Scion's xB is a capacious, convenient vehicle, but has recently grown bigger and heavier (some 600 pounds greater than before), diluting its nimbleness; with that extra weight, its more powerful 2.4-liter engine delivers lower fuel economy without much more impressive performance than the former 1.5-liter.
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.
Finally, Kia's upcoming Soul promises a strong dose of fresh style in the mini-crossover market, though initial driving impressions rate it as somewhat less refined than the 2009 Honda Element.
For those who love and need vans—especially small-business owners—the Ford Transit Connect arrives for the 2010 model year with a four-cylinder powertrain and a customizable rear cargo area.
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 2009 Honda ElementBrowse Used Listings |  2010 Ford Transit ConnectBrowse Used Listings |  2010 Kia SoulBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Scion xBBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Mazda MAZDA5Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2009 Honda Element is a relatively efficient, remarkably convenient small utility vehicle that's easy to drive and configurable for multiple tastes and uses. |
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Fun, fun, fun: Kia tries a little Soul on for size, and it fits. |
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. |
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 | ||||
| $20,275 | $21,185 | $13,300 | $15,750 | $17,995 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 18 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 5-Door Automatic LX | 114.6" XL w/o side or rear door glass | 5-Door Wagon Manual | 5-Door Wagon Manual (GS) | 4-Door Wagon Manual 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 |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2009 Honda Element vs. 2010 Ford Transit Connect | 2009 Honda Element vs. 2010 Kia Soul | 2009 Honda Element vs. 2009 Scion xB | 2009 Honda Element vs. 2008 Mazda MAZDA5 | |
