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Does the Honda Element have a third row?

No. The Honda Element is configured for five passengers, with two front seats and a rear bench that seats three; there is no built-in third row from the factory.

Seating configuration and design

The Element, produced from 2003 to 2011, emphasized versatility and cargo space over passenger capacity. All models offered five-passenger seating—two in the front and a rear bench that accommodates up to three occupants. The rear seats could be folded flat into the floor to create a large, open cargo area, a hallmark of the Element’s practical design. There is no official Honda option for a third row in any Element trim.

Key seating facts to know:

Seating capacity: five (two front, three in the rear)

Rear bench folds flat into the floor for expanded cargo space

No factory third-row seat in any Element model

Some aftermarket third-row solutions exist, but they are not official Honda options and vary in execution and safety considerations

In practice, the Element excels as a spacious five-passenger vehicle with highly flexible cargo capability, not as a seven- or eight-seat family hauler.

What to consider if you need a third row

If your requirement is genuine third-row seating, the Element is not the right model. Honda’s lineup includes options with three rows, most notably the Pilot, which is designed to accommodate more passengers in comfort. For buyers fixed on a third row, exploring a Pilot or similar seven-seater is usually a better fit than trying to retrofit an Element.

Honda alternatives with true three-row seating

For seven- or eight-passenger needs, consider Honda Pilot as the mainstream option in Honda’s SUV range. The Pilot offers several seating configurations across model years, including a true third row. The Element remains a niche choice for those prioritizing cargo flexibility and a rugged, boxy interior over multiple-row passenger capacity.

Summary

No, the Honda Element does not have a third row. It seats five (two in front, three in the rear) with a fold-flat rear bench to maximize cargo space. If you require a vehicle with a built-in third row, look to other Honda models such as the Pilot, which is designed to accommodate more passengers. The Element’s appeal lies in its distinctive interior space and practicality rather than multi-row seating.

How many seats are in a Honda Element?

The Honda Element has four seats, with a two-seat configuration in both the front and rear. This design provides ample rear legroom and visibility, as well as a spacious cargo area when the rear seats are folded up against the sides.

Seating capacity: The Element is designed to seat a total of four people.
Rear seats: The rear seats can be folded up against the side walls to maximize cargo space for items like bikes.
Passenger comfort: Rear passengers have a good amount of legroom and excellent visibility due to the "theater-style" seating.
Cargo flexibility: When the rear seats are folded or removed, the floor is large and flat, making it easy to haul large, bulky items.

Which Hondas have 3rd-row seating?

Honda offers third-row seating in two of its models: the Honda Pilot SUV and the Honda Odyssey minivan. The Pilot is Honda's three-row SUV option, while the Odyssey is their three-row minivan, with both vehicles designed to accommodate seven or more passengers.
This video provides a detailed review of the 2025 Honda Pilot's third row seating: 59s7gsharkYouTube · Aug 20, 2025
Honda Pilot (SUV)

Seating: Seats up to eight passengers.
Design: A three-row SUV that is larger than the Honda Passport.
Flexibility: Some trims offer sliding and reclining second-row seats for more flexibility and comfort.
Legroom: Has a spacious third row suitable for both adults and children.

Honda Odyssey (Minivan)

Seating: Seats seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration.
Design: A minivan with spacious passenger accommodations.
Legroom: Offers generous third-row legroom and is designed to be comfortable for adults.
Convenience: Features sliding second-row seats that make accessing the third row easier.
Car Seats: Can accommodate three car seats side-by-side in the second row.

You can watch this video to see a review of the 2025 Honda Odyssey's third row seating: 0:54AutomotiveWomanYouTube · Oct 26, 2024

What's the difference between a Honda Element DX and EX?

The main difference is that the EX is a higher trim with more standard features, while the DX is the base model with a more minimalist interior. Key features often found on the EX that were absent on the DX include standard air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power locks, and a six-speaker audio system.
Honda Element DX vs. EX

Feature	DX	EX
Model	Base model, minimalist interior	Higher trim with more features
Air Conditioning	Optional	Standard
Power Windows/Locks	No	Yes
Cruise Control	No	Yes
Audio System	Basic infotainment system	Six-speaker system with steering wheel controls
Other	Manual transmission option available	Six-speaker system
Exterior	Black plastic body cladding and fenders	Painted body panels, power mirrors and door handles
Note	The DX trim was discontinued after the 2005 model year.	The EX trim includes everything on the DX plus additional features for enhanced comfort and convenience.

For a more comfortable ride: The EX is the better choice due to standard features like A/C, power windows, and cruise control.
For a more budget-friendly option: If you're looking for a more basic vehicle and don't mind manual features, the DX can be a more affordable option.
Consider the model year: The availability of features can vary depending on the model year. For example, the DX trim was discontinued after 2005.

If you're still unsure which model is right for you, it's best to test drive both and compare their features to see which one best fits your needs and budget.

Why did they discontinue the Honda Element?

Honda discontinued the Element after the 2011 model year because of declining sales, which were impacted by competition from the Honda CR-V, shifting consumer preferences for more fuel-efficient and traditionally styled SUVs, and the Element's niche appeal. The vehicle's boxy design and less aerodynamic shape contributed to a lower overall fleet fuel economy average, and strategic shifts in Honda's lineup made it less viable to continue production.

Declining sales: Sales dropped significantly from an initial high of over $67,000 in its first year to under $12,000 in 2011, making it less profitable for Honda.
Competition from the CR-V: The more conventionally styled and popular Honda CR-V was seen as a better alternative by many customers, and even shared the same assembly line, taking resources away from the Element's production.
Shifting market preferences: Consumer tastes evolved towards sleeker, more aerodynamic designs, and a greater emphasis on fuel efficiency. The Element's boxy shape and lower fuel economy became a disadvantage in this new market.
Niche appeal: Despite its popularity with a dedicated cult following, the Element was considered a niche vehicle. Honda ultimately found that the cost of production and its limited mainstream appeal were not sustainable in the long term, especially as the company shifted focus to models with broader market potential.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.