Box on Wheels
The Honda Element is possibly one of the quirkiest vehicles to ever come out of Honda in the 2000s. It may have been based on the second-generation CR-V, but you won’t think it was when you laid eyes on it. It was tall, boxy, didn’t have a center pillar, and had suicide doors, or in other words, worlds apart from the sensible and practical CR-V.
It wasn’t a smash hit per se, but it gained quite the cult following nonetheless. Sure, it wasn’t the greatest vehicle to drive, but it was charming in its own way. If you maximize its features, it’s also an immensely versatile and practical vehicle. And as it’s a Honda from the 2000s, you just know it’s still a reliable vehicle.
Built from 2002 to 2011, the Element is still finding new fans even to this day. That said, those who want to get one now have to know that the youngest Element is now 15 years old. Finding a fresh used example isn’t exactly the easiest despite being sold over 325,000 times in nine years. That’s partly because those who have one don’t really let go of it. Today, there’s enough clamor for a comeback, and it looks like Honda is responding.
Honda
(Allegedly) Confirmed
Earlier this year, it was said that the Honda Element was, indeed, poised for a comeback. That was according to industry insiders, with no official word from the manufacturer. Now, there’s been a bit of an update, and it’s said that the crossover’s return has been internally confirmed.
In a report by Automotive News, a recent meeting with Honda and its dealers in Las Vegas was held, during which a couple of new and upcoming models were teased during the program. Among them was the revival of the Element, along with the heavily updated Accord and new-generation models of CR-V, Pilot, and Ridgeline.
Promising Signs
The whole car wasn’t shown just yet, but dealers who attended the event said a teaser was presented, showing its silhouette. The future Element will apparently retain the boxy profile and suicide doors. With that, it seems that Honda isn’t straying too far from the original model, but we could also expect far more modernized styling.
At the moment, the exact launch timing of the car has yet to be mentioned, although it’s reportedly slated to debut in 2029 for the 2030 model year. It’s still a couple of years away, but the timing suggests that it’ll be based on the next-gen CR-V. For design, we might see some inspiration from the Passport, particularly in the front and rear styling treatment. Also, the Element will slot in between the HR-V and the CR-V in Honda’s crossover range.
ChatGPTYash Bajaj
An American Honda Project?
In terms of production, it’ll be built in Ohio just like its predecessor. Should it be based on the seventh-gen CR-V, we’re expecting this model to be hybrid-only with two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options. It should also benefit from a new-generation hybrid powertrain simply called Honda Hybrid.
The original Element was a project of American Honda Motor Company, and it appears this revival will be the same. Interestingly, the Element was reverse imported to Japan from 2003 to 2005. However, its appeal was limited due to the fact that it had a 2.4-liter engine, which was considered pretty big in Japan. With the next one touted to be hybrid-only, the 2029/2030 model has the potential to be a successful reverse-import model.
Â
