2010 Honda Element vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8 out of 10

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2 Oct 12, 2009

The 2010 Honda Element doesn't fall into a clear class with direct competitors.

It's a bit larger than most of the boxy cars we'd normally compare it to.

Scion's xB is a capacious, convenient vehicle that's recently grown bigger and heavier (some 600 pounds greater than before), diluting its nimbleness, and the xB feels less roomy than the Element.

The Kia Soul is a boxy hatchback that also appeals to shoppers looking for more cargo versatility, but it's significantly smaller.

The Mazda5 is probably the Element's fiercest competitor in terms of value and convenience, though its minivan silhouette might make it a no-go for some.

One other prime rival for the Element would be the new 2010 Ford Transit Connect, a model that focuses on hauling cargo and small-business needs.

Like the Element, the Transit Connect has an economical four-cylinder powertrain and reconfigurable interior.

2010 Honda Element Browse Used Listings	2010 Ford Transit Connect Browse Used Listings	2010 Kia Soul Browse Used Listings	2009 Scion xB Browse Used Listings	2008 Mazda MAZDA5 Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8 Ideally suited for a wide range of users with the common need to haul stuff, the 2010 Honda Element is a surprising fun and fuel-efficient.	7.8	8.4 Fun, fun, fun: Kia tries a little Soul on for size, and it fits.	7.6 The 2009 Scion xB has polarizing looks, a no-haggle dealer experience, and a long safety features list. It provides good value for those on a budget.	7 Provided you don't expect too much of a zoom-zoom feel, the 2008 Mazda Mazda5 is one of the few good choices for buyers looking for minivan spaciousness in a vehicle that's especially fuel-efficient and maneuverable.
MSRP From
$20,525	$21,185	$13,300	$15,750	$17,995
Gas Mileage
19 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	24 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	N/A
EPA Class
2WD Sport Utility	N/A	Small Station Wagon	Small Station Wagon	N/A
Style Name
2WD 5dr Auto LX	114.6" XL w/o side or rear door glass	5dr Wagon Man	5dr Wagon Man (Natl)	4dr Wagon Man Sport
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	N/A
Passenger Capacity
4	2	5	5	N/A
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door	Cargo Van	5dr Wgn	4 Door Wagon	N/A
Transmission
Automatic w/OD	Automatic w/OD	Manual	Manual w/OD	N/A