The Honda Element becomes more pet-friendly for 2010, thanks to a new dog accommodation system, which enables owners to transport their four-legged friends with improved comfort and safety. The system features a number of components, including a soft-sided kennel for the cargo area, an elevated cushioned dog bed, a rear ventilation fan to keep your pet cool, dog-pattern seat covers and rubber floor mats, and an extendable ramp, which stores underneath the bed platform and makes it easier for older dogs to climb on board.

Other than the addition of the Dog Friendly Element Package, which owners can add as an option to Element EX trims, the Honda Element changes little for 2010, after receiving a wide range of exterior and interior updates in 2009. However, the Element remains a highly flexible and capable vehicle, with 64 possible seating configurations, numerous interior storage spaces, and a versatile cargo area. It also retains its squarish exterior shape, which makes it visually unique as well.

Honda Element trims for 2010 include the entry-level LX and the better-equipped EX, as well as the sport-oriented SC. Both the LX and EX trims come in front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations. Honda offers the Element SC only as a front-wheel-drive vehicle.

A 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine drives all Element trims. The engine produces 166 hp and 161 lb-ft of torque, and features multi-point fuel injection and a Drive-by-Wire throttle system, which help improve performance and driving dynamics. The four-cylinder links to a five-speed automatic transmission, which is the only gearbox available for 2010. Honda no longer offers the Element with a manual shifter. Fuel economy numbers for the 2010 Element check in at 20/22 mpg for front-wheel-drive trims and 19/21 for four-wheel-drive trims.

The Element, with its tall profile and boxy shape, may not be the most aerodynamic vehicle on the road today, but it delivers agile handling and good maneuverability. The SC rides on a sport-tuned suspension with a lowered ride height, which helps provide even better handling and minimizes some of the body lean caused by the Element's unique shape.

Outside, the Element comes standard with such features as multi-reflector halogen headlights, side cargo doors, and power side mirrors. The EX and SC also include a chrome exhaust finisher. The LX and EX ride on 16-inch wheels, while the SC rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels. All Element trims are equipped with all-season tires.

Inside, the Element seats four passengers in two rows. The theater-style rear seats are foldable and removable, enabling a variety of configurations and cargo capacity of up to 75 cubic feet. In addition, the clamshell tailgate opens wide, making it easy to access the rear cargo area. The Element's tall roofline allows for bikes to be loaded upright. Owners can even fold down the rear seats to create a two-person bed when camping, and the front passenger seat folds flat, so the Element can accommodate longer items such as skis, surfboards, or plywood panels.

Standard interior features for all trims include air conditioning with air filtration, cruise control, a remote entry system, and power windows and door locks. The EX and SC add seatback pockets, an overhead storage compartment, front-seat armrests, and a center console with a removable cooler, among other features. The LX also includes a four-speaker, 120-watt AM/FM audio system with a CD player, while the EX and SC come equipped with an upgraded seven-speaker, 270-watt audio system with a subwoofer, an MP3 input jack, and XM satellite radio. Options include a Honda satellite-linked navigation system, available only on the EX and SC trims.

All Element trims include Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control and antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Daytime running lights, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a full range of airbags, including side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, are among the Element's standard safety features.