The 2011 Honda Element doesn't have any direct rivals.
It's a bit larger than the Scion xB, which is a capacious, convenient vehicle; but the xB is quite heavy, 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 and sliding doors might make it a no-go for some; the Mazda5 is due for a redesign later this year.
One other prime rival for the Element would be the new 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.
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 2011 Honda ElementBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Ford Transit Connect WagonBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Kia SoulBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Mazda MAZDA5Browse Used Listings |  2011 Scion xBBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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If you need to haul stuff more than people, and don't want to part with maneuverability and fuel-efficiency, the 2011 Honda Element is a great choice. |
The 2011 Kia Soul is fashion-forward and fun-to-drive—and unlike most of its urban-wagon rivals, it's just as practical as it looks. |
Whether you see the 2011 Scion xB as trendy or odd, it packs a lot of space and versatility into a compact space. | ||
| MSRP From | ||||
| $20,825 | $23,140 | $13,300 | N/A | $16,000 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 19 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | N/A | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| 2WD Sport Utility | 2WD Special Purpose Vehicle | Small Station Wagon | N/A | Small Station Wagon |
| Style Name | ||||
| 2WD 5-Door LX | 4-Door Wagon XLT | 5-Door Wagon Manual | N/A | 5-Door Wagon Manual (GS) |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | N/A | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 5 | N/A | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sport Utility Vehicle | Passenger Van | 5 Door Wagon | N/A | 4 Door Wagon |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Manual | N/A | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2011 Honda Element vs. 2011 Ford Transit Connect Wagon | 2011 Honda Element vs. 2011 Kia Soul | 2011 Honda Element vs. 2011 Mazda MAZDA5 | 2011 Honda Element vs. 2011 Scion xB | |
