Acceleration

2WD LX, manual	AWD EX, manual	AWD EX, automatic	SC, automatic	Class Average
5	5	4	4	4.6

Either transmission affords Element adequate power, though automatic versions are slow to gather speed from a stop. A test manual-transmission 2WD LX did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. Manual models have smooth, low-effort shift/clutch action.

Fuel Economy

2WD LX, manual	AWD EX, manual	AWD EX, automatic	SC, automatic	Class Average
6	5	5	6	5.1

In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD LX with manual transmission averaged 22 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. AWD models averaged 19.2 mpg with the manual transmission and 20.9 with the automatic, both in an even mix of city and highway use. A test SC with automatic averaged 22.6 mpg. Element uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

2WD LX, manual	AWD EX, manual	AWD EX, automatic	SC, automatic	Class Average
4	4	4	3	5.1

In LX and EX, comfort 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 the ride still can be stiff and jiggly on patchy pavement and washboard surfaces. The SC model is particularly rough, due to its sport suspension and 18-inch tires. All have decent body control over large humps and dips.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD LX, manual	AWD EX, manual	AWD EX, automatic	SC, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5	6	4.7

Nimble for a tall box. All Elements corner with little tippy feel, but their slab-sided body is subject to crosswind wander at highway speeds. SCs are more agile, with less lean and more grip. Traction is better with AWD than front drive, but the system is slow to send power to the rear wheels when the fronts slip. On several test models we detected a clunking noise when power was transferred to the rears. Routine braking is okay, though not all testers like Element's pedal feel.

Quietness

2WD LX, manual	AWD EX, manual	AWD EX, automatic	SC, automatic	Class Average
4	4	4	3	4.6

Tire noise is evident on coarse pavement, and Element's boxy design is subject to intrusive wind rush at speeds above 60 mph. SC's performance-oriented tires contribute to elevated road noise, even at low speeds. The engine sounds gruff at full throttle and turns buzzy at highway speed.

Controls

2WD LX, manual	AWD EX, manual	AWD EX, automatic	SC, automatic	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6

Element has simple, convenient climate and audio controls. Hooded gauges are hard to see in some light conditions, and are partly obscured for tall drivers by steering wheel.

Details

2WD LX, manual	AWD EX, manual	AWD EX, automatic	SC, automatic	Class Average
4	4	4	4	5.2

Assembly quality is Honda-typical, but Element's cabin is decked out with lots of hard plastic with unappealing textures. It's in step with Element's utilitarian goals, but nearly all its rivals have nicer appointments.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LX, manual	AWD EX, manual	AWD EX, automatic	SC, automatic	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.1

Ample adult-size room, but hard padding is not conducive to long-haul comfort. The standard driver-seat height adjustment is welcome, but it has limited range and a tedious handwheel control. The SUV-tall driving stance and short nose offer a panoramic feel, but the roof pillars slice into visibility aft and over the shoulders. The front doors open wide but are long for tight parking spots.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD LX, manual	AWD EX, manual	AWD EX, automatic	SC, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.8

A lower step-in height than most compact SUVs eases all-around entry and exit. Headroom and legroom are only adequate. The rear bench suffers even skimpier padding than the front seats, and its undersized cushion and backrest further detract from comfort. The bench only seats two passengers as well. The 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, manual	AWD EX, manual	AWD EX, automatic	SC, automatic	Class Average
8	8	8	8	8.1

With the seats suitably arranged, Element can tote a 10-ft surfboard or sleep two adults who are less than 5-feet-9-inches tall. There's a useful 25 cu ft of cargo space behind the split rear bench. Stowing the bench requires folding the seatbacks and awkwardly flipping the assembly up against the rear quarter windows, where they must be secured in place via a strap that hooks onto the ceiling. There are many cubbies inside the cabin, but none are covered or lined, meaning small items are exposed and can shift easily.

Value within Class

2WD LX, manual	AWD EX, manual	AWD EX, automatic	SC, automatic	Class Average
5	6	6	5	5.9

Element isn't so much an SUV as a motorized gear tote for "active lifestyle" types. It sacrifices some convenience to rear doors that don't open independently of the front doors. And posh comfort or serious off-roading aren't on its agenda. It is, however, a roomy and adaptable little wagon with Honda's expected solid workmanship.

Total Score

2WD LX, manual	AWD EX, manual	AWD EX, automatic	SC, automatic	Class Average
58	58	57	56	60.2

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		42
Average Score		60
High Score		72