By: Honda declares the 2011 Element as having a boxy, bold design, but that’s really preaching to the choir. People who appreciate and covet its cavernous, washable floor interior are sold no matter what others think of the exterior styling. The Element is about three things: Function, function and function. Seating for four plus cargo or two plus a lot of cargo. LX and EX models are offered and Honda’s Real Time 4WD is available.
A 2.4-liter, iVTEC four-cylinder engine powers the Element and produces 166 horsepower and 161 lb.-ft. of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard and features programming to minimize gear hunting on hills. The 4WD system is good for all-weather and light duty off-road, so don’t even think about the Rubicon trail. Fuel economy is rated at 20 city and 25 highway, which is few gallons off its platform sibling, the CR-V, and quite bit off of the Civic, from which both crossovers are loosely derived. No doubt the Element’s shape isn’t likely to deliver high mileage.
The Element LX comes with a four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and remote entry. EX adds a 270-watt audio system, XM Satellite Radio, MP3/WMA playback, auxiliary input, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and seven speakers including a subwoofer. In keeping with the Element’s utilitarian nature, there are storage bins and beverage holders, six tie-down hooks and storage pockets in all four doors. The EX has a convertible center console with removable cooler/storage box.
A nearly full complement of safety equipment is standard, including dual-stage front airbags, front side and side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor, antilock brakes with electronic force distribution and brake assist, and active front-seat head restraints. 
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the 2007-10 Element as Good for front, side and rear impacts and roof strength. The Element earned five-star ratings for front and side impacts, but only three stars for rollover resistance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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