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Honda Element

The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV produced by Honda and sold mainly in North America from the 2003 to 2011 model years.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV produced by Honda and sold mainly in North America from the 2003 to 2011 model years. It is known for its boxy styling, rear-hinged rear doors, flexible interior, and utility-focused design.

Development and launch

Honda introduced the Element in 2003 as a youth-oriented compact utility vehicle. It was inspired by an earlier concept and designed around practicality, cargo flexibility, and a distinctive boxy form.

Design and features

The Element is notable for its pillarless side doors, flat-load cargo space, and durable, washable interior materials. Its layout was intended to support active lifestyles and easy loading of large or dirty items.

Powertrain and drivetrain

The Element used a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with i-VTEC technology. Depending on trim and market, it was available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Discontinuation

Honda ended Element production after the 2011 model year. By late 2010, cumulative production had reached roughly 325,000 vehicles.

Key facts

  • The Element was marketed for North America over a single generation.
  • It used a modified second-generation Honda CR-V platform.
  • Its design included center-pillarless side access doors and a highly flexible cargo area.
  • Honda announced in late 2010 that production would end after the 2011 model year.
  • The model was offered with front-wheel drive or Honda’s Real Time four-wheel-drive system.
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Canadian context

The Honda Element was sold in Canada as part of its North American market availability, making it relevant to Canadian used-vehicle shoppers and Honda enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Honda Element?
It is a compact crossover SUV made by Honda and sold primarily in North America from 2003 to 2011.
What makes the Honda Element distinctive?
Its boxy shape, rear-hinged rear doors, and flexible, easy-to-clean interior made it stand out from other SUVs.
What platform was the Honda Element based on?
It was based on a modified Honda CR-V platform.
Where was the Honda Element built?
It was produced in East Liberty, Ohio, in the United States.
When did Honda stop making the Element?
Honda ended production after the 2011 model year.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Element
    Supports: North American market years, production site, platform, discontinuation, and approximate total production.
  2. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. — https://www.honda.com/newsroom/news/2003/4030416-element-eng.html
    Supports: Launch positioning, design concept, center-pillarless body, freestyle doors, and utility features.
  3. Honda Canada — https://www.hondacanada.com/
    Supports: Canadian market relevance and Honda brand context.
  4. American Honda Motor Co. — https://automobiles.honda.com/images/2011/element/downloads/2011-element-factsheet.pdf
    Supports: 2011 engine output, drivetrain, and model specifications.
  5. J.D. Power — https://www.jdpower.com/cars/history/honda/element
    Supports: Model history, engine changes, drivetrain options, and discontinuation timing.