Honda Element to be resurrected as a quirky crossover
Almost 20 years after exiting production, the Honda Element will reportedly return at the end of the decade.
The Honda Element was a relatively short-lived, quirky crossover which has since gained a cult following, and it’s that fanbase which could inspire a new generation to be made.
As reported by Automotive News, insiders have told the publication the Element will head back into production in the first half of 2029, and will be solely produced in the US state of Ohio.
Honda is reportedly targeting production of almost 100,000 Elements in its first 12 months down the line, with the returning nameplate expected to sit between the HR-V and CR-V SUVs in its US lineup.
The first (and so far only) generation of Element was based on the CR-V’s platform, something which could continue with the upcoming version, based on its Ohio production location and claims it’ll utilise a hybrid powertrain.
According to Automotive News, it’ll be placed as a rival to other small soft-roading ‘crossovers’ in the market, such as the Ford Bronco Sport, which is based on the platform of the conventionally styled Escape SUV.
It’s not yet known whether the new Element will hark back to the design of the original model, which had a boxy exterior and practical interior (with removable seats), as well as reverse-hinged rear doors.
Despite not being a huge sales success when it was previously made, the Element has garnered something of a cult following, similar to Toyota’s FJ Cruiser from roughly the same era.
Honda has been going hard on relaunching defunct nameplates in recent times, most notably with the Prelude which returned after a quarter-century hiatus.
