Honda Goes to the Dogs With Pet-Focused Option Package for 2009/2010 Element
Making good on its promise to bring the production version of the Dog Friendly Honda Element Concept to market, Honda announced today that the Dog Friendly equipment group will be available starting on November 16, 2009.
The Dog Friendly accessory package (MSRP $995) is a dealer-installed options group that can be added to any 2009 or newer Honda Element EX model (the 2010 Element arrives in showrooms later this month). Honda gave us a sneak peek at this fetching 2009 Element EX with Navigation outfitted with the Dog Friendly package this week, so we rounded up all our doggie friends and friends with dogs and let them give it a spin. Three editors and seven dogs of varying sizes spent time with the Dog Friendly Element while it was here. Follow the jump to see what they thought.
The centerpiece of the Dog Friendly package is a soft-sided car kennel that's built around a sturdy metal frame which is strapped and bolted to the cargo area. Inside the kennel is a soft, thick, snap-in pet bed covered in a stain-, dirt- and water-resistant fabric (if you unzip the cover and slip your hand in there, it feels quite rubbery and protective) that features a repeating pattern of an abstract dog silhouette. Removable second-row seat covers are made from the same fabric. The upholstery seems very durable, and we found it quite easy to brush dog fur and sponge a moderate amount of dirt off it.
Additional dog-focused accessories included with the package are an extendable ramp that stores under the frame of the carrier for older or infirm dogs who cannot jump or be lifted into the cargo area, a 12-volt rear ventilation fan (which plugs into the 12-volt power outlet only available in the cargo area of the EX trim level and only operates when the car is on) to keep your pooch cool during hot-weather drives, all-season rubber floor mats embossed with a toy bone pattern, and a trick spill-resistant water bowl.
The extendable, adjustable ramp worked quite well. It was easy to pull out of its storage space, quick to set up and only the most timid of the dogs weren't willing to walk up or down the ramp after a few tries. It's also covered with a sandpaper-like surface to minimize slippage as the dog struts up the ramp. But once up on the tailgate, Charlie (not pictured), who at about 85 pounds was the largest of the dog testers, had a hard time gripping the plastic surface of the tailgate and the entryway was too small for him.
The spill-resistant Mo-Bowl by PetsAlong, which nests into a cutout in one corner of the pet bed, worked as advertised; not a drop of water was spilled during a 30-minute drive. Unfortunately, we couldn't get any of the dogs to drink from it during their short time in the car. We imagine that once they were more accustomed to their surroundings, they'd be happy to grab a drink while on the road.
While, overall, we think the Dog Friendly package is a great idea and offers a lot of convenient, attractive and well-made accessories for car-bound canines, there are a few aspects that we feel could be improved.
The sturdy metal pipe frame that supports and is located on the inside the soft pet carrier/bed is quite hard, and there's nothing protecting a dog who crashes into the frame or into the ends of the bolts that attach the crossbeams at either end of the carrier (pictured at right). We also found that the entire apparatus tended to crash noisily over speed bumps.
The kennel is well-integrated, but takes up the entire cargo area. If you plan to take road trips in your Element and regularly carry more than one other passenger, you're left with no choice but to store luggage either crammed in the passenger compartment or up on the roof of the car.
Additionally, rear visibility, especially via the rear-view mirror, is significantly compromised by the tall kennel. We recommend springing for the EX with Navigation system, which comes with a rear-view camera, or getting an aftermarket rear-view camera installed.
The concept version that was displayed at the NY Auto Show earlier this year included pet restraints for the second-row seat and different-sized pet kennels for smaller dogs. For the production version, there are no restraints and the kennel is one-size-fits-all. Honda says that at this point this is the only size kennel that will be available and pet harnesses are not included.
If you live with a small-to-medium-sized dog and are considering a 2009 or newer Honda Element, the Dog Friendly accessory package has a lot to offer you and your furry pal. It's worth considering if you take Fido or Fifi with you frequently and don't already have a travel system that works for you. Now, who's got a tennis ball?
Special thanks to Elsa, Milo, Charlie, Avery, Squeak and the sweet little mutt who has yet to be named and their people for helping us test the Honda Element Dog Friendly package.
- Posted by
- Bryn MacKinnon October 9, 2009, 9:00 AM
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- Car Buying, Honda
that's awesome!!! now i gotta get an element!
Didn't GM try this, just a couple of years ago?
They ought to make a smaller version for smaller dogs(25 lbs. or smaller). It would be great for my dog Kiefer! :)
I've got an '08 Element and two kitties, but that's still a nifty idea!
www.agirlinherelement.com