The Honda Element has been gone since 2011, but it never really disappeared from the hearts of the people who understood it. With its upright shape, wipe-clean personality, roomy cabin, and slightly oddball charm, the Element became one of those vehicles that made more sense years after it left showrooms. Now, according to a new report from Automotive News, Honda may be preparing to bring the Element name back in 2029 as an affordable hybrid compact SUV positioned between the HR-V and CR-V.

That placement could be exactly where Honda needs something fresh. The HR-V covers the entry-level subcompact space, while the CR-V has grown into one of the brand’s most important family crossovers. A revived Element could split the difference with a more rugged, practical, lifestyle-focused personality, especially as buyers continue to gravitate toward boxy SUVs with outdoorsy appeal. Think less old-school quirky toaster and more modern adventure-ready runabout with Honda hybrid efficiency baked in.

Car and Driver also followed up on the report and reached out to Honda directly. Credit to them for getting an official response, though Honda stopped short of confirming anything. The company essentially acknowledged that the Element still has a loyal following and that enthusiasm for its return continues online, but said it would not comment on speculation about future product plans. In other words, Honda knows people still care, but it is not ready to show its hand.

If the report proves accurate, production would reportedly begin at a Honda plant in Ohio in 2029, with Honda aiming for roughly 100,000 units in the first full year. The new Element is also expected to use a hybrid powertrain, which makes plenty of sense given Honda’s growing emphasis on hybrids across its lineup. Pricing is rumored to land somewhere in the mid-$30,000 range, putting it in the neighborhood of vehicles like the Ford Bronco Sport, while giving Honda a more distinctive alternative for buyers who want efficiency, utility, and a little visual personality.

The original Element was ahead of its time in some ways, arriving before the market fully embraced the idea of a compact SUV as a rolling gear locker for bikes, dogs, camping kits, surfboards, and weekend escapes. Today, that same formula feels far more relevant. If Honda can recapture the Element’s clever packaging and durable spirit while adding hybrid power, modern safety tech, and just enough rugged attitude, this comeback could be more than nostalgia. It could be one of Honda’s smartest moves heading into the next decade.