The Honda Element uses a 2.4-liter inline-4 i-VTEC engine from Honda's K-series family.
In US-spec Elements produced roughly from 2003 through 2011, this engine powered all trims and delivered around 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, with either front-wheel drive or Real Time all-wheel drive.
Engine overview
The Element shared this powerplant with Honda's compact SUVs of the era, notably the CR-V. It is a four-cylinder, DOHC setup equipped with Honda's i-VTEC variable valve timing system, tuned for practicality and everyday usability rather than outright performance. The engine's compact footprint and reliability have been key selling points for buyers prioritizing utility and ease of maintenance.
Engine specifications
Here are the core engine specs you will typically encounter on US-market Honda Elements.
- Displacement: 2.4 L
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Valvetrain: DOHC with i-VTEC
- Power output: 166 hp (124 kW) @ ~5800 rpm
- Torque: 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) @ ~4200–4500 rpm
- Drive configuration: Front-wheel drive or Real Time all-wheel drive
- Engine family: Honda K-series (K24A-type variants)
- Production years: 2003–2011 in the United States
Across its production run, the Element kept to a single primary engine layout. Variations were minor and mostly related to calibration rather than fundamental design changes.
Notes by year
While the core 2.4-liter i-VTEC K-series engine remained constant, some model-year calibrations affected peak power output slightly and torque delivery, depending on market and emission regulations. There was no V6 option for the Element; all models relied on this four-cylinder powerplant.
Summary
In short, the Honda Element is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 i-VTEC engine from Honda’s K-series family—the same reliable four-cylinder used in many Honda vehicles of the era—delivering around 166 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, with drivetrain options that included front-wheel drive or Real Time AWD. The engine’s longevity and practicality fit the Element’s utility-focused design.