2010 Honda Element EX (photos)

Honda's funky Element gets a navigation option and iPod integration for the 2010 model year, but that doesn't entirely make it a tech car.

Wayne Cunningham

Feb. 25, 2010 2:58 p.m. PT

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The U.S.-built Honda Element was launched in 2003, and since then has received only minor updates, including adding a navigation option in 2009. Honda classifies it as an SUV, but its style and dimensions are more that of a minivan. View Local Inventory

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The Element's unique look has proved polarizing, with the car gaining fans and detractors. But it is unmistakable and stands out from all other cars in the automotive world. View Local Inventory

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Since its launch, the Element has been powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine makes 166 horsepower, while getting 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway in EPA testing. View Local Inventory

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A console between the rear seats limits the Element to four occupants, but the interior is quite spacious. The rear-half doors can only be opened once the front doors are open, which is a minor inconvenience. View Local Inventory

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The Element's ride is stiff, but not uncomfortable over short-to-medium distances. The car can be had in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. View Local Inventory

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The Element benefits from its particularly tall cargo space. That space can be maximized by folding the rear seats into the sides of the car. View Local Inventory

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Not much in the way of cabin electronics was available before 2009. But now the Element can be had with navigation and iPod support. View Local Inventory

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The Element has a good steering radius for urban environments, given its carrying capacity. View Local Inventory

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We were disappointed in the lack of a trip computer in the Element, which would show range to empty and average fuel economy. View Local Inventory

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Our Element came equipped with a five-speed automatic, a transmission Honda has been using for years. The Element also comes with a manual transmission. View Local Inventory

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Although we like the fact that the Element now has navigation, this is a very old system, with low-resolution maps and only basic functionality. View Local Inventory

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The Places menu contains one of the most complete points-of-interest databases we've seen, covering everything from restaurants to retail stores. View Local Inventory

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To get at the CD player and PC Card slot, the LCD folds down. The PC Card slot is meant to be used with a PC Card adapter for SD Cards. View Local Inventory

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A USB pigtail supports USB drives and other mass storage devices, and can connect with an iPod cable. View Local Inventory

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Although it has seven speakers and a 270 watt amp, we found the audio from the stereo sounded muffled, without much dynamic range. View Local Inventory