From shopping to skiing to camping to the daily grind, the Honda Element is engineered to tackle any lifestyle or job. Unlike larger and more cumbersome SUV models, it is remarkably easy to maneuver and very fuel-efficient. Honda’s engineers have worked overtime to create a versatile and capable vehicle that won’t break the bank.

"The Element's key strength is a spacious, versatile and rugged interior that adapts quickly and conveniently to people and cargo," says Dick Colliver, Executive Vice President of the American Honda Motor Co. Inc. "For 2009, the enhancements strengthen the totally unique original concept with more refinement and functionality."

Priced from under $27,000, the Element features a five-person cabin with a split personality. Depending on the job at hand, owners can quickly devise one of over 60 seating configurations to handle any combination of passengers and cargo. Whether you need a two-person cargo hauler, a three-person ski-trip express or a five-person road-trip machine, the flexible folding seats allow for quick changes between configurations.

Rear seats can be folded out of the way, or removed altogether. The clamshell tailgate makes loading and unloading gear a cinch. Flat-folding driver and front passenger seats can even be used for napping or sleeping when you’re parked. Unlike a fabric tent, the Element will remain dry and comfortable inside—regardless of the weather!

If you’ve been swimming or surfing, the Element’s water-resistant fabric ensures durability and odor-resistance. Got pets? Element’s easy-to-clean cabin is a favorite among dog-lovers across the country. Of course, the good visibility, commanding driving position and abundance of storage compartments deliver extra convenience for the two-legged occupants as well.

Be sure to talk to your sales representative about the plethora of add-on options available to help further customize the Element to meet your precise needs. A variety of cargo organizers, racks, carriers and other accessories are available from your dealership. Honda Accessories are built to the same quality standards as the rest of the vehicle and are also covered by the new car warranty. Be sure to ask about the up-level stereo system with subwoofer and removable console-mounted cooler too.

In all models, a four-cylinder VTEC engine with 166 horsepower provides motivation, and a five-speed automatic transmission is standard. For owners who need it, an automatic four-wheel drive system is available to give the Element unquestionable traction and stability in any weather. The efficient and effective drivetrain will be a hit with those concerned with their fuel budget, too.

In fact, owners can expect to use less than $8 in fuel for every 100 kilometres they travel on the highway.

Do you put safety first? If so, you’ll be happy to know that the Element was given a “Top Safety Pick” rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its top-notch crash-test ratings. It’s one of only a few small SUV models to earn the rating—meaning its occupant protection has been validated by one of the industry’s most respected safety authorities.

For more information, or to schedule a test-drive, visit our dealership.