The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by the popular Japanese car brand Honda and marketed in North America from 2003 to 2011. This ride is no longer in production but is still hailed for its unique boxy design, versatile interior, and practical features.
Even today, there are car enthusiasts who wish to own this stylish, family-friendly ride. However, finding a popular ride that has been discontinued for over a decade is hard, even in the used car market.
Thus, the ideal solution is to look for alternatives that offer similar attributes. Today, we bring you a list of eleven cars like Honda Element, that might catch your interest.
Each of the listed vehicles holds similarities to the Element in its own way and has advantages and disadvantages over this long-gone Japanese SUV model. Some of them are in production, while others are easily available in the used automotive market.
Are you ready to explore the best Honda Element alternative?
1. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul stands out as one of the best cars that look like Honda Element with its distinctive box-shaped design and funky styling. The compact size of this ride makes it ideal for city driving; however, do not get fooled by its size. It offers ample interior space for both passengers and cargo.
The Kia Soul is widely known for its tech-savvy features, like its advanced and user-friendly infotainment system. It also comes with a variety of engine options to suit different driving needs. Its fuel efficiency is impressive, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.
Similarities To Honda Element: The Kia Soul shares a similar boxy design and versatile interior as the Honda Element. It is the best and most practical option for anyone who loves the latter’s shape and functionality.
2. Honda HR-V
If you ask me if there are any Japanese-built Honda Element like cars, then my answer will be the gorgeous Honda HR-V. The Honda CR-V is a subcompact crossover that features a multipurpose interior with a Magic Seat feature, similar to the Fit.
This easy-going ride features agreeable handling and ride quality, intuitive tech and safety features, and optional all-wheel drive, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a compact yet practical ride.
Similarities To Honda Element: Like the Element, the Honda CR-V offers a practical design with an adaptable interior, making it suitable for various needs and lifestyles. From women to teenage drivers, this SUV is a smart purchase.
3. Subaru Forester
When it comes to SUVs, no one can deny the presence Subaru has built for itself. The Forester is one of Subaru’s most popular lineups and is among the top SUV similar to Honda Element. This compact vehicle is known for its space, practicality, and standard all-wheel-drive system.
It offers a comfortable ride, an impressive list of safety and driver aids, and a reputation for reliability. The Subaru Forester’s rugged design and higher ground clearance make it a great car for outdoor enthusiasts.
Similarities To Honda Element: Just like Element, Forester also comes with a multipurpose interior and rugged off-road capabilities, making it a suitable choice for different activities and terrains.
4. Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade is a compact SUV that impressively combines distinctive styling with impressive off-road prowess under the blanket of affordability. Its boxy design offers enough headroom and a spacious interior.
It comes with an optional all-wheel drive system, making it a capable off-road vehicle. Although not many people will be pleased with its tepid acceleration and average fuel economy, it is still a modern technology embedded in a comfy ride for everyday use.
Similarities To Honda Element: The Jeep Renegade is another sport utility vehicle that shares Element’s lively, boxy design. This vehicle features an adventurous spirit, making it the perfect purchase for singles and families who enjoy outdoor activities.
5. Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a subcompact SUV that excels at offering spacious seating despite its small footprint. It comes with the Magic Seat, which allows for various seating and cargo configurations, making it a flexible ride. The Fit is also known for its outstanding fuel economy, handsome cabin, nimble handling, and reliable performance.
Similarities To Honda Element: The Honda Fit offers exceptional practicality and resourcefulness, making it suitable for various lifestyles, like the now-missed Element.
6. Ford Flex
This model from the popular car brand that starts with F is another great alternative. The Ford Flex is a midsize SUV that comes with a distinctive square-shaped body that maximizes interior space. You get three rows of seating, making it an excellent consideration for families.
The smooth ride quality, strong engine options, good predicted reliability rating, poised handling, and a range of tech features make it a comfortable and practical hauler.
Similarity To Honda Element: The Ford Flex shares Element’s body design and exclusive focus on interior space and adaptability. This one is a practical choice for anyone needing extra room.
7. Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke is a subcompact crossover SUV popular for its bold and quirky design. It offers a fun driving experience and almost unrivaled performance dynamics, all thanks to its turbocharged engine options and responsive handling.
The compact size of the Juke makes it easy to steer, even in tight spaces. So, whether you are a new driver or an experienced one, driving this ride is effortless.
Similarity To Honda Element: Juke holds similarities to Element in terms of its stylish and distinguishing design and practical cabin.
8. Scion xB
The Scion xB is a compact car proudly wearing a boxy exterior and offering ample space and an easy-to-handle interior. It is still hailed for its affordability, reliability, and simple yet unique styling.
With xB, you get a comfortable ride, an impressive cargo room (especially with rear seats down) for its size, good efficiency, and standard features like a 6.1-inch touch-screen infotainment system, a six-speaker Pioneer audio system, an auxiliary audio input, and more.
Similarity To Honda Element: The Scion xB is similar to the Element in terms of its outlook, mainstream focus on interior and comfort, and downpour of practicality.
9. Nissan Cube
The Nissan Cube is a hatchback that comes with a spacious cabin and pleasant ride quality. This one is an excellent purchase for anyone looking for a calm, everyday ride. In addition, you get quirky styling, practical features, and good miles per gallon.
Similarity To Honda Element: The Nissan Cube offers practicality and uniqueness just like Element, catering to buyers who are seeking a versatile ride that makes its presence felt.
10. Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is the Japanese counterpart to the much-talked-about Honda ride. This SUV comes with satisfactory on-road and exceptional off-road capabilities, making it shine among its competitors. Its rugged build, high ground clearance, and robust 4×4 system only add to its overall appeal.
Similarity To Honda Element: It is perfect for handling tough road conditions and is a perfect purchase for outdoor enthusiasts as it is spacious, durable, and all-rounder.
11. Chevrolet HHR
The Chevrolet HHR is another compact car that bears resemblance to the Element. This one comes with a retro-inspired design that is both stylish and sensible. With seating arrangements for two to five people, this ride is equally acceptable to singles and families.
Similarity To Honda Element: The Chevy HHR shares Element’s focus on practicality, interior comfort, and affordability.
In conclusion, all the listed cars like Honda Element offer a range of features and competence, making them a worthy alternative to Honda’s one of the best SUVs. Whether you desire a rugged off-roader, a practical city ride, or an adaptable family car, there is something on this list to meet your requirements.
