Is a Honda Element a big car?
No, the Honda Element is not considered a big car. It is a compact crossover SUV that was produced by Honda from 2003 to 2011. The Element was designed to be a versatile and practical vehicle, but it was not intended to be a large or spacious car.
Dimensions of the Honda Element
The Honda Element had the following dimensions:
- Length: 169.3 inches
- Width: 71.6 inches
- Height: 70.2 inches
- Wheelbase: 101.4 inches
These measurements place the Honda Element firmly in the compact crossover SUV category, which is smaller than a full-size SUV or a midsize sedan. The Element was designed to be easy to maneuver and park, making it a practical choice for urban and suburban driving.
Comparison to Other Vehicles
To put the Honda Element's size into perspective, consider the following comparisons:
- The Honda CR-V, a popular compact SUV, has a length of 182.1 inches, making it significantly larger than the Element.
- The Honda Pilot, a midsize SUV, has a length of 196.5 inches, which is over 27 inches longer than the Element.
- The Honda Accord, a midsize sedan, has a length of 192.2 inches, also larger than the compact Element.
Based on these comparisons, it's clear that the Honda Element is a relatively small vehicle, especially when compared to other SUVs and sedans on the market. Its compact size was one of its key selling points, as it made the Element easy to navigate in tight spaces and park in crowded areas.
What class of car is a Honda Element?
Compact crossover SUV
| Honda Element | |
|---|---|
| Assembly | United States: East Liberty, Ohio (ELAP) |
| Designer | Eric Schumaker, Bernie Lee (exterior) Jose Wyszogrod (interior) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact crossover SUV |
What car is comparable to the Honda Element?
Cars similar to the Honda Element offer similar boxy shapes and versatile interiors, including the Subaru Forester and Outback, Ford Bronco Sport, and Honda CR-V and HR-V. For a more quirky, compact option, consider the Kia Soul or Nissan Cube, while those prioritizing ruggedness might look at a used Nissan Xterra.
You can watch this video to see a comparison of the Honda Element and a modern SUV: 1mStephen AldacoYouTube · May 2, 2025
Modern alternatives
- Subaru Forester/Outback: These are often recommended for their flexible interiors, standard all-wheel drive, and boxy-ish shape. The Outback offers more space, while the Forester is more compact.
- Ford Bronco Sport: This vehicle has a more rugged, boxy aesthetic and shares a platform with the Escape, but is designed with more off-road capability in mind.
- Honda CR-V/HR-V: As newer Honda options, these offer great versatility and cargo space, though they are not as uniquely boxy as the Element.
- Toyota RAV4/Sienna: Some users mention the RAV4 for size, but many find the Sienna minivan to be a better alternative due to its massive, flexible interior space, especially if you're willing to remove the seats.
- Jeep Renegade: A popular suggestion for a small, boxy SUV.
You can watch this video to see another modern take on a boxy car: 59sKirk KreifelsYouTube · Mar 23, 2024
Used/quirky alternatives
- Nissan Xterra: This is a more rugged, body-on-frame SUV option with ample cargo and passenger space and good off-road capability.
- Scion xB/Nissan Cube: If you're looking for something quirky and boxy, these were direct competitors to the Element's unique styling.
- Toyota FJ Cruiser: Known for its retro, boxy styling and serious off-road prowess, though its visibility is often criticized.
You can watch this video to see a meet-up of Honda Element owners: 50sStephen AldacoYouTube · Aug 20, 2025
Key features to look for
When searching for a replacement, focus on these key Element characteristics:
- Versatile interior: Look for flexible seating, easy-to-clean surfaces, and ample cargo room.
- Boxy shape: This is the most defining feature of the Element.
- All-wheel drive (AWD): The Element was available with AWD, so consider this for versatility.
- Unique styling: The Element was unique, so consider other quirky options if that's important to you.
What are the disadvantages of the Honda Element?
Top Honda Element common problems include engine oil leaks, differential fluid breakdowns, unstable rear tailgates, and faulty door locks.
How big is a Honda Element?
The Honda Element is approximately 169.9 inches long, 71.6 inches wide, and 70.4 inches high, with a wheelbase of 101.4 inches. Its exterior dimensions vary slightly by model year, but the overall size remains consistent. The cargo volume is around 74.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 169.9 in. (4315 mm) |
| Width | 71.6 in. (1816 mm) |
| Height | 70.4 in. (1788 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 101.4 in. (2576 mm) |
| Ground Clearance | 6.9–7.1 in. |
| Front Track | 62.1 in. (1575 mm) |
| Rear Track | 62.3 in. (1580 mm) |
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Cargo volume
- With rear seats in place: 25.1 cubic feet
- With rear seats folded: 74.6 cubic feet
