Honda’s distinctive compact crossover Element SUV was introduced in the 2003 model year. It has not yet undergone a significant redesign. While the Element shares its engine and underpinnings with the Honda CR-V, gas mileage suffers a bit due to the aerodynamic drag of the Element’s boxy shape, with highway gas mileage ratings peaking at 25 miles per gallon (MPG) for the manual-transmission 2WD variant.
The Element’s 2.4 liter 4-banger produces 156 horsepower and can be equipped with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. For many, the design of the Element is a love it or hate it affair. If the Element persists into the 2009 model year and beyond, it will be a prime candidate to receive the CR-V diesel’s thrifty 2.2 liter i-CTDi powerplant.
Honda Element Gas Mileage - 2003-2008
| Year | Manufacturer | Model | Engine | Disp. | Fuel | Trans. | City | Hwy |
| 2008 | Honda | Element 2WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 18 | 23 |
| 2008 | Honda | Element 2WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (L5) Auto | 20 | 25 |
| 2008 | Honda | Element 4WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 18 | 23 |
| 2008 | Honda | Element 4WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (L5) Auto | 19 | 24 |
| 2007 | Honda | Element 2WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (L5) Auto | 22 | 27 |
| 2007 | Honda | Element 2WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 21 | 25 |
| 2007 | Honda | Element 4WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (L5) Auto | 21 | 26 |
| 2007 | Honda | Element 4WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 21 | 24 |
| 2006 | Honda | Element 2WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 22 | 26 |
| 2006 | Honda | Element 2WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 21 | 25 |
| 2006 | Honda | Element 4WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 21 | 24 |
| 2006 | Honda | Element 4WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 21 | 24 |
| 2004 | Honda | Element 2WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 22 | 26 |
| 2004 | Honda | Element 2WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 21 | 26 |
| 2004 | Honda | Element 4WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 21 | 24 |
| 2004 | Honda | Element 4WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 21 | 24 |
| 2003 | Honda | Element 2WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 21 | 26 |
| 2003 | Honda | Element 2WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 22 | 26 |
| 2003 | Honda | Element 4WD | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 21 | 24 |
Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.
1 comment so far ↓
I get 22.5 City and the best I’ve done on a long trip is 27 MPG highway in a 2003 2WD Element w/AT. I’m surprised that it does better than my CR-V.
Upgraded the tires and run them at max inflation. Added sound proofing to the entire vehicle (inside the panels and under the floor).
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