Honda Element 2WD
22 MPG The 2011 Honda Element 2WD is EPA-rated at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 24 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 682 gallons, $2182 a year in fuel, or $0.145 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2003–2011 run it averages 21.1 MPG, improving by 1 MPG over 9 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.114 | $1136 | $1705 | $2273 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.136 | $1364 | $2045 | $2727 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.145 | $1455 | $2182 | $2909 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.159 | $1591 | $2386 | $3182 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.182 | $1818 | $2727 | $3636 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.205 | $2045 | $3068 | $4091 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.227 | $2273 | $3409 | $4545 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 22 MPG | 20 | 24 | $2850 | 404 | 1 |
| 2010 | 21 MPG | 19 | 24 | $2975 | 424 | 2 |
| 2009 | 21 MPG | 19 | 24 | $2975 | 424 | 2 |
| 2008 | 21 MPG | 19 | 24 | $2975 | 424 | 2 |
| 2007 | 21 MPG | 19 | 24 | $2975 | 424 | 2 |
| 2006 | 21 MPG | 19 | 23.5 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 2005 | 21 MPG | 19 | 23.5 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 2004 | 21 MPG | 19.5 | 24 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 2003 | 21 MPG | 19.5 | 24 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 70 sport utility vehicle - 2wd models tracked here, the Honda Element 2WD ranks 17 on current figures, against a class average of 20.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Honda Pilot 2WD (22.5), Jeep Grand Cherokee 2WD (22.5), Kia Sportage 2WD (23), Mercury Mariner FWD (23), Nissan Pathfinder 2WD (23).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 404 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Honda Element 2WD get?
The 2011 Honda Element 2WD is rated at 22 MPG combined by the EPA — 20 city and 24 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 21.1 MPG, ranging from 20 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Honda Element 2WD cost in fuel per year?
At 22 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 682 gallons — roughly $2182 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.145 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2011 model is $2850.
Has the Honda Element 2WD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 21 MPG in 2003 to 22 in 2011 — an improvement of 1 MPG, or 5% across 9 model years.
Is the Honda Element 2WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 17 of 70 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 20.7 MPG. That is 1.3 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.