Honda American Motor Co. has announced a significant price increase and subtle restyle for it’s popular Element crossover.  Price for the base Element 2WD LX with a five-speed automatic transmission starts at $20,845 (including a $670 destination charge) which translates to a $1,195 increase over the outgoing model.

Meanwhile the top-of-the-line 2009 Honda Element 4WD EX with navigation and a five-speed automatic transmission gets a $1,995 price increase. The range-topping 2009 Honda Element 4WD EX, which comes with navigation and a five-speed automatic transmission, will get a $1,995 price increase compared to the outgoing model.

Already on sale nationwide, the 2009 Element differentiates itself from the 2008 model by offering a new navigation system with voice activation, a rear-view camera (only on auto-transmission models), and a USB digital media connectivity port. On the inside, new color schemes along with new titanium-style trim and revised switchgear give the sense of a major component quality upgrade. An improved overhead console storage area now also doubles as a cooler/storage box for even more versatility.

Mechanically, the same exact powertrain carries over untouched. This means the only available engine is still a 2.4-liter four cylinder in the best Honda tradition. You can still get it with a 5-speed manual, or opt for the already mentioned 5-speed automatic.

-Source: Edmund’s Inside Line

-Photos: Honda American Motor Co.