Honda Element Is Finally Returning As A Hybrid Bronco Sport Rival

After more than a decade of persistent rumors and pleading from a dedicated cult following, it seems the beloved Honda Element is officially making a comeback. Expected to arrive in showrooms by 2029, the reborn Element will return not just as a quirky utility vehicle but as a dedicated hybrid compact crossover aimed squarely at the popular Ford Bronco Sport.

Honda In Its Element

According to industry reports, Honda is gearing up to produce the next-generation Element at one of its assembly plants in central Ohio. Production is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2029, with the automaker targeting an ambitious 100,000 units in its first full year of sales. By manufacturing the vehicle stateside, Honda offers a major lifeline to American buyers who have been clamoring for an affordable, adventure-ready SUV that fits perfectly into an active outdoor lifestyle. Nobody saw this one coming.

The original Element, sold from 2003 to 2011, won hearts with its unmistakable cubic design, easy-to-clean rubberized flooring, and highly versatile folding seats. While it remains to be seen if signature design quirks like the pillarless suicide doors will return, the new Element will lean into its rugged heritage. Honda intends to position the Element between the subcompact HR-V and the best-selling CR-V. This strategic positioning suggests a starting price in the mid-$30,000 range, aligning it directly with the Bronco Sport and appealing to younger consumers looking for reliability and capability without the steep price tag of a full-size off-roader.

What's New

One major departure from the original model is the powertrain. Rather than relying on a traditional gas engine, the 2029 Element will arrive exclusively as a hybrid. This shift addresses one of the original vehicle’s biggest weaknesses: poor gas mileage caused by its boxy shape. A hybrid setup will provide instant torque for traversing muddy trails while maximizing highway fuel economy. It also opens the door for an advanced all-wheel-drive system, making it a highly capable companion for weekend camping trips.

What We Think

For Honda, reviving the Element is a brilliant business maneuver. The American automotive landscape has shifted dramatically toward lifestyle-oriented, off-road-lite vehicles. While the brand currently offers rugged TrailSport trims for the CR-V, Passport, and Pilot, a purpose-built boxy crossover gives Honda a dedicated fighter in this lucrative segment. If it can successfully blend the legendary practicality of the original Element with modern hybrid efficiency, Honda won’t just have a formidable Bronco Sport rival; it should have an almost guaranteed sales hit.

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