The 2006 Element brings a number of equipment changes and adds a new trim line, EX-P, to its LX and EX line up.
The mid-level EX with Honda’s Real Time 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) offers an i-VTEC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 156 hp with 160 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard with a four-speed automatic option. Reviewers in a 2WD LX manual did the 0-60 jump in 8.8 seconds. The EPA gives the following fuel efficiency ratings: 21/24 mpg (4WD, manual); 21/24 mpg (4WD, automatic). Reviewers managed a 21.2 mpg average in a 4WD automatic.
The EX trim adds aluminum wheels, side-impact airbags, remote keyless entry, a more powerful AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary MP3 input and XM Satellite Radio capability to the base LX trim. In addition, silver EX models have blue cladding accents and trim, while black trim accents Red and Magnesium EX models. The 4WD configuration also adds a removable rear sunroof.
The Element’s running gear, like its cousin CR-V, makes use of Civic components. In order to provide maximum carrying capacity, the Element only seats four. The missing B-pillar, usually right behind the front seats, provides one of the most striking features. The back side doors are rear-hinged for wider opening, and minus the B-pillar, that allows for ease of large object loading. The tailgate splits horizontally with the top raising like a hatch and the bottom opening downward like a tailgate.
The cabin lay out is highly flexible. The lack of a central tunnel combined with a high roof provides a spacious front seating area. The rear seats, raised off the floor for more legroom, fold down, swing up to the side, or are easily removed. The resulting spacious, uninterrupted flat floor space is coated in a water-, dirt-, and scratch-resistant urethane-material that is easy to clean. The front and rear seats are coated with an easily-cleaned waterproof material. Reviewers found the seats could be configured as a large double bed, as a carrier for two 10-foot surfboards with two surfers, as a dog carrier, or to fit the kitchen sink!
Honda’s 4WD acts as a front-wheel driver until there is slippage upfront, then all four wheels are engaged. The Element’s wider than CR-V track improves its corner ability. The engine with manual transmission provides spritely performance, but the automatic dampens it. The Element’s tall form creates wind noise at highway speed, but its good steering and brake feedback add to a more car-like than SUV driving experience.
Standard safety equipment across the line includes four-wheel ABS disc brakes. Government crash tests awarded the Element with five star (highest) rating for frontal-impact protection; side-impact tests also yielded five-stars front and rear. IIHS frontal-offset crash testing resulted in top ratings.
