2009 Honda Element Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$20,175 to $23,170

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.1

avg user rating

(7 reviews)
2009 Honda Element Preview summaryImage

Based on the CR-V platform, the functional and configurable 2009 Honda Element returns refreshed and with a few new features. The Element works as both an SUV and stylish van, with both base LX and EX trims available in either front-wheel or Real-Time four-wheel drive, which automatically sends torque to the rear wheels when it senses slippage. The sportier SC trim comes only with front-wheel drive.

The roomy Element gets a facelift, with new head- and taillights. A more horizontal and boxy hood replaces the sloping one of 2008, while bulkier wheel arches add a more aggressive look. The chrome-surround front grille comes straight from the Pilot. New fabric colors, redesigned graphics for the gauges, and faux titanium accents decorate the cabin, which also gets three different consoles for each trim. The LX comes with a basic center storage console, while the one in the EX is removable. The SC's console features an auxiliary audio jack. Both the EX and SC also get a new overhead storage console with three configurable compartments. The rear skylight has been dropped entirely, but new features include standard Bluetooth and options such as a voice-activated navigation system, rearview camera, and a USB port.

The 2009 Element offers a lot of interior space, with removable second-row seats that also fold flat or flip up against the sidewalls to accommodate a range of cargo. Capacity ranges from 25 to 75 cubic feet, and the clamshell tailgate lifts open wide. The rear suicide passenger doors also open wide for easy access and loading. Stadium-style seating offers good views for rear passengers, while drivers get the comfort of tilt and telescopic steering and blue backlit gauges. The storage focus extends to the cabin as well, with multiple seatback storage pockets, storage bins designed for cell phones and CDs, and a three-bin tray above the glovebox. Water-resistant rubber flooring and stain-resistant fabrics emphasize the Element's utility as both a family and adventure vehicle.

Powering all this is a 166-hp, 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine that puts out 161 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. Its variable valve timing improves fuel efficiency and achieves low-end torque while maintaining a broad power range. Fuel economy averages 20/25 mpg in front-wheel-drive versions and 18/23 in 4WD. A choice of 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic is available in all but the base LX, which gets the automatic only.

The Element earns five stars in front and side impact tests from 2008, but has yet to be tested for 2009. All trims offer four-wheel ABS brakes, traction and stability control, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, rollover sensors, and a tire monitor. A new rearview camera can be added as an option, bundled with the new voice-activated navigation system. Full power features and a CD player come on all trims, and the more refined EX adds a 7-speaker sound system, an MP3 jack, satellite radio and wheel-mounted audio controls. Both EX and LX ride on 16-inch wheels. The sport-tuned SC boosts that to 18-inch wheels and has its own custom grille, a larger rear stabilizer bar, monochromatic body molding, and a lower ride height. On the inside, the SC sports unique seat fabric, copper-colored lights for the gauges, and carpet instead of the washable rubber flooring in other trims.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2009 Honda Element

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User rating:
by Anonymous
Feb 04, 2024
The car is pretty hammered, I stopped and opened it up. I didnt stay around long enough to start it. It has Low miles for its age, Paint way faded especially roof. For the asking price of $17,900 Ah... No Thank You. Maybe $12,000 and it better be a great runner for that.Feb 04, 2024
by Elizabeth H
Jun 06, 2023
Had an Element before and knew what I was getting. I love the style, color, versatility and ability to carry my toys ( bikes, skis, etc). It is a shame that Honda discontinued the Element but happy to find a classic one in good condition. Jun 06, 2023
by Anonymous
Mar 20, 2023
This car smelled like the previous owner was a heavy smoker. It was missing the head rests for the back seats. It was leaking oil. Very unimpressed, even for a used car. Mar 20, 2023

2009 Honda Element Pricing

Original MSRP
$20,175 to $23,170
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 120 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area: easy clean floor · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.50

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: black · Mirror color: black · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: tail-gate spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: removable bucket

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 21 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone

Tires

Type: all season

Wheels

Wheel covers: full · Wheel locks: front and rear

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 120 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area: easy clean floor · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.50

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: black · Mirror color: black · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: tail-gate spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: removable bucket

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 21 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone

Tires

Type: all season

Wheels

Wheel covers: full · Wheel locks: front and rear

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 270 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area: easy clean floor · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.50

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: black · Mirror color: black · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: tail-gate spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: removable bucket

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: folds up · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 21 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system

Tires

Type: all season

Wheels

Wheel locks: front and rear

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 270 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: alloy

Convenience Features

Cargo area: easy clean floor · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.50

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: black · Mirror color: black · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: tail-gate spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: removable bucket

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 21 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition

Tires

Type: all season

Wheels

Wheel locks: front and rear

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 270 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: vinyl cargo area · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area: easy clean floor · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.50

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: tail-gate spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: removable bucket

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: folds up · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 21 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone

Tires

Type: all season

Wheels

Wheel locks: front and rear

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: with washer

See all trims (5)