2009 Honda Element: Road Test
2009 Honda Element 2WD Automatic LX
2009 Honda Element ▼
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- MSRP: $20,275 - $25,770
- Invoice: $18,878 - $23,974
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Our road test for the 2009 Honda Element includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Honda Element from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Honda Element, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Honda Element help you decide if a 2009 Honda Element is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
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
| AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD Element EX with manual transmission averaged 19.2 mpg in mostly city driving. A front-drive SC with automatic averaged 22.6 mpg. Element uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 5.4 |
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. SCs are particularly rough, due to their sport suspension and 18-inch tires. All have decent body control over large humps and dips.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 4.8 |
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 OK, though not all testers like Element's pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.5 |
Tire noise is evident on coarse pavement, and Element's boxy design is subject to intrusive wind rush at about 65 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
| AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
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 the steering wheel. No opportunity to evaluate with the navigation system.
DETAILS
| AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Cabin materials are utilitarian but show good assembly quality.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Ample room, but hard seat padding is not conducive to long-haul comfort. 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)
| AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
A lower step-in height than most compact SUVs eases all-around entry and exit. Headroom is only adequate for six-footers, but leg room is ample even with front seats set fully aft. The rear bench suffers even skimpier padding than the front seats, and its undersized cushion and backrest further detract from comfort. 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
| AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.1 |
With the seats suitably arranged, Element can tote a 10-foot surfboard or sleep two adults who are less than 5-feet-9 inches tall 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 the lift-out rear cargo floor into small table.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.8 |
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. Neither posh comfort nor serious off-roading are on its agenda either. It is, however, a roomy and adaptable little wagon with Honda's expected solid workmanship.
Total Score
| AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 58 | 57 | 61.1 |
Total Score: 58
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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