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 spacious, convenient vehicle that's grown bigger and heavier recently, making it far less nimble.
The xB also 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 minivan is likely the Element's closest competitor in terms of value and convenience, though its silhouette will keep it off the shopping lists of many.
One prime rival of the Element is a new kid on the block: the new 2010 Ford Transit Connect.
The Ford focuses on small-business needs, such as hauling cargo.
But the Transit Connect gets its motivation from an economical inline-4 engine and features a reconfigurable interior similar to the Element.
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 2010 Honda ElementBrowse 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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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. |
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 | |||
| $20,525 | $13,300 | $15,750 | $17,995 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 19 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | |
| Engine | |||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | N/A |
| EPA Class | |||
| 2WD Sport Utility | Small Station Wagon | Small Station Wagon | N/A |
| Style Name | |||
| 2WD 5-Door Automatic LX | 5-Door Wagon Manual | 5-Door Wagon Manual (GS) | 4-Door Wagon Manual Sport |
| Drivetrain | |||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | N/A |
| Passenger Capacity | |||
| 4 | 5 | 5 | N/A |
| Passenger Doors | |||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||
| 4 Door | 5dr Wgn | 4 Door Wagon | N/A |
| Transmission | |||
| Automatic w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | N/A |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
| 2010 Honda Element vs. 2010 Kia Soul | 2010 Honda Element vs. 2009 Scion xB | 2010 Honda Element vs. 2008 Mazda MAZDA5 | |
