Model Lineup
The 2009 Honda Element is available in LX, EX and SC trim levels. The LX comes with power windows, locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; cruise control; air conditioning; tilt steering column; cloth upholstery with water-resistant front seats; height-adjustable driver’s seat; 4-speaker, 120-watt AM/FM/CD stereo; numerous storage bins, beverage holders and cargo hooks; and P215/70R16 tires on steel wheels with wheel covers. The EX features a 7-speaker, 270-watt audio system with MP3-capable CD player; XM satellite radio; steering wheel audio controls; additional storage bins; outside temperature gauge; driver and front passenger fold-down armrests; center console with removable cooler; modular overhead storage compartments; and alloy wheels. LX and EX models equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) get a removable glass roof skylight for the rear seats. The SC adds full carpeting in place of the utility floor in LX and EX models, plus a unique center console, a lowered and sport-tuned suspension, and “Street Custom” exterior styling with P225/55R18 tires on unique alloy wheels, an “aero” grille, and projector-beam headlamps. EX and SC models are offered with a navigation system with voice activation and a rearview camera.
Hardware
All 2009 Honda Elements are powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 166 hp at 5800 rpm and 161 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. Honda offers the Element with a choice of 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. SC models are front-wheel drive (FWD), while LX and EX models are available with an AWD system that Honda calls Real Time 4WD. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway for FWD or AWD Elements with the manual transmission, 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway for FWD automatics, and 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway for AWD automatics.
