2010 Honda Element

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The 2010 Honda Element gets a lot of utility out of a vehicle that's quite compact and easy to park with a van-like body, an extremely versatile interior and rear-hinged back doors that allow wide loading access. Inside, a black urethane utility floor cleans up easily and the seat upholstery is moisture-resistant, making the Element a good choice for those with pets, babies or messy cargo. There's seating for up to four people and the back seats flip up easily for larger cargo, or they can be removed completely. All Elements have multiple beverage holders, cargo hooks for strapping down larger items like bikes and spacious door pockets on all four doors.

The Element is available in three versions: base LX, luxurious EX and sporty SC. The LX and EX models are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the SC is only available with front-wheel drive. The EX (AWD) and SC trims are available with 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.

The Element comes with just one engine, a 2.4L iVTEC 4-cylinder that produces 166 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque. An available real-time AWD system brings more traction for driving on snow or sand. When wheels slip, the system can send up to 70 percent of engine power to the rear wheels as needed.

The interior capacity maxes out at a capacious 75 cubic feet, depending on the configuration. The cargo bay features a washable rubber floor, which can be removed, attached to screw-on legs and turned into a picnic table.

A strut-based chassis up front and double-wishbone suspension in the rear give the Element its confident driving experience. The SC model adds a sporty edge to the Element, adding a lowered sport suspension, stronger stabilizer bars, a faster steering ratio, larger 18-inch alloy wheels and projector-beam headlights. All Elements have standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), anti-lock brakes with brake assist, front seat-mounted side air bags and side curtain air bags with a rollover sensor system.

Full-power features, remote entry and a 4-speaker sound system with CD player are standard on all trims. Standard on the SC and EX are an MP3 jack, satellite radio and wheel-mounted audio controls. SC and EX trims have a USB interface available and a 270-watt stereo system with seven speakers and a front center-mounted 6.5-inch subwoofer. Options for the SC and EX also include a bundled rearview camera and voice-activated navigation system that can also play MP3 files via a flash-card slot and iPod jack.

Bluetooth is available for all trims and an optional navigation system is available for the SC and EX. Options for all trims are largely activity-focused. For instance, cargo organizers, a tailgate seatback and attachments for kayaks, bikes, snowboards or skis are optional. Available on EX models is the Dog Friendly Package, a pet accommodation system that includes a soft-sided kennel in the cargo area, special dog-print patterned seat covers and floor mats, a pet bed, and a special stowable ramp to allow old dogs ease of ingress and egress.
Following a complete exterior and interior makeover in 2009, the Honda Element receives only minor changes for 2010. On EX models, a new "dog-friendly" pet accommodation system includes a soft-sided kennel in the cargo area, special dog-print patterned seat covers and floor mats, and a special ramp to allow old dogs ease of ingress and egress.
Practical cargo utility; updated stylish exterior; easy-access interior and controls
Based on the CR-V platform, the versatile 2010 Honda Element is well-suited for people who carry gear for outdoor activities, and for those with dogs. Its compact overall dimensions, good maneuverability, and tall driving position make it a great urban vehicle. With plenty of standard safety equipment and a low base price, the Element makes a good value proposition. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2010 Element five out of five stars for front- and side-impact crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2010 Element a "Good" rating (the highest possible) in frontal offset and side impact testing, and awarded it a "Top Safety Pick" distinction.