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2010 Honda Element

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The Honda Element is a versatile crossover with a unique boxy design that never goes unnoticed. There are no significant changes for 2010. However, the five-speed manual transmission is no longer available. The 2010 Honda Element gets a new "Dog-Friendly" option package. This box-like compact SUV seats four and has rear-hinged rear side doors that don't open independently of the front doors. The Element was originally directed at twenty something college age drivers, but over the years it has also appealed to families and senior citizens because of its easy entry and exit and spacious interior. The 2010 Honda Element falls somewhere between the small crossover/SUV/minivan segments and boasts an upright, boxy shape. Last year the Element received a slight styling refresh. The Element is available in three trims and competes with other crossovers such as the Jeep Compass, Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue. While the element is designed to appeal to an active crowd its versatile four-passenger cabin maximizes space for people and cargo while retaining a relatively compact size and car-like driving characteristics and it’s tall styling makes up for modest overall length. The Honda Element easily accommodates the lifestyles of all kinds of people on road and off with smooth, four-cylinder power, crisp and balanced handling, and optional all-wheel-drive traction for beach or snow. The 2010 Element has an EPA fuel economy of 19 – 20 mpg city and 24 – 25 mpg highway [1].

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.

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 taillamps and a new front grille last year. The end effect is it more closely resembles its larger, more 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 "clamshell" 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.

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.

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 centre 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 floormats.

Summary

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 rearview camera and USB audio interface is optional. The 2010 Honda Element still makes a style statement that's unlike any other. Even for those who don't think the Element is attractive, it's hard to argue with the beauty of its stark functionality. Visit Honda's official 2010 Element site for more details, pictures, and pricing.

[1]  2WD models (city/highway/combined) 20/25/22, 4WD models (city/highway/combined) 19/24/21. Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.