The Honda Element offers substantial cargo space for its compact SUV size: about 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and much more when you fold or remove those seats.
The amount of usable cargo space depends on how you configure the interior. With the rear bench in place, you’ll have a smaller but practical area for everyday gear; if you fold the seats flat or remove them entirely, you gain a large load floor suitable for bigger items. These figures apply to the Element’s 2003–2011 model run, with minor year-to-year variations.
Everyday cargo with the rear seats in place
What you can expect when you’re keeping the second row intact is a modest but useful cargo footprint.
- Behind the rear seats: roughly 23–25 cubic feet (about 0.65–0.71 cubic meters).
- Rear seats folded down or partially collapsed: space increases to about 60–68 cubic feet (roughly 1.7–1.9 cubic meters), depending on the year and how the seats hinge or fold.
In practical terms, you’ll notice enough room for suitcases, a daypack of gear, or several grocery runs, with a comfortable margin for everyday use.
Maximum cargo space when seats are removed
For the largest possible load, the rear bench can be removed, freeing the interior footprint for bulky items.
- Maximum cargo volume with the rear seats removed: up to about 70–75 cubic feet (approximately 2.0–2.1 cubic meters), depending on year and trim.
Removing seats isn’t something you’d do daily, but it offer a significant advantage when moving large items like appliances, bikes, or modular gear.
Notes on configuration and variations
These figures can vary slightly by model year and the exact seating configuration. If you’re evaluating a specific Element, check the owner’s manual or official specs for that year to confirm exact cargo volumes with your chosen setup.
Why the numbers vary
Different years used slightly different seat hardware, removal procedures, and floor heights, which affects the listed cargo capacity. The general guidance remains: about 23–25 cu ft behind the rear seats, roughly 60–68 cu ft with seats folded, and up to 70–75 cu ft with the rear bench removed.
Summary
The Honda Element is designed with cargo versatility in mind. In everyday use, expect around 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats; fold the seats and you gain substantial extra space; remove the rear bench for the maximum load, approaching 70–75 cubic feet. The boxy interior and wide access make it practical for a variety of gear and loads, though exact figures depend on the model year and configuration.