Photos Courtesy of American Honda
Of all the dead vehicles we hear about making a potential comeback, the Honda Element is one of the most unlikely. In fact, this boxy little SUV might be the most unlikely to be resurrected, unless Nissan decides to breathe new life into the Cube.
Why?
I mean, look at it. The Honda Element is a weird looking vehicle. And yes, its boxy, upright styling helped create a solid cult following, especially after it went out of production in 2011, but conventional it is not. But that helps explain its popularity among devotees. Its inherent practicality, spacious interior, and unusual styling are big parts of its charm, and it’s a big reason Elements are still on the road today.
To refresh, the Honda Element was in production for one generation that lasted from 2003 through 2011. It was powered by a 2.4-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that produced 160 horsepower and 160 lb-ft. of torque for 2003 – 2006 models, and 166 hp / 162 lb-ft. for 2007 – 2011 units. Three transmissions were offered; a four-speed automatic (2003 – 2006), a five-speed automatic (2007 – 2011), and a five-speed manual (2003 – 2010). All Elements were front-wheel drive only.
U.S. sales were strong early on but dropped dramatically as the Element aged. By its final year in 2011, sales had shrunk from a peak of 67,478 in 2003, to just 11,534.
News of a potential return comes to us via a recent report from Automotive News which suggests a new Element will return for the 2029 model year with a hybrid powertrain, and it is benchmarking the Ford Bronco Sport as its primary competition. The report also says the new Element, like the original, will be assembled in Ohio.
Now, before we go any further, Honda has not confirmed this news. When asked for comment by Motor Trend, it released the following statement.
“The Honda Element has maintained a cult following since it was discontinued in 2011, and hopes for its possible return continue to circulate online. We sincerely appreciate the enthusiasm for the Element, but we are not going to engage in speculation about our future product plans.”
So, we don’t know much. In fact, we don’t really know anything for sure. The big question we have, apart from potential powertrains, is will the new Element – should it return – look like its predecessor? Will it retain its charming toaster-like profile?
Given the reported timeline, we should know more – one way or the other – soon. We’d love to see it. And if it does return, we hope the new Element is as boxy and unconventional as it was the first time.
