Though the Element is available with automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the sportiest combo is the front-drive five-speed manual iteration you see here. This version plays to many of Honda's strengths, namely satisfying manual shifters, brilliant engines, and fun-to-drive chassis dynamics. The Element's shifter sprouts from the bottom of the center stack, rally style, to free up floor space, and, compared to the Aerio's somewhat notchy gear stick, the Element's unit has the edge with the usual Honda stick-shift wonderfulness.
So how does this baby UPS truck handle? Though the tallish Element looks like it might be best suited to a postal route, don't be deceived. Its wide stance aids stability, and firm damping and spring tuning keep body roll in check. Quick steering gives quick turn-in and meaty four-wheel discs provide confidence-inspiring stopping power.
The Element's 2.4-liter DOHC engine is a real gem, too. Shared with the Accord and CR-V, it develops the most torque of any four-cylinder Honda's ever produced. Thanks to i-VTEC variable valve timing and lift control, that torque is intelligently distributed over an extremely wide powerband. The result is responsiveness for passing and freeway merging without drama. The buttery smooth four-cylinder moves the Element's 3389-pound heft as if it were bolted into a much smaller car.
Our Element EX test car stickered out with a base price of $18,650, a fairly large jump up for someone trying to fit into a $15,000 Aerio. But if standard EX items such as aluminum wheels, power side mirrors, air-conditioning, factory AM/FM/CD stereo, cruise control, waterproof rear seats, and a few minor trim items aren't that important, then the $16,100 Element DX might make more sense.
Conclusion
The Suzuki Aerio is fun to drive, edgy-looking, roomy and cargo-friendly, and one heck of a bargain with a base price under $15,000. The build quality is at least as good as Honda's, as is the interior. But at the end of the day, it's just a damn good car.
The Honda Element, on the other hand, is a complete experience. It's a wash-and-wear base of operations for an active lifestyle, starting out in DX trim at an affordable $16,100. The Element embodies all the dynamic excellence of a Civic or CR-V and kicks it out to the next level. Question is, are you ready to give the Element the lifestyle workout it's capable of? If you can warm to the bulldog looks, we think the Element offers more life experiences for the buck and is the better choice.