The Honda Element Is Coming Back.
Just a few days ago, I posted illustrations about a possible future Honda Element. And wrote about what a next-generation could be like. Today we hear it is actually going to happen! Which is great news.
Honda claims production will start in 2029 in the US. Which match the timing of their new Hybrid platform. The one that will be used for the next Civic and Accord (if the Accord does see another generation that is…). We also know the new Element will be priced in between the HR-V and CR-V. Which does make some sense. However, by that time, both the HR-V and CR-V will probably be new, and therefore, more expensive than they are now. And also, probably all Hybrids.
The old Honda Element still has many, many fans. But Honda only produced it for 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 generation is really a no brainer.
Since Honda seems to be focusing on old fashion Hybrids these days, it is fair to expect the new Element to have a standard hybrid powertrain. Especially 3 years from now. By then, a regular Hybrid will be old news anyway.
Honda will soon unveil their new 2.0 Liter Hybrid platform. Probably on the next-generation Honda Civic. And later, another one with a 3.0 Liter V6, for their larger models.
A new Hybrid Element could easily get 50MPG or even better. (Although the aerodynamics of a car shaped like a breadbox might not result in the best numbers…). The next Element would also have to look a lot like the “old” one. A bit sleeker and more modern, but it should really use most styling cues from the original.
The next Element should also offer a more off-road oriented model with standard AWD, higher ground clearance and specific tires. (Green car above) Which again, could be quite popular and could even compete against a few Subaru models.
Honda is already expecting to produce around 100,000 units a year of the next Element in the US. That would make it far more popular than the previous generation.
However, the thing that worries me is the 3years. This is a very long time. It now takes Chinese manufacturers much less than 3 years to engineer a brand new vehicle. If they just announce it, that means it’s been in the works for a while. Why 3 more years then? Or do they want to stop rumors from spreading? Why? As we know, Honda now has a track record of canceling new models right before they are ready to come out (RDX EV…).
As they say, “I’ll believe it when I see it”…