2026 Honda City Facelift: What to Expect

The fifth-generation Honda City is getting its second facelift very soon. But, before its official launch on May 22, its undisguised images and videos have already surfaced online, giving us a clear idea of what to expect from the refreshed sedan.

Here is a detailed look at what is changing and what is being carried forward based on the latest leaks.

What’s New?

Exterior Design

As per the leaks, the facelifted model’s front looks completely different from the outgoing version, and this will surely spark fresh interest in the car. It adopts a sharper look featuring a gloss black grille paired with modern lightbar style daytime running lamps and sleeker LED headlamps.

The front bumper gets edgier styling with vertical cut outs, and a sleeker boot lid spoiler alongside a reworked bumper updates the rear look. The tail lamps feature a distinctive clear lens effect.

Moving away from the heavy chrome of the outgoing model, the new version opts for blacked out elements across the grille, window lines, and door sills. The side profile receives a visual lift with a fresh, sportier design for the alloy wheels.

More Features

The previous 8-inch unit makes way for a larger, free standing touchscreen infotainment system at the centre of the dashboard. However, people online are already critiquing that the infotainment display looks rather aftermarket.

Anyway, adding comfort to the cabin, ventilated seats will now be part of the feature list to tackle Indian summers. A front mounted camera confirms the inclusion of a 360-degree camera system for easier parking.

Features like the wireless phone charger, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electric sunroof, keyless entry, rear AC vents, and the 8-speaker sound system are carried forward.

Expected safety kit includes 6 airbags, Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems, a tyre pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control, hill start assist, and rear parking sensors.

What Remains the Same?

Interior Layout

The overall dashboard layout, three spoke steering wheel, and semi-digital instrument cluster remain unchanged. This could turn off a lot of potential buyers, especially those who had expected the aging design of the current model’s dashboard to be replaced.

Also, most cars in this price range now also feature a completely digital instrument cluster, at least in the top-spec variants. But, it looks like the 2026 City facelift still won’t get one.

Powertrain Options

The mechanical setup remains untouched. The sedan will continue to rely on the proven 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. This motor delivers 119 bhp of power and 145 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-step CVT automatic.

The fuel efficient City Hybrid variant is also expected to receive identical design and feature updates alongside the standard model. However, we do expect the hybrid powertrain to be available on lower trims, making it more accessible. 

Also read: Honda ZR-V Hybrid Officially Teased in India Ahead of May 22 Launch