What if Honda revived the Element to challenge Ford's Bronco Sport

As buyers pine for more rugged, adventure-ready variants of established crossovers, Honda could capitalize with the return of their boxy, beloved Element.

Feb 17, 2025 - 07:43

What if Honda revived the Element to challenge Ford's Bronco Sport

Although softened crossovers like the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 have become the North American norm–combining the functional elements of SUVs with the convenience of traditional unibody cars–some buyers still lust for crossovers that sacrifice less of the rugged capabilities of traditional SUVs.

Various manufacturers have responded to this trend by offering adventure-ready variants of existing crossovers, such as the Subaru Forester Wilderness and the Hyundai Tucson XRT. Other manufacturers have responded by creating unique, hardened models to fill this niche, such as the Ford Bronco Sport and Mazda CX-50.

Honda, however, has yet to release a more serious off-road variant of their bread-and-butter crossover, the CR-V, but a TrailSport variant is reportedly on its way. What if Honda were to take things a step further and create a unique model to provide a more rugged and adventure-ready alternative to the city-friendly CR-V? Reviving the Element badge could do just that.

What was the Honda Element?

The Honda Element was a small crossover that was constructed on a modified second-generation CR-V platform and was available with either front- or four-wheel drive. Instead of full-size rear doors, the Element employed extended cab pickup truck-styled half doors that opened backwards. This meant that there was no B-pillar in the way, allowing for improved access in and out of the vehicle.

The Element's supreme functionality earned the boxy utility vehicle a cult following. A split-opening rear tailgate, unique fold-away interior seating, and available accessories like a camping tent that integrates into the rear tailgate all contributed to America's love affair with the Element, which was sold from 2003 to 2011 without major updates.

Essentially, the Honda Element was to the CR-V what the contemporary Ford Bronco Sport is to the Escape. The Bronco Sport shares its platform with the Escape crossover and Maverick pickup truck but takes on boxier proportions to reflect its appetite for tough terrain. Although the proper Bronco offers buyers a serious, body-on-frame, off-road SUV, the Bronco Sport serves as the middle ground between the extreme off-roader and the softer, commute-friendly Escape.

What could an all-new Honda Element look like?

A revived Honda Element could share its underpinnings with the Honda CR-V but employ a uniquely tuned all-wheel drive system for improved all-terrain traction. Softer trim levels could exist for buyers who still plan on using their Element around town but prefer the functionality of its boxier proportions. Hardened packages could also exist, such as a TrailSport model, which could include all-terrain tires, lifted suspension, heavier-duty roof rails, uprated cooling systems, and more.

Underneath the hood, an all-new Honda Element would likely use the same 190-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine seen in the CR-V. However, the Element could take things a step further and allow buyers to opt for a more efficient powertrain, the CR-V Hybrid's 204-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine.

Despite the fact that the original Element came standard with front-wheel drive, a revived model would likely come equipped with Honda's latest i-VTM4 all-wheel drive as standard to reflect the vehicle's rugged intentions.

As a Pacific Northwesterner, I can't help but believe that a revived Element, executed in this manner, would be an ideal vehicle for many people living in this region. With its mountainous terrain, the Element's hardcore enhancements over the softer CR-V would give drivers greater confidence in the cooler, wetter months of the year, when it will need to transport its owners to ski resorts, remote camping destinations, fishing lodges, and more.

Although the new Element would likely pair its engine with Honda's continuously variable transmission, as seen in the CR-V, we'd love to see an optional manual transmission made available. The original Element could be optioned with the wobbly stick, and those examples are the most desirable ones in today's used market.

Not only would an optional manual enhance the Element's rugged nature, but it would also make the vehicle much more enjoyable to drive. The Element would also be the only vehicle in its class to offer a manual transmission paired with all-wheel drive, meaning stick-shift loyalists would have no choice but to opt for the Element.

Final thoughts

As the demands of crossover buyers evolve, more and more manufacturers are branching out their lineups to offer similarly-sized crossovers that are fit for purpose based on unique, regional demands. For example, buyers who live in large urban centers would likely opt for the softer CR-V, whereas buyers who live in regions with more extreme climates might prefer the more rugged Element.

Reviving the Honda Element would allow Honda to more effectively chase the demographic of Patagonia-clad, outdoorsy buyers who, instead of commuting from home to work, more often commute from the local indoor rock climbing wall to their nearest backcountry skiing destination. Sharing its platform with the CR-V would keep overall development costs at a minimum and would remain true to the original Element's design strategy.

Do you think Honda could justify reviving the Element as a Ford Bronco Sport rival, or do you think the CR-V TrailSport could be just as effective at stealing buyers away from Subaru Wilderness models? Let us know how you feel in the comments – we love to hear from you!

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