Last Updated on May 17, 2023 by Victor A
The Honda Element was a compact crossover SUV that the Japanese automaker Honda produced between 2003 and 2011. If you’re looking for cars similar to the Honda Element, we got you covered.
Many knew the Element for its distinctive boxy design, practicality, and versatility, with a spacious interior that could accommodate large items like bicycles and camping gear.
However, despite its popularity among outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners, Honda discontinued the Honda Element due to declining sales and changing consumer preferences.
Fortunately, several cars fit the bill, ranging from traditional SUVs to compact crossovers. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best alternatives to the Honda Element.
2023 Kia Soul
Out of all the current cars similar to the Honda Element, the Kia Soul is the closest, as it offers a similar boxy and quirky design.
This compact crossover SUV has been a popular choice among urban dwellers and younger drivers for many years, thanks to its distinctive design, excellent fuel efficiency, and spacious and well-equipped interior.
The Kia Soul has a roomy and practical interior that can accommodate up to five passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The rear seats fold flat, providing up to 62.1 cubic feet of cargo space, making it an excellent choice for carrying large items.
Under the hood, the Soul uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, while it’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Soul also offers excellent fuel economy, averaging around 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, which makes it a cost-effective choice for those who prioritize fuel efficiency.
2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser
If you’re looking for a car that shares the Honda Element’s rugged, off-road-ready character, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is an excellent choice.
This midsize SUV entered production in 2006 and left the US market in 2014, although, it was available in other countries until recently.
This interesting SUV features a distinctive retro-inspired design that pays homage to the classic Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser. The FJ Cruiser has a spacious and versatile interior that can carry large items, such as bikes, surfboards, or camping gear.
Under the hood, the Toyota FJ Cruiser comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.
The FJ Cruiser also came with standard four-wheel drive, skid plates, and off-road suspension, making it a capable off-roader that can handle challenging terrain with ease.
However, the FJ Cruiser’s fuel economy wasn’t as impressive as the Honda Element, which is understandable since this SUV had a bigger focus on off-roading.
2023 Honda CR-V
If you’re a fan of Honda’s build quality and reliability, the Honda CR-V is a natural choice as an alternative to the Element.
This compact crossover has been a top seller in the US market for many years, because its practicality, reliability, and excellent safety ratings have always met expectations.
The Honda CR-V might not have a boxy design like the Element, but it comes with a spacious and well-designed interior that can accommodate up to five passengers and plenty of cargo.
The rear seats fold flat, providing up to 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space, making it an excellent choice for hauling large items.
In terms of engines, the CR-V comes with either a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque or in a hybrid form which pairs a 2.0-liter inline-four with two electric motors to produce a combined 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque.
Looking for cars similar to the Honda Element? Here are some SUVs that match the combination of features and design that the Element offered.
We consider the CR-V as the evolution of the Honda Element, it gets more features, a more aerodynamic design, and it offers a hybrid option.
2023 Jeep Renegade
If you’re looking for a car similar to the Honda Element but with rugged off-road capabilities, the Jeep Renegade is worth considering.
It has a boxy design that’s reminiscent of the Element and offers a spacious and practical interior with plenty of cargo space.
The Renegade also has good ground clearance and available four-wheel drive, making it a capable off-road vehicle.
However, the Renegade’s fuel efficiency is lower than some of the other cars on this list, averaging around 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Cars similar to the Honda Element, which one should I buy?
As you can see, several cars on the market share some similarities with the Honda Element, with boxy-shaped designs, rear liftgates, and durable plastic interior materials.
If you are looking for cars similar to the Honda Element, there are several options available, like the Toyota FJ Cruiser, Jeep Renegade, Kia Soul, and Honda CR-V.
They offer a spacious and practical interior with plenty of cargo space, good fuel efficiency, and off-road capabilities.
Ultimately, the best car for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
If you value ruggedness and off-road capabilities, the Jeep Renegade or the Toyota FJ Cruiser might be the right choice for you, while if you prioritize fuel efficiency and reliability, the Honda CR-V might be a better fit.
If you’re drawn to the boxy shape and unique design of the Element, you might consider buying a Kia Soul or a used Element.
No matter which car you choose, it’s important to do your research and test drive multiple cars before making a final decision.
By considering factors such as cargo space, fuel efficiency, off-road capabilities, and overall design, you can find a car that fits your lifestyle and budget.
