2006 Honda Element Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2006 Element brings a number of equipment changes and adds a new trim line, the EX-P, to its LX and EX lineup.
The three trim lines...
The 2006 Element brings a number of equipment changes and adds a new trim line, the EX-P, to its LX and EX lineup.
The three trim lines all share 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 optional. All models offer either front-wheel drive (2WD) or Honda’s Real-Time 4-Wheel Drive (4WD). Reviewers in a 2WD LX manual did the 0-60 jump in 8.8 seconds, while Honda gives 11.4 seconds with the automatic.
The EPA gives the following fuel efficiency ratings: 21/25 mpg (2WD, manual); 22/26 mpg (2WD, automatic); 21/24 mpg (4WD, manual); 21/24 mpg (4WD, automatic). Reviewers managed a 21.2 mpg average in a 4WD automatic.
The Element’s running gear, like that of its CR-V cousin, makes use of Civic components. Although 8 inches taller than the CR-V, the Element is shorter than a Civic coupe. In order to provide maximum carrying capacity, the Element seats only four. The missing B-pillar, usually right behind the front seats, provides one of its most striking features. The back side doors are rear-hinged for wider opening, and without the B-pillar, they allow easy large-object loading. As a safety feature, the rear doors cannot open without first opening the front doors; when closing, the rear doors go first, then front doors. Reviewers enjoy the wide open spaces, but complain about the door opening sequences. The tailgate splits horizontally, with the top raising like a hatch and the bottom opening downward like a tailgate.
The cabin's layout 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 can be easily removed. The resulting spacious, uninterrupted flat floor space is coated in a water-, dirt-, and scratch-resistant urethane material that's easy to clean. The front and rear seats are coated with an easily cleaned waterproof material. With the rear seats removed, the Element offers 75 cubic feet of cargo space. 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. The 4WD configuration also adds a removable rear sunroof across all the trim lines.
As a 2WD, reviewers report slight torque steer, which goes away in 4WD form. The Element’s wider-than-a-CR-V's track improves its cornering ability. The engine with manual transmission provides sprightly 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-ish driving experience.
Standard safety equipment across the line includes four-wheel ABS disc brakes. EX and EX-P levels offer side-impact airbags as standard equipment. Government crash tests award the Element with a five-star (highest) rating for frontal-impact protection; side-impact tests also yielded five-star ratings front and rear. IIHS frontal-offset crash testing resulted in top ratings, but in its side-impact tests of small SUVs, an Element without the optional side airbags received a “Poor” rating.
What owners say
"Overall, owners are very fond of the 2006 Honda Element, praising its spaciousness, versatility, and practicality. Many love its ability to hold pets and gear, especially for camping and outdoor activities. The unique design and ease of cleaning are also frequent plus points. However, some owners noted that it’s not the most fuel-efficient and mentioned concerns regarding power and comfort in the rear seats. Overall, it's seen as a fun, durable, and reliable option for active lifestyles."
I love my 2006 Honda element .. Im so excited like kid in a candy store ..its versatile and gonna be able to accommodate my needs for camping
January 10, 2025What a fun and well designed little SUV. I love the quality of Honda along with its utility and ruggedness.
April 11, 2022The Honda Element is typical Honda - quality and reliability, but unlike typical Honda, the Element provides a truly unique vehicle platform. The flexibility and cargo options are endless - seats fold up, seats fold flat, seats can even be removed to create a cargo-van type area. The motor is peppy and makes the car fun to drive. The Element is perfect for people on the go and is a great vehicle for your mountain, camping or beach trip.
October 9, 2012What owners say
I love my 2006 Honda element .. Im so excited like kid in a candy store ..its versatile and gonna be able to accommodate my needs for camping
January 10, 2025What a fun and well designed little SUV. I love the quality of Honda along with its utility and ruggedness.
April 11, 2022The Honda Element is typical Honda - quality and reliability, but unlike typical Honda, the Element provides a truly unique vehicle platform. The flexibility and cargo options are endless - seats fold up, seats fold flat, seats can even be removed to create a cargo-van type area. The motor is peppy and makes the car fun to drive. The Element is perfect for people on the go and is a great vehicle for your mountain, camping or beach trip.
October 9, 2012Having been the owner of many vans, this is now the replacement. In addition to coolness, it is a remarkable, car/truck/van that needs little maintenance. Quite roomy and the resale prices hold steady. To top it all off, my wife likes it.
September 9, 2014Lots of people say get a 2007 or later because they moved the seat belts to the seat, gave it a small amount of extra power and an extra AT gear. I prefer the 2006 because the seatbelts are more comfortable the orginal way, they still offered color coordinated dash panels on some of the models and the power difference is not noticable. Also the 2006 and older models still allow you to change light bulbs in the dash board. Every year of this vehicle has its pluses and minuses!
September 15, 2023Absolutely love the Honda Element they go great in snow and you can haul just about anything in them great for animals also I wouldnt trade my element for any other vehicle its spacious
March 3, 2022I loved the sheer utility of this vehicle so much that I bought two over the years. Everything always fits, the split gate in back and seat configurations are so versatile and it’s easy to clean the interior. C’mon, Honda, bring it back!
October 18, 2021Overall, Great car. Too bad Honda has decided to stop making them after this year..Performance is great,only needs to be better on the gas mileage..It is fun to drive,and the rear door configeration makes it easy to enter and exit the rear seat area
February 20, 2010pros- car is great on gas for a suv... unique looking.... very versatile, its got a ton of interior room.... built to last (its a honda). handles good cons- only seats 4 (rear seats are only suitable for 2) not the peppiest car on the roads seats before installing leather and lumbar support werent the most comfortable.
July 21, 2008Love it! room for my dog... room inside for my bike and my dog... great car to camp in! love how the back seats can fold up or taken out! comfy for travelling.
March 16, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $18,345 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.4L 156 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 25.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $19,745 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.4L 156 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 26.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $20,720 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.4L 156 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 25.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $21,620 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.4L 156 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 26.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $22,120 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.4L 156 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 26.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $20,220 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.4L 156 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 25.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$18,345 - $22,120
Current avg. market price
$8,485
Trending up by 4.3% this month
May 2026 - November 2026
