The 2009 Honda Element makes the most out of a vehicle that's quite compact and easy to park, with a van-like body, an extremely versatile interior, and rear-hinged back doors that allow wide loading access. Inside, a black urethane utility floor cleans up easily, and the seat upholstery is moisture-resistant, making the Element a good choice for those with pets, babies, or messy cargo. There's seating for up to four people, and the back seats flip up easily for larger cargo, or they can be removed completely. All Elements have multiple beverage holders, cargo hooks for strapping down larger items (like bikes), and spacious door pockets on all four doors.
The Element is available in three versions: base LX, luxurious EX, and sporty SC. The LX and EX models are available with 2WD or 4WD, while the SC is only available with front-wheel drive. The EX (4WD) and SC trims are available with 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.
The Element comes with just one engine, a 2.4L iVTEC 4-cylinder that produces 166 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque. An available real-time 4WD system brings more traction for driving on snow or sand. When wheels slip, the system can send up to 70 percent of engine power to the rear wheels as needed.
A strut-based chassis up front and double-wishbone suspension in the rear give the Element its confident driving experience. The SC model adds a sporty edge to the Element, adding a lowered sport suspension, stronger stabilizer bars, a faster steering ratio, larger 18-inch alloy wheels and projector-beam headlights. All Elements have standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), anti-lock brakes with brake assist, front seat-mounted side air bags and side curtain air bags with a rollover sensor system.
The interior capacity is a capacious 75 cubic feet, depending on the configuration. The cargo bay features a washable rubber floor, which can be removed, attached to screw-on legs, and turned into a picnic table. Options for all trims are largely activity-focused. For instance, buyers can purchase cargo organizers, a tailgate seatback and attachments for kayaks, bikes, snowboards or skis.
Practical Cargo Utility
Updated Stylish Exterior
Easy-access Interior And Controls
The Honda Element enters 2009 with a complete exterior makeover and more space and functionality on the inside.
Upgrading its competitive look, the 2009 Element features new headlights and taillights, a new squarer hood design, squared wheel arches, rounded roofline, a front grille surrounded by chrome, and restyled fenders, which are now made of metal instead of composite material. A titanium look pervades the interior with a new low center console, standard on the LX, and a new multi-function center console with removable cooler/storage box on the EX. A new overhead storage console with three configurable compartments is standard on EX and SC trims. New fabric colors and redesigned graphics for the gauges accent all trims. The SC adds unique copper-colored lighting around the gauges, and a carpeted floor replaces the waterproof rubber floor that comes with the LX and EX. The rear skylight has been discontinued.
Full-power features, remote entry, and a 4-speaker sound system with CD player are now standard on all trims. Standard on the SC and EX are an MP3 jack, satellite radio, and wheel-mounted audio controls. SC and EX trims now have a USB interface available and a 270-watt stereo system with seven speakers and a front center-mounted 6.5-inch subwoofer. New options for the SC and EX also include a bundled rearview camera and voice-activated navigation system that can also play MP3 files via a flash-card slot and iPod jack. Bluetooth is available for all trims. An optional navigation system is available for the SC and EX.
Based on the CR-V platform, the versatile 2009 Honda Element is well-suited for people who carry gear for outdoor activities, and for those with dogs. Its compact overall dimensions, good maneuverability and tall driving position make it a great urban vehicle. With plenty of standard safety equipment and a low base price, the Element makes a good value proposition. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2009 Element five out of five-stars for front- and side-impact crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2009 Element a "Good" rating (the highest possible) in frontal offset and side impact testing, and awarded it a "Top Safety Pick" distinction.
