Report: Honda Plans to Revive Element as a Hybrid

The news comes from Automotive News, citing "people with knowledge of the plan," who claim Honda will begin production of the revived Element in the second quarter of 2029 at a plant in central Ohio. Honda has not officially confirmed the report, with a spokesperson stating: "The Honda Element has maintained a cult following since it was discontinued in 2011, and hopes for its possible return continue to circulate online. We sincerely appreciate the enthusiasm for the Element, but we are not going to engage in speculation about our future product plans".

A Cult Classic Returns

The original Element was produced from 2003 to 2011. It was never a mainstream sales success. Annual sales peaked at 67,478 in 2003 and had fallen to just 11,534 by the time production ended. But the Element never disappeared from the minds of enthusiasts. Its boxy, utilitarian design, washable interior, and versatile cargo space made it a favourite among campers, surfers, dog owners, and outdoor enthusiasts.

One of its most distinctive features was the pillarless design with rear-hinged "suicide" doors, which provided wide access to the cabin and created a pass-through interior without a B-pillar. The rear seats could fold flat for sleeping, be flipped up against the sides, or be removed entirely for maximum cargo capacity. The interior featured rubberized, washable floors perfect for muddy boots and wet gear.

What to Expect from the 2029 Revival

While Honda remains tight-lipped, industry analysts and reports have painted a picture of what a revived Element might look like.

Hybrid Powertrain: The new Element is expected to be offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, addressing one of the original model's biggest weaknesses: fuel economy. The boxy design of the original created significant aerodynamic drag, and real-world fuel economy ranged from 19 to 22 miles per gallon.

Positioning: The new Element will reportedly slot between the HR-V and CR-V in Honda's lineup. This places it in the compact crossover segment, directly competing with models like the Ford Bronco Sport.

Production and Sales Targets: The vehicle will reportedly be built at a Honda plant in central Ohio, and Honda is said to be targeting sales of nearly 100,000 units in its first full year of production.

Rugged Styling: The revived Element is expected to retain the boxy, utilitarian styling that made the original so distinctive, but with modern, adventure-ready design cues.

Why Bring It Back Now?

The market has changed significantly since the Element was discontinued in 2011. Buyers are increasingly drawn to vehicles that project an outdoor, adventurous lifestyle. The success of the Ford Bronco Sport, Subaru's Forester Wilderness, and Toyota's RAV4 Adventure trims has proven that there is strong demand for compact SUVs that combine rugged looks with everyday practicality.

Honda already offers TrailSport trims of the CR-V and Passport, but a dedicated, boxy model like the Element could carve out its own niche. The hybrid powertrain also aligns with Honda's broader strategy of making hybrids the core of its business.

A new Honda Element has been the subject of fan speculation for years. If the report proves accurate, the wait will soon be over, though fans will have to wait until 2029 for the revival to arrive in showrooms. The Element's return represents a return to a formula that built a loyal community: no-nonsense utility, durable materials, and a design that prioritized function over fashion. Whether Honda can recapture that magic with a hybrid powertrain remains to be seen, but the early signs suggest the Element's cult following may finally get what they have been asking for since 2011.