Honda Element: Quirky, rugged SUV to return in 2029 - report

Honda is reaching into the back catalog to revive its fortunes, and will reportedly follow up the revived Prelude with a reanimated Element.

According to sources who have spoken to Automotive News, production of the second-generation Element will start in the second quarter of 2029 at one of the company's plants in Ohio.

The new Element is said to slot in between the 4.57m ZR-V (sold in North America as the HR-V), and the 4.7m CR-V. While both the ZR-V and CR-V are pitched as sensible family cars, the new Element, like the original, will have a more rugged and outdoorsy vibe.

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When it debuts towards the end of the decade, the Element's closest rival will be the Ford Bronco Sport, which despite its Escape roots, is sold as a more off-road capable vehicle than the dominant Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. 

The original Element was launched in 2003 as a quirkier and more rugged companion to the CR-V it was based on. In addition to its boxy styling, it had hard-wearing and removable neoprene seats, washable floors, and a cabin that was exceptionally easy to access thanks to its reverse-hinged rear doors and B-pillar-free design.

We don't know how many of these design traits will be carried over into the second-generation model.

Unlike the original, which had a 124kW/220Nm 2.4-litre engine, the new Element will have a standard hybrid drivetrain, resulting in not only improved fuel economy, but also wads of instant torque. Hopefully, like the original, the new model will be available with the choice of front- and all-wheel drive.

Around 325,000 Elements were sold during its nine-year run, with sales peaking in its first year on sale when almost 67,500 left showrooms.

While the Element was neither a smash hit, nor an Acura ZDX-style bomb, it did become a cult classic after its discontinuation in 2011. Thanks to its versatility and easy interior access, it appeals to both outdoor types and older folks who need an easy-to-access vehicle.

The Ohio factory will reportedly serve as the new Element's global production hub, hinting it could be sold outside of North America. It's unclear what other markets it will be available in, nor is it known if it will be made in right-hand drive.

As part of the trade agreement that ended, for now, the spectre of significantly higher tariffs on Japanese goods, new vehicles that are compliant with US regulations can be sold in Japan with minimal changes.

At present, the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Murano are available in Japan in left-hand drive, albeit with warnings about missing features and potential build quality issues.

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