2029 Honda Element. A Hybrid Comeback Fans Have Been Waiting For.

I posted a few illustrations of a possible next-generation Honda Element a while ago. They showed an evolution of the original design. Since, I have seen many guesses of what the next Element could look like. Most of them looked like a smaller version of the current Honda Passport. Which is exactly what a new Element should NOT look like. A new Honda Element needs to be influenced buy the original design. A design that is still loved by many. The illustrations above show something different. But something that is definitely not a smaller Passport. As the Element needs to be something different with much more personality. 

Honda claims production will start in 2029 in the US. Which would match the timing of their new Hybrid platform. The one that will be used first for the next Civic and Accord (if the Accord does see another generation). We also know the new Element will be priced in between the HR-V and CR-V.

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. Since there will be probably a few more EREVs and PHEVs available. And yes, more EVs as well. 

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 3 years. 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. Things are moving very fast. A brand new Corolla is just around the corner with ICE, Hybrid, PHEV and even EV available. In 3 years the new Element powertrain choices might be really old fashion.