Honda Announces Plans for New SUV and Pickup

Honda has filed two intriguing patents that suggest the automaker might be developing new off-road vehicles. One patent showcases a boxy SUV reminiscent of the Honda Element, produced from 2003 to 2011. The other features a compact pickup truck with an innovative movable divider.

The Honda Element, known for its upright design and robust plastic bodywork, gained a dedicated following despite its limited production run. With the rise of electric vehicles, there’s potential for the Element to make a comeback. The new patents, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in December 2022 and published on June 27, 2023, support this idea. One patent describes a camper attachment that latches onto a vehicle, featuring expandable sections to increase space.

The patent’s SUV design stands out with its significant ground clearance and boxy shape, similar to the Element. Its rectangular form and unique door configuration, with a smaller rear door opening opposite the front door, echo the Element’s coach doors.

The second patent introduces a compact pickup truck with an adjustable cargo partition, potentially rivaling the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The partition can be moved to change the bed length, and the roof extends to offer more interior space when the partition is fully back. Although this truck doesn’t explicitly mention the Element, it shares a rugged, blocky look with a distinctive A-pillar design.