Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossovers/CUVs, Honda
More 2009 Honda Element pics surface
Click above for gallery of the restyled 2009 Honda Element
Today we get to see the updates that Honda has made for its next Element more clearly. The most noticeable action is up front as the boxy 'ute gets Honda's new corporate-look grille. Classier head lights flank the five-sided opening and circular fog lamps slot nicely below them. It's a more mature look, which is fitting since the Element has proven popular with an older crowd than Honda had originally intended. Out back some shapely new tail lights appear alongside a subtly revised rear end.
As before, the standard model's clean lines can be enhanced a bit with the SC model, which gets a factory body-kit with pronounced flares and air dams. We don't spot any real changes on the inside, except an available nav system and chill box, though there was nothing wrong with the useful guts of the Element in the first place. We're also not expecting any major powertrain changes, but we'll report back when Honda makes things official.
Gallery: 2009 Honda Element
[Source: Carscoop]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John 1:06PM (9/30/2008)
No.
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gotsmart 1:08PM (9/30/2008)
Wow... this looks great! I was a fan of the original Element, and this is a nice evolution. While part of what i really liked was the unpainted quarter panels, i can appreciate that not everybody wanted to drive a Rubbermaid bin on wheels.
It doesn't look like they've changed much else... more of an exterior re-styling than anything.
Hopefully the Element gets a clean diesel option.
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Torrent 1:16PM (9/30/2008)
so uncool.
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Bluestreak 1:16PM (9/30/2008)
This doesn't look very different to me. I liked the look of the old Element, and the new one looks fine as well. Much less drastic than the unremarkable-to-ugly jump made by the Pilot.
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Franz 1:27PM (9/30/2008)
Nothing drastic, just an evolution of the existing design but I think it looks better than the original though.
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tuna 1:38PM (9/30/2008)
Yup. The squared off wheel arches actually make it look a little tougher and truck-like. I almost want to see a Tonka version with real truck running gear, bigger arches and all-terrain tires. I just described the FJ didn't I? Ha.
tuna 1:38PM (9/30/2008)
Yup. The squared off wheel arches actually make it look a little tougher and truck-like. I almost want to see a Tonka version with real truck running gear, bigger arches and all-terrain tires. I just described the FJ didn't I? Ha.
DKB_SATX 1:28PM (9/30/2008)
What 5-sided opening? The head-on view of the grille is composed from 6 lines, not 5. 2 vertical, 2 horizontal, 2 connecting the lower horizontal edge to the bottom of the vertical edges.
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Jerk Face 1:28PM (9/30/2008)
Pretty attractice, actually. I really like the SC.
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tuna 1:34PM (9/30/2008)
A vehicle like this isn't about looks. It's about function and practicality, which is one of the reasons it appeals to an older crowd. It offers just the right amount of space without being wasteful or unwieldy. Vehicles targeted towards the younger crowd have always done well with the older one. They have homes they can leverage to get financing. They are the ones with buying power (especially in this economy). And, most importantly, they want to feel young! They may not drive down to the beach with a bunch of friends, but they like the sentiment and that plays a big role in their purchase decision.
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havoc 1:40PM (9/30/2008)
there are 2 cars in the gallery (minus the crappy blurry image)
the 1st one is a 4wd/awd with the rear wing, rocker trim, side step rails, fog lights and roof rack/rails
too much clutter...
the sc looks nice, in the market for a new OTHER car in about 18 months and the element is always on my list
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Frat Stud 1:44PM (9/30/2008)
"We're also not expecting any major powertrain changes, but we'll report back when Honda makes things official."
Doesn't the brochure tell us that the Element gets a 2.4L engine? Isn't the current Element powered by a 2.4L engine? Sounds like we already know there will be no major powertrain changes.
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Red 4:16PM (9/30/2008)
It's likely the Accord's 170hp K24 is in there. That makes the most sense. Would be nice if the 190hp K24 from the MT Accord were in the SC but that's unlikely to happen.
MajorGeek 1:57PM (9/30/2008)
Never cared for it, so it looks like the exact same vehicle to me.
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bill jackman 2:07PM (9/30/2008)
It's Aztek-riffic.
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Jimesq 2:43PM (9/30/2008)
Doesnt really look any worse than the current model.
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ASEVENSEE4 2:59PM (9/30/2008)
Looks so much like a Tribute.
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Daniel 5:08PM (9/30/2008)
cmon, seriously who cares? is this really news?
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Kathy Duarte 10:57PM (9/30/2008)
Check it out new 2010 Honda Element....I hope you will trade it...It looks good!
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GOT 7:13AM (10/01/2008)
Looks like Honda is getting into the Jeep/Landcruiser class. Interesting. I was wondering what they were going to do with their bread-box-mobile. A couple more updates and they may hit-it-out-of-the-park.
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