New Honda Element ute and SUV patents uncovered

Fresh patents for an all-new Honda Element have surfaced that suggest a new-generation version of the boxy SUV – and a ute derivative – are in development.

Originally created for the North American market, the Honda CR-V-based mid-size SUV was sold from 2003 until 2011 and proved to be a huge success, with more than 325,000 sales in the US and Canada.

That volume is believed to be fuelling desire to create a successor for the offbeat SUV and to sell it in other markets including Europe and Australia for the first time.

Keeping the original’s upright and blocky looks, the blueprint drawings uncovered suggest the next Element should once again feature a pair of rear-hinged doors.

This time, as well as an SUV, Honda is plotting a rugged ute to rival the likes of the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz already sold in the US, featuring a novel divider that alters the load bed length to maximise carrying capacity or cabin space.

Another patent includes a factory-designed camper attachment that latches onto the back of the ute.

Created to feature a series of expandable extensions, it’s thought the camper topper can double the amount of cabin space.

The snub-nosed proportions and lack of front and rear overhang hint that the new-generation Element might have been developed to be powered by an all-electric powertrain.

There’s no word on production, but the US patents point to Honda’s Californian-based design studio as the architects behind the new Element.

It could also mean a future outing, possibly as a concept, at the Los Angeles motor show later this year.

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