2010 Honda Element Review

Overview

Honda restyled the Element, an entry-level SUV that offers a spacious and versatile interior, for 2010. The four-passenger Element comes in three trim levels ? LX, EX and SC. The Honda Element lineup expands for the 2010 model year with an all-trendy "Dog Friendly" pet accommodation system designed to improve safety, comfort and convenience for dogs and their owners alike. The Honda Element has long been recognized as an accommodating vehicle for people with active lifestyles involving sports and hobbies.

Power and performance

The 2010 Element is powered by a robust 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC Inline four-cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard on the LX and EX 2WD. The EX 4WD is available with two transmission options, the five-speed automatic and a five-speed manual. The 2010 Element SC is offered with a five-speed manual transmission as standard and is available with a five-speed automatic transmission as an option. Maximum towing capacity of the 2010 Element models is 1,500 pounds. EPA-estimated fuel economy ranges from 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway for automatic-equipped two-wheel-drive models and comes down to 19 mpg city/24mpg highway combined for manual-shift all-wheel-drive models*.

Body and styling

The 2010 Honda Element comes with refreshed interior design and trendy exterior styling with strong character lines and a bold look. Standard interior and exterior features available on the Element include power front windows with auto-up/down driver's window; air conditioning with air filtration system; power door and tailgate locks; rear ventilation windows; sliding sun visor extensions; adjustable steering column; instrument panel-mounted shifter; dome light; front and rear beverage holders; rear window defroster; door-pocket storage bins; rear-seat heater ducts; cargo area hooks; cargo area storage bins; cargo area light; fold-flat seating; removable, flip-up rear seats; driver?s seat with manual height adjustment; fuel cap indicator; tachometer; digital odometer and digital trip meters; low oil-pressure indicator; low-fuel indicator; multi-reflector halogen headlights; 16-inch (18-inch on the SC trim) wheels; Maintenance Minder system; variable windshield wipers; remote entry system; power side mirrors; rear privacy glass; rear window wiper/washer; wide-opening side cargo doors; and clamshell tailgate. Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System with Voice Activation and rearview camera is optional on EX and SC that are equipped with automatic transmission.

Safety Features

Advanced safety features available on the 2010 Honda Element include an anti-lock braking system with brake assist and electronic brake distribution; 3-point seat belts at all seating positions; adjustable head restraints; stability assist with traction control; front 3-point seat belts with automatic tensioning system; tire pressure monitoring system; side-impact door beams; lower anchors and tethers for children; dual-stage, dual-threshold SRS airbags; side curtain airbags with rollover sensor; front side airbags with passenger-side occupant position detection system; wave key; and immobilizer system.