But sitting up high isn't the only benefit offered by the contoured front driver's seat, it's comfortable. Honda normally does a good job in this department, bolstering where necessary and supporting in all the right places. The seats are also covered in a rubberized fabric that looks like it will wear well and be easy to keep clean.

The cockpit that surrounds bucks the Element's radical trend, being actually a little more traditionally designed than Honda's CR-V. That model places its gearshift lever up close and personal next to the gauge cluster on the dash while the Element puts it lower on the center stack, still elevated when compared to the majority of vehicle's lower console position. The dash itself is extremely attractive. Its dark gray plastic is high quality and soft to the touch, while a tasteful assortment of metallic bright work adds the technological edge anticipated by the outward design.

The Element's trio of primary gauges are large and round, each easy to read in any lighting condition. All controls are also logically laid out, with cruise control buttons integrated into the steering wheel if ordering the Y package.

But before I get into just what comes as optional equipment, standard features include filtered air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power exterior mirrors, a height adjustable driver's seat, intermittent wipers front and rear, a 4-speaker AM/FM single CD audio system, and body-color dashboard trim.