2005 Honda Element 4WD Road Test

Speaking of all, I once again was picking up my temporary children from school. Being Monday, which is test car swap day, I told

To me, the Element is not the best looking crossover SUV to grace city streets, but I sure love the interior. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

them that I would be fetching them in an "Orange Surprise," and left it at that. As I entered the school grounds, I saw the kids pointing and smiling as I entered the round-about to pick them up. "Cool, we get to go in the Element this week," was one of their responses. One of them commented, "It's kinda weird looking from the outside, but I love the inside!" I would have to agree. To me, the Element is not the best looking crossover SUV to grace city streets, but I sure love the interior.

As soon as the little monsters settled in... well, they never really settled in because they were so excited about the rear seats and the many ways they fold. The Element's rear

The rear seating is somewhat elevated, creating a stadium-like effect with great visibility out the front window, and added comfort. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

seats can contort 64 different ways; talk about 'karma sutra.' Am I allowed to say that in front of the kids? Nevertheless, the munchkins were thoroughly entertained for the trip home. Who needs a DVD player when seats are as interesting as these?

Kids aside, the rear seats are very spacious and offer plenty of leg (965 mm) and headroom (994 mm). While driving some of my co-workers home, the generous interior space was pointed out once again. Even better, the seating is somewhat elevated, creating a stadium-like effect with great visibility out the front window, and added comfort.