As in another thread on this very topic, it's a big "Nope!" It won't be the same vehicle, not by a long shot. The entire industry has been turned on its head by the safety-nics seeking perfection in saving everybody from themselves and the market dictating "refined" vehicles, the SC being an example of almost, but no cigar. Also, current design philosophies are poised decidedly against square-back designs as even "true" SUVs get squattier and squattier.

Nothing is impossible, of course, but Honda does have a rep for one-and-done.

 

On my last rental, those new safety features 2x applied hard braking due to slow moving semi in adjacent lane, potentially could cause car behind to ram me, just insane. And the steering controls “safety” feature has caused me problems several times when changing lines or taking exit ramps. Then there’s the super confusing cruise controls that drives me mad, as well as the overly complicated annoying HVAC controls. The Element is a breath of fresh air after driving modern trash.

And as to that article… the web is festering with that kinda crap, vague articles written by pretend experts either created by AI or copy/paste.

 

Okay... I'm going to put it this way. How many of you wishing for a restated Element have driven a car less than about five years old? Are you in love with the nanny tech? More is coming.

@SilentLou captured it:

On my last rental, those new safety features 2x applied hard braking due to slow moving semi in adjacent lane, potentially could cause car behind to ram me, just insane. And the steering controls “safety” feature has caused me problems several times when changing lines or taking exit ramps. Then there’s the super confusing cruise controls that drives me mad, as well as the overly complicated annoying HVAC controls. The Element is a breath of fresh air after driving modern trash.

(My emphasis.)

The "box"? Great. The driving experience relative to the original? It will suck. Guaranteed.

 

"Baby off-roader" -- that's funny right there!

(not the baby part so much, but off-roader for sure)

.

 

Where I definitely agree with the statements and have been looking at the feasibility of taking my FWD and going true Hybrid with Electric to the rear for takeoff and switching to the FWD when up to speed but the actual technical requirements are beyond what I feel the capability and with the understanding that it is virtually impossible to do and maintain a standard shift for the FWD. I think it is a possibility for an automatic trans that can make the proper shifts electronically to compensate but it would take an engineer far beyond my capability to make it a reality. this kind of fluff has become Severe clickbait in this community for many years as most of us can agree.

 

I like the new Passport a lot.

Of course not a hybrid, but still...

.

 

I would be more interested in a hybrid rather than an all electric E.

 

I like this! I'd buy this!

 

I say Honda should go for it. Who cares if it's not the same - obviously, times change, and needs change. They can still make a bare bones lunchbox with some updated features. People complained about many comeback cars over the years. If you don't like it, then it's just not for you. You will always have your ole E to enjoy

 

You can potentially hybridize the existing E a bit that would reduce engine load, give higher performance, not easy... electric steering/water pump/AC, higher capacity battery/alternator that could permit some regenerative braking, hood solar panel.

 

Looks poopish. Let’s get a better rendition.

 

Sorry about the soapbox(es). I'm trying to make two points here.

First, be careful what you wish for. If the impossible were to happen, you're going to be greatly disappointed by the reality. The much-less-than perfect "nanny tech" is mandated by NHTSA fiat, and raises the user costs (purchase and maintenance) significantly.

The second and more important point? Our energies should be directed toward keeping these wonderful vehicles reliably operable as long as possible, they represent the vehicular peak of form and function, and unlikely to be repeated.

 

These “New Element” threads should all fall under an “I still believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny” heading.

My wife and I are currently driving and loving two Alfa Romeo Stelvios, hers a 280 hp version and mine the 505 hp version, both real all-wheel-drive. I’ve disabled or dialed down quite a few nannies so that the steering wheels don’t have minds of their own, and all of them are silent now. No aftermarket mods, just reading the damned owners manuals to learn how to do things.

The auto braking has matched my own reflexes, and actually done a better job assessing the overall situations, which I now respect more than I did initially. We’ve had these cars a few years now so we’ve had time to learn their quirks and benefits, the same thing that’s happened with Element owners.

We don’t need to haul washing machines or furniture anymore, yet have been surprised how much we can actually stuff into our Alfas. Look, I’m not a shill for Alfa Romeo, but we love ours. We also loved my Element for 13 years, proving that it’s not impossible to change with the times and circumstances.

I’m confident that some other, more purely functional than luxurious vehicle will eventually make it to market, and that will be a good thing for those who prefer that in a vehicle, but it will never be another Honda Element. Never.

 

I think my 2 year old Suburu Forester Wilderness has a great combination of performance driving characteristics and safety features. The only feature I hate is the auto stop/start at stoplights, it has to be manually turned off each time I start the car (unless I want to install an aftermarket chip).

The element is great, but I think the pinnacle crossover was the late model Chevy Astor/safari. It had excellent power, toughness, 4WD, towing, and interior space. The electronics were minimal. The engine and accessories fully serviceable at home or in the field.

The element is made of parts that are disintegrating with time. Proprietary plastic connectors, body panels, interior pieces, etc are all failing. AC and window regulators are replaced seasonally it seems . The engine goes into limp mode every time is rains hard due to poor connector design (fixable). Engine work and oil changes are difficult due to space constraints (unless you are endowed with the arms of a child or can press one into service). Still a great car, I have two of them. But to call it the pinnacle of cross overs is a bit much.

Detractors will call the Astro a minivan, but it is essentially the same form factor as an element, but even more utilitarian in the cargo configuration Neither fits the modern definition of a crossover really, thankfully.