2029 Honda Element Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
The Honda Element has always attracted people who want something stranger, smarter, and more useful than a normal SUV. The 2029 Element that’s rumored to be on the horizon could recast that cult-classic formula as a compact hybrid adventure crossover, blending the original’s clever packaging with the efficiency, tech, and rugged attitude expected from today’s small SUVs.
Small SUV rivals could include the Ford Bronco Sport, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, and Mazda CX-50 Hybrid.
The gallery above shows the first-gen Element; we’ll add 2029 Honda Element photos as soon as the SUV arrives.
If the rumors are true, the Honda Element could return after nearly two decades away, reviving one of Honda’s most distinctive nameplates as a more rugged, adventure-leaning compact hybrid crossover.
The original Element built a cult following in the 2000s with its quirkiness, but the new version is expected to take a more intentionally outdoorsy approach aimed at rivals including the Ford Bronco Sport.
Production reportedly could begin in 2029, which would make the revived Element a 2029 or 2030 model. Its rumored positioning between the HR-V and CR-V is unusual, since that would place it between the subcompact and compact SUV classes. However, that in-between size could also give Honda room to create something more personality-driven than either of its mainstream crossovers.
This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available.
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Which Hybrid Powertrain Will Power the 2029 Element?
The safest powertrain bet is an evolution of Honda’s current 2.0-liter two-motor hybrid system. In today’s U.S. lineup, that hardware produces 200 hp in the Civic Hybrid and 204 hp in the CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid, giving a future Element a likely output target around the 200-hp mark.
Available AWD would seem like a must for an adventure-leaning Element, with tuning likely focused more on low-speed electric torque, everyday efficiency, and light trail-road confidence rather than outright speed.
A revived Element Hybrid would almost certainly be quicker than the original. The first Element relied on a 2.4-liter gas four-cylinder with 160–166 hp, and MotorTrend testing placed it roughly in the 8.6–10.8-second 0–60-mph range.
A modern Honda two-motor hybrid with around 200 hp and instant electric torque should feel stronger around town than the original Element ever did. A 2029 Honda Element hybrid could accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 8.0 seconds, as a CR-V hybrid with AWD hits 60 in 7.2 seconds.
The 2029 Element TrailSport
Will Honda offer a 2029 Element TrailSport? Absolutely. We expect the 2029 or 2030 Element TrailSport to offer equal helpings of off-road style and capability.
Although the larger Passport will offer more capability, a 2029 Element TrailSport could offer a retuned suspension along with all-terrain tires. On the style side, big TrailSport badges and orange accents are a given.
Fuel economy is unknown, but an Element Hybrid using Honda’s 2.0-liter two-motor setup would likely target around 40/36 mpg city/highway. That would put it near the current CR-V Hybrid , which is rated at 43/36 mpg with front-wheel drive and 40/34 mpg with AWD, while keeping it competitive with hybrid small-SUV rivals such as the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD (46/39 mpg), Mazda CX-50 Hybrid AWD (39/37 mpg), Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid AWD (36/36 mpg), and Toyota RAV4 Woodland AWD (41/35 mpg).
The original Element was lovable, but not especially fuel-efficient by modern small-SUV standards. In its final 2011 model year, EPA estimates were 20/25 mpg city/highway for 2WD automatic models and 19/24 mpg with AWD, so a hybrid revival targeting roughly 40/36 mpg would represent a huge efficiency leap.
Expect a 2029 Element TrailSport model to trade some mpgs for more rugged looks and capability.
The next Element should follow Honda’s current small-SUV playbook with a standard Honda Sensing suite, likely including automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitoring, and automatic high beams.
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and low-speed braking control could also be part of the mix, though some of those features may be reserved for higher trims.
How Big Will the Next Element Be?
Because the 2029 Element is expected to slot between the HR-V and CR-V, rear legroom and cargo space may slot between those two popular, mainstream SUVs.
The original Element offered up to 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, compared to the HR-V's 24.4 cubes and the CR-V's roughly 35-plus cubic-foot cargo area.
For comparison, the Ford Bronco Sport checks in at 32.5 cubic feet. A modern Element would likely aim for Bronco Sport-like everyday cargo room with more Honda-style passenger space. Offering more interior space than it seems possible from the outside is a magic trick we’ve seen on some Hondas over the years.
The 2029 Element should improve on Honda’s current small-SUV tech formula, hopefully trading today’s 9.0-inch compact-crossover touchscreen for a standard 12.3-inch display by the time it arrives.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto , a wireless charging pad, multiple USB-C ports, and an available Wi-Fi hotspot all seem likely, with Google built-in navigation and voice functions possible on upper trims.
Will the 2029 Element Be as Quirky as the Old One?
The original Element’s charm came from how proudly weird and useful it was: boxy toaster-on-wheels styling, rear coach doors, removable rear seats, and a urethane-coated utility floor that could handle muddy gear, wet dogs, and outdoor-life messes.
It also had stain-resistant upholstery, rear seats that could fold flat with the fronts to form a makeshift bed, and, on some 4WD models, a removable rear skylight that made the cabin feel even more like a rolling gear hauler.
A new Element does not need to copy every old trick, but it should bring back that same clever, washable, adventure-friendly attitude.