Honda Car Forum

I am tossed between purchasing a new Element or a new Jeep Liberty, Diesel. I love everythng about the Liberty, except the extreem costs that come with maintenance on a deisel vehicle. I love everything about the Element except the clearance. Can the factory raise up an Element when you buy it upon request, so that it is more suitable for off road? Which would be better for me if I want a good around town vehicle, but would also be used for rugged off road exploration, between the two? Or any other suggestions for a similar type vehicle with decent gas milage?

No, the factory will not customize the suspension. The car has been designed at a specific height and altering it would cause potential rollover liabilities for Honda.You could always do an aftermarket lift, however. If you want an off-road vehicle I would not recommend the Element even though I love Hondas. The Honda CRV would be a better bet for the occasional off road experience while still having a good around town vehicle with decent gas mileage.Unfortunately, anytime you go with an SUV your gas mileage will suffer somewhat.

if u are taking the elemnt off road u do not need to buy it....it is a very simple 4wd system that there is no way to put it in 4 low that u need for off road...they just werent built for taking them off road not tough enough! but very excellent for on the street use i love driveing them

If you want to go off-road, get the Jeep. The diesel engine in the Jeep does not cost as much in maintenance as you might think. The Element is absolutely not designed to take off road. Jeeps are all designed with at least a little off-road action in mind.If you never take it off-road, the Element is better, but you can not raise the suspension, it is not safe. You can lower it.