2011 Honda Element: What's New

Vehicle Overview

The versatile Honda Element is a boxy, compact crossover whose tall styling makes up for modest overall length. Originally pitched as a dorm room on wheels for college-age folks, the Element also appeals to families and senior citizens because of its easy entry and exit and spacious interior. The Element competes with rivals such as the Jeep Compass, Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue.

New for 2011
Honda has dropped the SC trim, which had a carpeted cargo area as opposed to the plastic used in other trims.

Exterior
The Element’s headlamps and grille give the compact crossover a family resemblance to its larger, more sedate cousin, the Pilot. Element’s trademark center-opening swing-wide doors with no center roof pillar remain a distinguishing feature. Exterior features include:

• Available 16- or 18-inch wheels
• Standard power mirrors
• Chrome exhaust tips (EX and SC)
• Optional fog lamps

Interior
The Element seats four, and the rear seats can be folded flat, folded up to the sides or removed — Honda claims 64 different seating configurations — creating a large, open cargo space. There is also a three-compartment overhead storage unit. Interior features include:

• Standard air conditioning
• Standard power windows and locks
• Standard water-resistant seats
• Optional 270-watt audio system
• Optional GPS navigation system
• Optional MP3 jack

Under the Hood
The Element keeps the same powertrain offerings as before. Mechanical features include:

• 166-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with 161 pounds-feet of torque
• Five-speed automatic transmission
• Available front- or all-wheel drive

Safety
Available safety features include:

• Standard side-impact airbags
• Standard side curtain airbags
• Standard antilock braking system
• Standard electronic stability system with traction control
• Optional backup camera