Further distinguishing the Element are the dark gray panels used for the front and rear fenders, front fascia, and rocker panels made of a scratch- and dent-resistant composite material. These panels are painted to match the body color on the 2006 Element EX-P model, giving the Element a different look.

From the front, the Element has a cheeky, chunky look accentuated by rectangular headlights and the unusual design of the bumper. In profile, it has a shape unlike any other on American roads. The hood line is fairly low and leads to a steep windshield flowing into a gently curved roofline, while the rear tailgate is nearly vertical.

The tailgate is split horizontally. The top half raises like a hatch, the bottom half drops like a tailgate. Honda suggests the lower half can be used as a seating surface for parties. At times it almost seems to raise the rear load height. The Element's rear corners are nicely curved, so it doesn't look as chunky from behind. Large wheels help ensure the Element doesn't look like a minivan.