2010 Honda Element

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Summary

When the Honda Element debuted seven years ago, its target demographic was primarily active 20-something-year-olds interested in outdoor recreation. As it turned out, a lot of older people bought Elements. And why not? With a tidy footprint and room inside for four adults and their cargo, the boxy, space-efficient Element certainly has broad appeal. And for 2010, the Honda Element goes to another demographic.

Full Review 2010 Element

This year brings a new option called the Dog Friendly package. Designed to transport your canine safely and comfortably, the package includes a fully enclosed (via high-strength netting) kennel that sits in the cargo area and features a cushioned bed and built-in water bowl, an extend-able ramp (which stows under the kennel) to ease the dog's entry and exit, a rear ventilation fan, rubber floor mats and dirt- and water-resistant second-row seat covers.

Other than the pooch package, the Element continues relatively unchanged from last year, when it received a mild refresh. Actually, apart from some cosmetic and equipment upgrades over the years, the Element hasn't changed much since its debut. That means it still offers inherent practicality and an easy-to-handle nature. With its cargo-van-style side doors, the Element allows simplified loading of bulky cargo, and to optimize utility, the rear seats can be either flipped up to the sides or removed completely. Meanwhile, its box-on-wheels architecture and small size make maneuvering around campsites and city streets a breeze.

Design of the 2010 Element

The Honda Element sport-utility remains one of the most distinctive and useful shapes on the road. It's relatively short, 7 inches shorter than Honda's smallest sedan, and surprisingly tall. This new generation Element which was introduced in 2009 has redesigned headlamps and tail lamps and a new front grille last year. The end effect is it more closely resembles its larger cousin, the Pilot. Element's trademark center-opening swing-wide doors with no B-pillar remain a distinguishing feature. The SC features a different, custom grille, painted bumpers, larger wheels and a lowered stance. The Honda Element is a compact, car-based SUV that comes in three trim levels: regular LX, upgraded EX and sport-oriented SC. As opposed to a conventional four-door setup, the Honda Element's "clam-shell" rear doors pivot backward a full 90 degrees. Without a B-pillar to intrude, opening both side doors creates an extra-large portal through which to easily load passengers or bulky cargo.

Element Power

For power, the Honda Element is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. It is equipped with a standard 166-hp 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, matched with a five-speed automatic transmission. This engine is the same as last year's model, minus the manual transmission. For handling, the SC trim features a sport-tuned suspension. The Honda Element offers reasonably peppy around-town response with enough smoothness to make everyday commuting a pleasant enough experience. From behind the wheel, the Element feels just as tall and boxy as it is, although the steering offers positive feedback and the wide stance keeps it stable even in aggressive/evasive maneuvers. The SC trim is front-drive only. The Honda Element works great for light-duty utility it delivers for its size. Maximum towing capacity for the 2010 Element is 1500 lb.

2010 Element Lineup

The rugged LX is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, a CD player and air conditioning, while the EX adds further refinements that include alloy wheels, satellite radio, MP3 capability, an auxiliary input jack and a convertible center console with removable cooler box. The sporty SC is exclusively outfitted with a monochromatic exterior, custom grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, unique seat upholstery and piano black interior trim elements. The Dog-Friendly option package is exclusive to the EX and includes equipment that makes for easier and safer transportation of a canine, such as a cargo-area pet bed, a cargo-area ramp for pet entry and exit, and all-weather floor-mats.

Inside the Element

Inside, the Element offers a seemingly endless list of configurations. The front and rear seats can be folded or moved - Honda claims 64 different seating configurations - creating a large, open cargo space. SC versions get a carpeted cargo area, while the regular model has a wipe-clean plastic surface. The SC's dashboard is darker and less fanciful, with piano-black trim around the center control panel, vents and on the steering wheel; the seats feature a patterned design. The EX and SC also get a three-compartment overhead storage unit. The wide opening provided by the unique clamshell side doors is useful, but opening the rear doors for passengers is not always as convenient as one might think -- to open them, the front doors must be opened first, leading to some annoyance for the front occupants. Opening both side doors creates an extra-large portal through which to easily load passengers and cargo. In back, the tailgate lowers like a pickup's and is split from the upper glass. The theater-style rear seats provide plenty of visibility and legroom, and can be configured in multiple ways. And with the rear seats removed, you've got a larger SUV's 75 cubic feet of cargo space to utilize. Slight styling changes were made to the Honda Element's interior for 2009, and those carry over for 2010. Changes are basically limited to slightly different trims, materials, and switchgear, though the basic interior design remains the same.

Conclusions

Standard safety features on every Element include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, front anti-whiplash head restraints, and a tire pressure monitor. A voice-activated navigation system with rear-view camera and USB audio interface is optional. Visit Honda's official 2010 Element site for more details, pictures, and pricing. The 2010 Honda Element makes a style statement that's very much unique. Even for those who don't think the Element is attractive, it's hard to argue with the beauty of its stark functionality and comfort.