DecodedCarsHonda Element
7 model years from 2005 to 2011, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2005–2011
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Latest engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Best MPG
- 21–22 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 14 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2005 (69)
The 2011 Element in brief
The 2011 Honda Element is a SUV - offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 169 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,578 lb (4dr SUV AWD EX).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 24 highway), 5% better than the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
The Honda Element has 7 model years in our data, from 2005 to 2011.
Its most efficient year was 2011 at 22 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 21 to 22 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the air bags (122), suspension (68), structure › body (26).
2008 has the most recalls (11); all years together count 14 campaigns and 308 owner complaints.
How the 2005 Element compares
The 2005 Honda Element is a SUV - offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 169 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,596 lb (/Y Package 4dr SUV 4WD).
2011 Element pros & cons
Full 2011 details →What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints7 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 137 for similar models.
Watch out for
- 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Show all 7 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2.4L 4-cyl | 22 MPG | 169.3 in | 3,578 lb | Not rated | 10 | 7 |
| 2010 | 2.4L 4-cyl | 22 MPG | 169.3 in | 3,578 lb | Not rated | 10 | 22 |
| 2009 | 2.4L 4-cyl | 22 MPG | 169.3 in | 3,384 lb | Not rated | 8 | 23 |
| 2008 | 2.4L 4-cyl | 22 MPG | 169.3 in | 3,384 lb | Not rated | 11 | 68 |
| 2007 | 2.4L 4-cyl | 22 MPG | 169.3 in | 3,596 lb | Not rated | 10 | 65 |
| 2006 | 2.4L 4-cyl | 21 MPG | 169.3 in | 3,596 lb | Not rated | 8 | 54 |
| 2005 | 2.4L 4-cyl | 21 MPG | 169.3 in | 3,596 lb | Not rated | 7 | 69 |
Alternatives to the 2011 Element
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2011 Honda CR-V | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2011 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Kia Sportage | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Ford Escape | 32 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →