Against 301 other 4-cyl cars rated 2009–2011, the Element trails their 25.6 mpg average by 3.6 mpg, about $245 a year.
Every Honda Element engine, compared
The Honda Element was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 19.8 / 24.4 | 2003–2011 | $1,778 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Subaru Outback gets 23 mpg, the Subaru Forester 22.7 mpg and the Nissan Xterra 18 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 2011 Element.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2011) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2009–2011 | +$245 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,894 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2011 Honda Element gives up 4 mpg in town: 24 on the highway against 20 in the city, $320 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2011) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4 mpg (20%) | Typical for its type |
How the Element changed over the years
The Element peaked in 2011 at 22 mpg (20 city, 24 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 21 — 1 mpg apart, or $84 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 20 / 24 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2010 | 20 / 25 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2009 | 20 / 25 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2008 | 20 / 25 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2007 | 20 / 25 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2006 | 19 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2005 | 19 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2004 | 20 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2003 | 20 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the Honda Element — 1 engine across 2003–2011. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,894. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2011 Honda Element get?
22 mpg combined, 20 city and 24 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2003 the Element has averaged 21.6 mpg.
Is the 2011 Element more efficient than the 2010?
About the same: 22 against 22 mpg combined.
Which Element year has the best gas mileage?
The 2011, at 22 mpg combined (20 city, 24 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Element get better gas mileage than the Subaru Outback?
No: 22 mpg for the 2011 Element against 23 for the 2012 Subaru Outback, about $75 a year more to run.
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