Vehicle: 2009 Honda Element SC-2WD
Price as tested: CDN$31690

Performance: When you first looked at the trim level “SC”, you would have thought this is the Element equips with a supercharge. Instead, this Element is only powered by Honda’s well-proven 2.4 DOHC i-VTEC normally aspirated motor. Even without the help of a supercharger, this Element has performed decently well given its 1640kg curb weight. With 166 ponies and 161 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal, this Element is a surprisingly responsive piece of box. 161 lb/ft of torque arrives at 4000rpm has provided decent amount of low-end grunt with the responsive throttle. On the other hand, it doesn’t lost any of Honda’s hallmark rev-happy nature thanks to the advanced i-VTEC variable valve timing. That makes 166 hp runs all the way rev past redline without any of the hesitation one expects from a “box on wheels”. The only gearbox that comes standard with any Element is the 5-speed automatic. As with any Honda automatic gearbox. The shifts are coordinated and willing to kick-down. It also have excellent final drive ratio for comfortable cruising and low enough 1st gear for willing pick-up.

Handling: Although the current Element is based on the outgoing CR-V chassis, in SC’s guise, it comes standard with front-wheel-drive instead of EX’s RealTime4WD variety. The Element remains a confident set of wheels. While we have never been a fans of Honda’s RealTime4WD due to its slip 1st, then detect slippage before AWD steps in to save the nasty. The FWD version has enough capability to handle poor weather confidently, especially with Honda’s excellent VSA with traction control. VSA is an excellent stability control that helps driver avoid all the nasty by correcting under or oversteers. That’s even with Element’s center-of-gravity, VSA combines with the careful calibrations of suspension and springs really given this box car lots of confidence through corners. It also makes Element more tossable and fun-to-drive than many of its peers. Its steering provides decent feel and feedback with right amount of precision. There remain plenty of body rolls and understeer does surface while entering the limits. Honda engineers managed to make Element a practical car that is equally fun without losing the ride comfort consumers are looking in a crossover. That begs a question. Does Element really need that RealTime4WD? That AWD would certainly be an extra line of defence during poor weather. But I would prefer a proactive instead of a reactive system.

Brakes: Our SC comes standard with 4-wheel discs and standard ABS. It all performs within the expectation of being a Honda. That means the brake pedal provides confidence-inspiring feedback and modulation, with proper stopping distance. On the other hand, ABS only steps in necessarily without unwanted intervention.

Interior: Everything else from the climate control unit to the instrumentation gauges have placed in logical Honda manners. While some of the plastic materials are somewhat hard, they have served Element’s purpose as a practical crossover particularly well. The suicide door has made access to the rear easier with a complete flat loading floor. The use of all plastic instead of carpet flooring have created a sense that the Element is for those who truly use the vehicle, instead of babying it.

Conclusion: The latest revision has made Element’s styling easier on the eyes, especially to the mainstream consumers. With the tasteful use of body kit and the addition of SC-2WD trim level also made it more appealing to those who don’t want the more luxurious EX with that so-called 4WD. In this time and age, when everyone is coming out with a “box car” from the entry-level Kia Soul to the upcoming Scions, Honda should take the credit as the innovator in this trend.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Honda Element SC
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.5/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5