Two recent patents from Honda suggest that the automaker might be planning a new boxy, off-road-oriented vehicle. One patent shows a squared-off SUV inspired by the Honda Element, produced between 2003 and 2011. The other patent features a compact pickup truck with a movable divider.
Honda Element, known for its upright stance and extensive plastic bodywork, had a unique design ahead of its time. Though only available from 2003 to 2011, the Element has developed a loyal following.
The rise of electric powertrains presents a potential opportunity to revive the Element. Honda’s new patents, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in December 2022 and published on June 27, 2023, hint at this possibility. One patent describes a camper attachment that latches onto the back and top of a vehicle, featuring expandable extensions that increase the vehicle’s size.
The boxy SUV with significant ground clearance attached to the camper is particularly noteworthy. The rectangular shape and door configuration, with a smaller rear door opening opposite the front door, are reminiscent of the Element’s coach doors.
The second patent details an adjustable cargo partition in a compact pickup truck that could compete with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The divider can be set in two positions to change the bed length, and the roof could be extended to provide more interior space when the divider is fully back. While this truck doesn’t explicitly reference the Element, it has a rugged, blocky appearance with a distinctive A-pillar design.
Don’t Hold Your Breath
Despite the intriguing designs in these patents, it is unlikely they will reach production. Automakers often file patents for concepts that never make it to market.
However, there remains a possibility that Honda is considering a new Element or a similar vehicle.
