2009 Honda Element

The biggest changes on the 2009 Honda Element are up front. Redesigned headlights flow more smoothly into a revised and friendlier grille we've seen on the refreshed 2009 Honda Ridgeline. Current Element owners may have noticed the wheel wells, which have been squared off. Within those wheel wells is a new wheel design on non-SC models. The reworking is even subtler out back, where a chrome bar above the license plate area is new, and if you look closely, you'll see that the taillights have a slight boomerang effect missing on previous model years.

Inside, the 2009 Element retains its reconfigurable seats and garden-hose-ready upholstery, but it has been updated with all the latest gadgets. New features include Bluetooth connectivity, Honda's satellite-linked navigation system with voice activation, a rearview camera for automatic transmission models and USB digital media connectivity. While the base LX model comes with only a four-speaker stereo with a CD player, the EX and SC models get a 270-watt, seven-speaker audio system that will read MP3 and WMA CDs, comes standard with XM Satellite Radio and steering wheel controls and features a 6.5-in. subwoofer located at the bottom-center of the dash. For the first time, 2009 Element EX and SC models will come with a navigation option. The dash-mounted system features a 6.5-in. screen that controls the nav and audio systems.

Under the hood is the same 2.4L i-VTEC inline-four-cylinder engine found in the original Element, though it now makes 166 hp and 161 lb-ft of torque. It can be mated to a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission and can be had in 2WD or AWD forms on the LX and EX models and 2WD only on the SC model. When the front two 16-in. wheels only are driven, the 2009 Element gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway with the automatic transmission, while AWD models get 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway regardless of what transmission they're mated to.

The 2009 Honda Element gets a revised exterior appearance across all three trims, which includes a new front grille and bumper design, restyled front fenders, a new hood design, squared wheel arches, and new headlight and taillight configurations. Changes to the interior include new, brighter color schemes with titanium-look side linings, new fabric patterns, and revised switchgear designs and meter graphics. The Element LX also gets a restyled low-profile center console. New features to the Element EX and SC include a Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System with Voice Activation and a rearview camera, USB digital media connectivity, and improved overhead console storage areas with modular compartments. The new overhead console includes two large storage bins and a rear storage area for sunglasses. The EX trim also gets a new convertible center console with a removable cooler/storage box, while the SC retains its exclusive center console.

Under new sheet metal and an updated interior, the Element retains the same engine and transmissions, so the 2009 Element is a refresh, not a full redesign.

The base model Element LX will start at $20,845 including destination charge, while a fully-loaded Element SC carries a manufacturers suggested retail price of $26,345.