Last updated August 4, 2026
The Honda Element lineup starts with the utility-first LX, moves to the better-equipped EX, and branches into the street-styled SC. LX focuses on easy-clean materials and flexible cargo space. EX keeps that practical layout while adding cabin conveniences and upgraded audio. SC trades some of the rugged, wipe-clean character for a lower stance, firmer road manners, and distinctive styling.
The Base Model trim level, sold as LX, is the straightforward, utility-first Element built around easy cleanup and flexible cargo space.
Best for: Drivers who want the Element’s core practicality without extra cabin upgrades.
Highlights
The Mid-Level trim level, sold as EX, is the more polished Element, pairing the same cargo-friendly design with useful comfort and convenience upgrades.
Best for: Drivers who want Element utility with a nicer everyday cabin and stronger audio system.
Highlights
Adds water-resistant rear-seat fabric, upgraded audio, steering-wheel audio controls, overhead storage, and 16-inch alloy wheels over the LX.
1 in stock
The Sport Styling trim level, sold as SC, is the street-oriented Element with a lower stance, firmer pavement-focused tuning, and a darker cabin.
Best for: Drivers who like the Element’s shape and usefulness but prefer a more planted road feel and sportier appearance.
Highlights
Shifts away from the EX’s utility-focused presentation with a lower, firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels, SC-specific exterior details, and a carpeted, sport-styled cabin.
0 in stock| Feature | Mid-Level | Base Model | Sport Styling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | |||
| Main focus | Better-equipped EX | Utility-first LX | Street-styled SC |
| Cabin floor and finish | Easy-clean utility floor | Easy-clean utility floor | Black carpet and gloss black trim |
| Seat fabric | Water-resistant front and rear | Water-resistant in front | Unique SC fabric |
| Ride tuning | Utility-focused setup | Utility-focused setup | Lower, firmer sport tuning |
| Exterior treatment | EX with 16-inch alloy wheels | Straightforward LX look | SC front styling and 18-inch wheels |
In the late lineup, LX was the simple utility trim, EX added convenience and audio upgrades, and SC used a lower, street-focused setup. SC ended after 2010, leaving LX and EX for the final model year.
The LX is the straightforward, utility-first trim in the late lineup. It has the Element's easy-clean floor, flexible rear seats, wide cargo access, water-resistant front-seat fabric, and the same engine and automatic transmission as the EX.
The EX is the better-equipped everyday trim in the late lineup. It keeps the LX's cargo-friendly layout while adding upgraded audio, steering-wheel audio controls, overhead storage, alloy wheels, and water-resistant fabric on both seating rows.
The SC is the street-styled Element sold through 2010. It has a lower, firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels, unique exterior details, carpeting, dark interior trim, and special seat fabric and gauges.
The EX mainly adds convenience and cabin upgrades over the late-model LX. Highlights include a stronger seven-speaker audio system with a subwoofer, steering-wheel audio controls, overhead storage, alloy wheels, and water-resistant rear-seat fabric.
The EX emphasizes easy-clean utility, while the SC emphasizes street style. Late SC models sit lower on 18-inch wheels and use firmer suspension tuning, carpeting, and unique trim. The EX retains the urethane-coated utility floor and a more conventional stance.
The LX is the simpler cargo-focused trim, while the SC is the lower, sportier version. In late years, the LX has an easy-clean floor and practical cabin finish. The SC adds firmer suspension tuning, 18-inch wheels, unique styling, and carpeting.
Pick a late-model LX or EX for the strongest utility focus. Both use a urethane-coated easy-clean floor and flexible rear seats. The EX also extends water-resistant upholstery to the rear seats, while the SC uses carpeting.
The EX is the more comfortable everyday pick in the late lineup. It keeps the Element's practical floor and flexible seating while adding better audio, steering-wheel controls, extra overhead storage, alloy wheels, and water-resistant rear upholstery.
Consider the LX or EX rather than the SC. The late SC has a lower ride height and firmer, pavement-focused suspension. LX and EX keep the Element's more utility-oriented setup.
No, not in the late lineup. LX, EX, and SC use the same basic 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, so the trim decision is mainly about cabin equipment, utility finishes, styling, and suspension tuning.
In the late lineup, LX and EX were sold with Honda's Real Time four-wheel-drive system as well as two-wheel drive. The street-focused SC was two-wheel drive. Check the individual vehicle because LX and EX were not all equipped alike.
The late-model EX has water-resistant fabric on both the front and rear seats. The LX has water-resistant front-seat fabric, while the SC uses its own unique seat material.
The late-model EX has the notable audio upgrade: a 270-watt system with seven speakers and a subwoofer, plus steering-wheel audio controls. That is one of its clearest convenience upgrades over the LX.