2009 Honda Element: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2009 Honda Element

The 2009 Honda Element gets a noticeable late-cycle refresh, led by updated front-end styling and lighting plus a revised cabin. It is not a full redesign, and the engine, four-seat layout, and utility-focused design carry over.

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About the 2009 Honda Element

1st generation (2003-2011), late-cycle refresh year

Honda pitches the Element as a small SUV built from the inside out for active lifestyles. Its identity is all about flexibility: tall roof, easy-access side cargo doors, removable rear seats, and an easy-clean cabin that works well for pets, outdoor gear, and bulky cargo. What sets it apart from more ordinary compact SUVs is not luxury or speed, but its unusual shape, washable interior surfaces, and cargo-first design that still works as an everyday commuter.

The LX is the straightforward utility trim, with an easy-clean floor, side cargo doors, and removable rear seats. The EX adds a seven-speaker audio system, overhead storage, and water-resistant fabric on both rows. The SC has a lower, firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels, unique exterior details, and a darker carpeted cabin.

What changed, by category

Styling
Honda updated the grille, headlights, and taillights for a cleaner exterior look. Revised cabin materials, controls, and trim details freshened the interior.
Trim lineup
LX, EX, and SC are identified as added trims for the 2009 lineup.

2009 Honda Element specs and features by trim

2009 Honda ElementEX0 in stock
2009 Honda ElementLX0 in stock
2009 Honda ElementSC0 in stock
Engine4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.4 Liter4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.4 Liter4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.4 Liter
TransmissionAutomatic, 5-Spd w/OverdriveAutomatic, 5-Spd w/OverdriveAutomatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive
Drivetrain4WD2WD2WD
Fuel TypeGasGasGas
MPG City18 mpg20 mpg18 mpg
MPG Highway23 mpg25 mpg23 mpg
Horsepower166 hp166 hp166 hp
Torque161 lb-ft161 lb-ft161 lb-ft
Max Towing1500 lb1500 lb1500 lb
Trunk/Cargo74.6 cu-ft74.6 cu-ft74.6 cu-ft
Rear Legroom39.1 in39.1 in39.1 in
Seats444
Doors444
Rear View Camera
Alloy Wheels
Power Moonroof
Navigation System
Satellite Radio
Tilt Wheel

How the 2010 Honda Element compares

The 2010 Honda Element is a carryover with no major product changes from 2009. Its trim lineup, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, styling, safety features, and technology remain essentially unchanged.

See the full 2010 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2009 Honda Element?

The biggest change is a late-cycle styling and cabin refresh. The 2009 Element has a revised grille, headlights, and taillights, along with updated interior materials, controls, and trim details.

Is the 2009 Honda Element a full redesign?

No, the 2009 Element is not a full redesign. It is a refreshed version of the first-generation model, retaining the same boxy four-seat layout and utility-focused design.

Did the 2009 Honda Element get a new engine?

No, the 2009 Element keeps its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 166 horsepower. LX and EX models retain the lineup’s all-wheel-drive option.

How do the 2009 Honda Element LX and EX differ?

The EX has more comfort and audio equipment than the LX. It adds a 270-watt seven-speaker system with a subwoofer, overhead storage, and water-resistant fabric on both seating rows, while the LX uses a four-speaker system and water-resistant fabric on the front seats.

What makes the 2009 Honda Element SC different?

The SC is the street-focused version of the 2009 Element. It has a lower, firmer suspension, larger sway bars, 18-inch wheels, unique front-end styling, and a black carpeted cabin with gloss-black trim.

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