2010 Honda Element: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2010 Honda Element
1st generation (2003-2011), late-cycle year after the 2009 update; second-to-last model year.
Honda positioned the Element as a compact utility vehicle for active owners who needed cargo flexibility and easy-clean surfaces more than a polished cabin or a third row. Its boxy shape, wide-opening side doors, clamshell tailgate, removable rear seats, and utility-focused interior made it feel part small SUV and part gear hauler. Against other compact crossovers, the Element stood out for easy loading, simple cleanup, and a layout that worked especially well for outdoor gear, pets, and bulky everyday cargo.
The LX is the simple utility model, with wide-opening side cargo doors, a washable floor, and removable rear seats. The EX adds everyday comforts such as stronger audio, extra storage, and a center console with a removable cooler. The SC takes a street-focused approach with a lower, firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels, and unique exterior and interior trim.
2010 Honda Element specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 20 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 25 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 166 hp | 166 hp | 166 hp |
| Torque | 161 lb-ft | 161 lb-ft | 161 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 74.6 cu-ft | 74.6 cu-ft | 74.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.1 in | 39.1 in | 39.1 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2010 Honda Element compared with the 2009 model?
Nothing major changed for 2010. The Element carried over with the same LX, EX, and SC trim structure, the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, and no broad styling, safety, or technology update.
Was the 2010 Honda Element redesigned?
No, the 2010 Honda Element was not redesigned. It was a late-cycle carryover in the first generation, following the prior year's update.
Did the 2010 Honda Element get a new engine?
No, the 2010 Element retained its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. There was no lineup-wide powertrain change for this model year.
How do the 2010 Honda Element LX, EX, and SC trims differ?
The LX is the basic utility-focused model, while the EX adds upgraded audio, more storage, and a removable cooler. The SC has a lower, firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels, and unique street-style exterior and interior details.
Is the 2010 Honda Element SC more utility-focused than the LX and EX?
No, the 2010 SC is the more street-focused Element. Its lower ride height, firmer suspension, larger wheels, carpeting, and unique trim give it a more car-like feel than the utility-first LX and EX.