Honda Element trim levels explained
By CarWhere Research · Updated
Honda sold the Element in the U.S. for 2003–2011. It launched as DX and EX, became LX and EX by 2005, and added the lowered, 18-inch-wheel SC for 2007. 2007 and later cars get a 166-hp engine, a 5-speed automatic, side curtain airbags and stability assist, making a 2007–2011 EX the usual used pick.
Previous Element trim levels: Element, 2007–2011 update (2010 model year)
For 2007 Honda refreshed the Element with a 166-hp engine, a new 5-speed automatic, standard side curtain airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist, and added the street-styled SC. LX is the simplest trim, EX adds audio and painted body panels, and the SC adds a lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels and a carpeted floor. A $995 Dog Friendly package was offered on 2010 EX models.[1][2][3][4]
| Trim | Base MSRP (2007, USD) | Engines | Key standard equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $18,9002007 MY starting price for LX/EX, excl. $595 destination and handling |
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| EX | —Honda’s 2007 release gives only a shared LX/EX starting price; EX MSRP not listed |
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| SC | $22,6952007 MY starting price, excl. $595 destination and handling |
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MSRP excludes destination unless noted. "—" means we could not confirm the price from a Honda pricing source.
Previous Element trim levels: Element, early years (2005 model year)
By 2005 the Element lineup was LX and EX, each with 2WD or Real Time 4WD and a manual or automatic. The EX listed front side airbags. Removable rear skylights were offered only on 4WD models in Honda’s 2003 and 2008 feature lists.[5][4]
| Trim | Base MSRP (2005, USD) | Engines | Key standard equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $17,450excl. $550 destination and handling (2005 MY); automatic $18,250; 4WD $18,850 / $19,650 |
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| EX | $19,525excl. $550 destination and handling (2005 MY); automatic $20,325; 4WD $20,925 / $21,725 |
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MSRP excludes destination unless noted. "—" means we could not confirm the price from a Honda pricing source.
Previous Element trim levels: Element at launch (2003 model year)
The 2003 Element launched in DX and EX trims with a 160-hp 2.4L, a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, and Real Time 4WD available on both. The DX was very basic; the EX added air conditioning, ABS, cruise control, alloys and the 270-watt stereo, and was the only trim with available side airbags.[7][6][8][4]
| Trim | Base MSRP (2003, USD) | Engines | Key standard equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| DX | $16,100excl. $460 destination and handling (2003 MY); automatic $16,900; 4WD automatic $18,300 |
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| EX | $18,650excl. $460 destination and handling (2003 MY); automatic $19,450; 4WD automatic $20,850 |
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MSRP excludes destination unless noted. "—" means we could not confirm the price from a Honda pricing source.
Related Element research
See which trim and packages an Element was built with.
Trim names on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Honda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Frequently asked questions
Which Honda Element trim should I buy used?
Most used buyers target a 2007–2011 EX: it has the 166-hp engine, 5-speed automatic, standard side curtain airbags and stability assist, plus the better stereo. The SC suits buyers who want the lowered, street look and do not need 4WD.
What years was the Honda Element made?
The Element was sold in the U.S. for model years 2003–2011, per the EPA record.
What is the difference between Element trims DX, LX, EX and SC?
DX was the basic 2003 launch trim, and by 2005 LX filled that role. On launch cars Honda lists air conditioning, ABS, cruise control, alloys and the 270-watt stereo as EX additions. SC (2007–2011) adds a lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels and a carpeted floor.
Did every Element have 4WD?
No. Each year offered front-wheel-drive and Real Time 4WD versions. The EPA lists 2WD and 4WD Elements for every year 2003–2011.
How much horsepower does the Honda Element have?
Honda rated the 2003 Element’s 2.4L at 160 hp and 161 lb-ft. From 2007 the engine was rated 166 hp (161 lb-ft per Honda’s 2010 release).
What was the Element Dog Friendly package?
A $995 package for the 2010 Element EX that included a kennel, pet bed, ramp, rear ventilation fan, dog-pattern seat covers and floor mats, and a spill-resistant water bowl.
Sources
Prices and equipment are as published by Honda for the model year shown; trim content changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.
- Honda Announces Pricing for the 2007 Element (Aug 9, 2006) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- 2008 Honda Element Features (Sep 19, 2007) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- 2010 Honda Element Goes to the Dogs (Oct 9, 2009) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- Honda Element fuel economy, model years 2003–2011 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
- 2005 Honda Element Pricing and EPA Data (Dec 22, 2004) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- 2003 Honda Element Delivers Ultimate Utility and Value (Aug 17, 2002) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- 2003 Honda Element Prices and EPA Data (Nov 13, 2002) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- 2003 Honda Element Features (Aug 26, 2002) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. or American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Honda, Type R and the model names are trademarks of their owners.