the mechanical front, offering a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 121hp and 145Nm, mated to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic. Similarly, the City e:HEV can retain the current 1.5-litre strong hybrid powertrain, producing 126hp.
4. How much will the Honda City facelift cost?
The standard Honda City is priced from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 16.07 lakh (ex-showroom); the hybrid version costs Rs 20 lakh. Considering the features the City may add, we speculate that the price could increase anywhere between Rs 15,000 and Rs 60,000, depending on the variant. For reference, the Hyundai Verna starts at Rs 10.98 lakh and goes up to Rs 18.4 lakh, the Volkswagen Virtus is priced from Rs 10.5 lakh to Rs 19 lakh, and the Skoda Slavia costs between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 17.99 lakh.
