Acceleration

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
5	3	3	4.5

Test manual-transmission 2WD LX did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. Manual models are decently spry overall, have smooth, low-effort shift/clutch action. Automatic-transmission versions need full throttle for brisk takeoffs or to maintain speed up steep grades. Honda's claim of 11.4 sec 0-60 feels right.

Fuel Economy

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
6	5	5	4.9

Test automatic-transmission AWD averaged 21.2 mpg. Test 2WD with manual transmission averaged 22 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests, and AWD averaged 19.2 in mostly city driving. Element uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4.7

Depends on where you sit. Rear occupants nestle between the wheels and thus endure marked chop and thump over bumps. Front-seaters are more comfortable, but ride still can be stiff, jiggly on patchy pavement and washboard surfaces. Decent body control over large humps and dips.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	4.7

Nimble for a tall box. Cornering stable, predictable, with little tippy feel, but slab-sided body subject to crosswind wander at highway speeds. Flooring throttle in front-drive models can trigger torque steer--pulling to the side--plus wheelspin on slippery surfaces. Traction better with AWD, but rear wheels slow to engage and often clunk as they do. Routine braking OK, though not all testers like pedal feel.

Quietness

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4.1

Tire thrum evident on coarse pavement, but boxy design subject to intrusive wind rush at about 65 mph. Engine gruff, throaty at full throttle; in manual-transmission 2WD version, turns buzzy at highway speed.

Controls

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.6

Simple, convenient climate controls and audio unit. Shift lever sprouts from lower dash, falls readily to hand. Hooded gauges hard to see in some light, are partly obscured for tall drivers by steering wheel. Cabin materials utilitarian, but are nicely assembled.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.8

Ample adult-size room, but hard padding on water-resistant cloth seats not conducive to long-haul comfort. Standard driver-seat height adjustment welcome, but has limited range and tedious handwheel control. SUV-tall driving stance, short nose lend panoramic feel, but roof pillars slice into visibility aft and over the shoulders. Front doors open wide, but are long for tight parking spots.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	4.6

Lower step-in height than most compact SUVs eases all-around entry/exit. Head room only adequate for 6-footers, but leg room ample even with front seats set fully aft. Rear bench suffers even skimpier padding than front seats, plus undersized cushion and backrest. Rear doors open 90 degrees and leave a wide entrance, but are difficult to reach and thus close from the rear seat. Industrial-look rubber flooring can become slick when wet.

Cargo Room

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
9	9	9	7.3

With seats suitably arranged, Element can tote a 10-ft surfboard or sleep two six-footers with the hatch closed. There's a useful 25 cu ft of cargo space behind the split rear bench, whose sections stow quickly but are difficult to remove or install. Cabin has loads of nooks for small stuff. Screw-in legs transform lift-out rear cargo floor into small table.

Value within Class

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
7	8	8	6.3

Element isn't so much an SUV as a motorized gear tote for "active lifestyle" types. Though not designed for posh comfort or serious off-roading, it earns our Recommended label as a versatile, practical, roomy little wagon with Honda's expected solid workmanship and thoughtful features.

Total Score

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
58	56	56	52.5

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		29
Average Score		52
High Score		62