When the Element hit North American streets in 2002, it got a lot of attention. Some loved its box-on-wheels shape and still do, while some thought it picked up where the Pontiac Aztek left off in the ugly-as-sin department.
Yet the Element gained much respect in terms of practicality and interior space. And despite modest sales (for every Element sold, Honda moves out about ten CR-Vs), it’s instantly noticeable on the road because it looks like nothing else.
The breadbox shape has been a common sight in Japan, but not here. That has changed with the arrival of the Nissan cube, the Kia Soul and soon, the Scion xB. But wait; besides a facelift and other minor tweaks, the Element hasn’t changed much since its intro seven years ago. Is it still competitive?
Yet another reskin
The youth-oriented SC adds some visual flair in the form of an aerodynamic body kit, body-coloured bumpers and 18-inch wheels. It also loses a little ruggedness inside, with the addition of floor carpeting and the absence of water-resistant seat fabric.
For 2009, every Element gets flush headlights, a new grille and squared wheel openings. As for the SC, its aero add-ons are a little more aggressive this year.
Light on features
Unlike most SUVs, the Element can carry only four passengers, not five. That extra seat is precious and if you have more than two kids, the Element can’t fill the bill. Everyone benefits from a large seat that is supportive and comfortable, even on long rides.
The rear bench is quite versatile; it can fold down into a bed or flip up and along the sides of the vehicle for extra cargo space, or can be removed completely. The Element can swallow a full-size dog crate, which no other small SUV can do. The rear hatch is a practical two-section deal that opens vertically, half upwards and half downwards. Storage space abounds.
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| The 2009 Honda Element starts out at $26,990 for the base LX, but our sporty SC carries a $31,690 sticker. |
Yet the Element gained much respect in terms of practicality and interior space. And despite modest sales (for every Element sold, Honda moves out about ten CR-Vs), it’s instantly noticeable on the road because it looks like nothing else.
The breadbox shape has been a common sight in Japan, but not here. That has changed with the arrival of the Nissan cube, the Kia Soul and soon, the Scion xB. But wait; besides a facelift and other minor tweaks, the Element hasn’t changed much since its intro seven years ago. Is it still competitive?
Yet another reskin
The youth-oriented SC adds some visual flair in the form of an aerodynamic body kit, body-coloured bumpers and 18-inch wheels. It also loses a little ruggedness inside, with the addition of floor carpeting and the absence of water-resistant seat fabric.
For 2009, every Element gets flush headlights, a new grille and squared wheel openings. As for the SC, its aero add-ons are a little more aggressive this year.
Light on features
Unlike most SUVs, the Element can carry only four passengers, not five. That extra seat is precious and if you have more than two kids, the Element can’t fill the bill. Everyone benefits from a large seat that is supportive and comfortable, even on long rides.
The rear bench is quite versatile; it can fold down into a bed or flip up and along the sides of the vehicle for extra cargo space, or can be removed completely. The Element can swallow a full-size dog crate, which no other small SUV can do. The rear hatch is a practical two-section deal that opens vertically, half upwards and half downwards. Storage space abounds.
 |
| For 2009, every Element gets flush headlights, a new grille and squared wheel openings. |