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A New Honda Element Hybrid Is Exactly What Honda Needs Right Now.

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The old Honda Element still has many, many fans. For some reason, Honda just abandoned it and just produced one generation, from 2002 to 2011. With a total production of around 350 000 units. (of course sales were down after 9 years…). A new one would seem like a no brainer these days. but we’re talking about Honda here. A brand that, to many, seems a bit lost right now.

A brand that is now focusing 100% on Hybrids. Not PHEVs or EREVs. No, just plain old Hybrid tech. And especially, no EVs at all, after spending billions on new EVs research and development. (Which will put the brand in a very tough spot in just a few years.)

For now, Honda will soon unveil their new 2.0 Liter Hybrid platform. And later, a larger one with a 3.0 Liter V6, for their larger models. I think a new Element Hybrid would be great. One based on that brand new Civic Hybrid platform. Something that could easily get 50MPG or even better. (Although the aerodynamics of a car shaped like a breadbox might not result in the best numbers…). A new Element would also have too look a lot like the “old” one. A bit sleeker and more modern, but it should really use most styling cues from the original.

It can be done. The Porsche 911, Mini Cooper, Jeep Wrangler. They’ve all done it.

A new element could also offer a more off-road oriented model with standard AWD, higher ground clearance and specific tires. Which again, could be quite popular and could even compete against a few Subaru models. 

Just image a friendly looking AWD 50MPG roomy cube shaped new Honda. How could that not work?

Honda just gave birth to a new generation Prelude. Which is actually pretty overpriced and of very limited appeal. A new Element could really bring more people into the Honda family. Just like the first one did. The already have the platform and R&D wouldn’t cost a fortune. 

But Honda’s future plans just seem to include more SUVs. New generations of the current ones. And a new Civic and Accord. If they decide against killing the Accord. 

I haven’t heard of anything fun like a new Element. But really, why not?

Conversation 10 comments

  1. Yes, Honda should build it. That car is loved by its owners, and it was just based on the CRV then… so why not the same now? They didn’t worry about aerodynamics with the Passport. Its a box. Put the current regular hybrid in it, as an all hybrid model. Put a sunroof in the correct place (the last one was in the back), regular rear door handles on it, an all rubberized floor, and removable rear seats, and offer some great accessories. This was a North American hit, but even the Japanese are buying “rugged” looks now. Back then, they had two versions: a regular with FWD or AWD and a sportier SC version. The baby Passport look in an efficient package would just never even set tires on the showroom floor, it would be that big a hit.

  3. Just like your previous post about a retro inspired Fit, this would be such an awesome addition to Honda’s lineup! I wish Honda was taking notes.

  4. My friend had a Odyssey before he bought the Element, he told me the minivan got better mileage on the freeway than the Element, that’s a big failure if true.

  5. I owned a petrol Element, until a clandestine ne’er-do-well crawled under its highly accessible underside with his motorized saw and vision of the good life by removing and selling the precious metals of my catalytic converter.

    Fool did more damage than the old Honda was worth, so the Element and I parted ways after a good run together. A hybrid or electric Element in the spirit of the original would be perfect today. Instead we have a Prelude (hurrah) that is overpriced and underwhelming for what it is (booooo). It’s scary to see Honda emulating Nissan recently …

  7. As the owner of TWO Elements since they were new, a 2003 and a 2009, we keep driving these daily. IF Honda decides to come out with a new Element with the rugged and HUGE interior, I will buy TWO new Honda Elements.

  8. As the owner of TWO Elements since they were new, a 2003 and a 2009, we keep driving these daily. IF Honda decides to come out with a new Element with the rugged and HUGE interior, I will buy TWO new Honda Elements.

  9. Love my Element. Nothing else like it from a versatility standpoint. Build this Honda!

  10. Looks like Honda will come back with the Element in 2029- thetruthaboutcars.com reports.

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