2010 Honda Element 4WD EX Review

Doggone Cool Crossover

A three-quarter front view of an orange 2010 Honda Element 4WD EX

In short: A resilient and utilitarian four-passenger crossover.

The Honda Element is a robust four-passenger crossover that aims for the basics, offering a boxy, utilitarian-styled body and two convenient clamshell doors. The vehicle’s tough demeanor shows through with its unit-body construction, side-impact door beams, scratch-resistant utility floor and water-resistant FXC seat fabric. Among the other features included with the Element are a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, power-assisted brakes, vehicle stability control and highly configurable seating.

Our Honda Element EX came fitted with tons of techy treats like Honda's satellite-linked navigation system and a USB audio interface that helped to make long trips a little bit more fun. Carpooling with pooches was also not a problem with our Dog Friendly Honda Element, which adds a built-in kennel, stowable ramp, and even a spill-proof water bowl to this already versatile crossover.

Warranty/Service: Three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty; five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty; five-year/unlimited-mile corrosion warranty; three-year/36,000-mile accessory warranty.

QUICK SHEET

Base Price: $25,285 / As tested: 25,955

Technical Specifications

Vehicle type: front-engine, 4-wheel drive, 4-passenger, 2-door crossover

Engine: 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC in-line 4-cylinder with i-VTEC
Horsepower: 166 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque: 161 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual

Curb weight: 3,648 lbs
Wheelbase: 101.4 in
Length/Width/Height: 169.3/71.5/70.4 in
Turning circle: 34.9 ft

Brakes: power-assisted ventilated disc in front, power-assisted solid disc in rear, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist
Suspension: control-link MacPherson strut in front; compact double wishbone in rear; stabilizer bar in front and rear
Traction: vehicle stability assist with traction control

0-60 mph: 10 seconds
Top Speed: 112 mph

EPA City: 19 mpg
EPA Highway: 24 mpg

Safety: unit-body construction, dual-stage and dual-threshold front airbags, front side airbags with passenger-side occupant position detection system, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, tire pressure monitoring system, side-impact door beams

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Photography: AlphaMedia

PSV062508

(Updated 08/12/10 NW)

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