--- title: "The Honda Element Is Returning in 2029 as a US-Built Hybrid Crossover: Report" description: "The box is back. Or, it will be, but in three years." date: "2026-06-24" modified: "2026-06-24" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-honda-element-is-returning-in-2029-as-a-us-built-hybrid-crossover-report" categories: - "Honda News" - "News" - "News by Brand" --- # The Honda Element Is Returning in 2029 as a US-Built Hybrid Crossover: Report ![Honda Element]() *\Via Facebook Marketplace\  * The box is back. Or, it will be, but in three years. [Honda]() fans and Element cultists can rejoice because on Wednesday [*Automotive News* reported]() the Honda Element will be revived as a hybrid crossover arriving in 2029. The new Element is reportedly going to be a major player for the Japanese automaker with a target of nearly 100,000 sales for the first full year of production. That's just 35,000 units shy of Ford Bronco Sport sales in 2025. Honda showrooms are about to get crowded with small crossover SUVs with the Element slotting between the HR-V and CR-V. *AN* said production of the new Element is expected to commence in Central Ohio in the second quarter of 2029. Honda was planning on building its new Zero Series family of EVs in Ohio before [pulling the plug on the program]() at the eleventh hour. With the pivot away from EVs Honda said its [making hybrids the core of its business](). The automaker is preparing to launch a new clean-sheet [V6-based hybrid powertrain]() for all its midsize and large models. The Elements return will come 18 years after the iconic nameplate died. The original only had a one-generation run that lasted nearly a decade with a single mild refresh. *Got a tip about future product? Send us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()