Honda Element 4WD
20.5 MPG The 2011 Honda Element 4WD is EPA-rated at 20.5 MPG combined (18.5 city / 23 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 732 gallons, $2341 a year in fuel, or $0.156 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2003–2011 run it averages 20.3 MPG, essentially flat across 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 | $0.122 | $1220 | $1829 | $2439 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.146 | $1463 | $2195 | $2927 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.156 | $1561 | $2341 | $3122 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.171 | $1707 | $2561 | $3415 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.195 | $1951 | $2927 | $3902 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.220 | $2195 | $3293 | $4390 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.244 | $2439 | $3659 | $4878 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 23 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 2010 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 23.5 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 2009 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 23.5 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 2008 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 23.5 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 2007 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 23.5 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 2006 | 20 MPG | 18.5 | 22.5 | $3100 | 444 | 2 |
| 2005 | 20 MPG | 18.5 | 22.5 | $3100 | 444 | 2 |
| 2004 | 20 MPG | 18.5 | 22.5 | $3100 | 444 | 2 |
| 2003 | 20 MPG | 18.5 | 22.5 | $3100 | 444 | 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 97 sport utility vehicle - 4wd models tracked here, the Honda Element 4WD ranks 27 on current figures, against a class average of 18.4 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 4WD (21), Chevrolet Tracker 4WD Convertible (21), GMC Yukon 1500 Hybrid 4WD (21), Toyota 4Runner 4WD (21), Volvo XC70 AWD (21).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 434 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Honda Element 4WD get?
The 2011 Honda Element 4WD is rated at 20.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 18.5 city and 23 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 20.3 MPG, ranging from 20 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Honda Element 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 20.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 732 gallons — roughly $2341 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.156 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2011 model is $3025.
Has the Honda Element 4WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 20.5 MPG today against 20 in 2003 — essentially flat across 9 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Honda Element 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 27 of 97 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 18.4 MPG. That is 2.1 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.