Getting a honda element rear wing is one of those small changes that completely shifts how the car looks from the back. If you own one of these "toasters," you already know that the Element has a very specific, boxy silhouette. It's iconic, sure, but it can also look a little unfinished if you're staring at that flat rear hatch for too long. Adding a wing or a spoiler is basically the automotive equivalent of putting a nice hat on—it just balances everything out.
I've seen a lot of people go back and forth on whether it's worth the effort, but honestly, once you see an Element with a wing and then look at one without it, the "naked" one starts to look a bit plain. It's a subtle mod, but it makes a world of difference in terms of presence.
Why the Boxy Look Needs a Little Help
The Honda Element is a cult classic for a reason. It's practical, it's weird, and it holds its value like crazy. But from a purely aesthetic standpoint, it's a giant rectangle. The roofline just ends. When you install a honda element rear wing, you're introducing a new angle that breaks up that harsh vertical drop-off at the tailgate.
It's not just about looking "sporty," either. Most of us aren't out here trying to turn our Elements into race cars (though some people certainly try). It's more about completing the design. Honda actually offered an OEM spoiler back in the day, and they did it because they knew the rear end needed a bit of a visual lift. It adds a touch of "finished" quality that the base model sometimes lacks.
Choosing Between OEM and Aftermarket Styles
When you start looking for a honda element rear wing, you're going to run into two main camps: the purists who want the original Honda parts and the folks who don't mind going aftermarket to save a few bucks or get a different look.
The Original Equipment (OEM) Route
The OEM wing is arguably the gold standard. It fits perfectly because it was designed by the same people who built the car. It's usually a bit more low-profile and follows the curves (well, the slight curves) of the roofline perfectly. The downside? They are getting harder to find. Since the Element has been out of production for over a decade, finding a brand-new OEM wing in your specific color is like finding a needle in a haystack. You're usually looking at used parts from forums or eBay, and they often come with a premium price tag.
Aftermarket Alternatives
If you can't find an original one, the aftermarket world has stepped up. You can find plenty of "OE-style" wings that mimic the factory look. These are usually made of ABS plastic or fiberglass. They're much cheaper, but you have to be careful with the fitment. Some might require a bit of sanding or tweaking to sit flush against the hatch. There are also some wilder options out there—larger wings that give off a bit more of a tuner vibe—but those are definitely an acquired taste on a boxy SUV.
The Big Question: To Drill or Not to Drill?
This is the part that makes most Element owners nervous. Most high-quality honda element rear wing options require you to drill holes into the upper part of the rear hatch. I get it; taking a power drill to your beloved car is terrifying.
If you're buying a kit, it usually comes with a template. You tape the template to the hatch, mark your spots, and hold your breath while the drill bit does its thing. If you do it right and use some touch-up paint or a rust inhibitor on the raw metal edges, it's perfectly safe.
However, if you're absolutely "allergic" to drilling, there are some stick-on spoilers that use heavy-duty 3M automotive tape. I'll be honest with you: they don't always hold up forever. With the wind resistance hitting that wing at 70 mph on the highway, I'd much rather have a couple of solid bolts holding it down. If you're going to do it, you might as well do it right.
Does it Actually Do Anything for Performance?
Let's be real for a second: putting a honda element rear wing on your car isn't going to turn it into an aerodynamic masterpiece. The Element has the drag coefficient of a brick wall. A small piece of plastic on the back isn't going to suddenly give you 5 extra miles per gallon or shave seconds off your lap time at the track.
However, there is one practical benefit that people often overlook. The way air rolls over the back of a flat-rear vehicle like the Element creates a vacuum that sucks up road grime, dust, and rain onto the back window. Some wing designs help redirect a bit of that airflow down across the glass, which can actually keep your rear window a little cleaner during a rainy drive. It's not a miracle cure, but every little bit helps when you're trying to see out the back.
Finding a Wing in the Wild (or Online)
If you're ready to pull the trigger, where do you actually find a honda element rear wing these days?
- Online Marketplaces: eBay is the obvious first stop. You'll find plenty of unpainted aftermarket versions there.
- Enthusiast Forums: Sites like the Element Owners Club are literal gold mines. People are always parting out cars or selling old mods they never installed.
- Junkyards: If you're feeling adventurous, hitting up a local "Pull-A-Part" might land you an OEM wing for cheap. Just keep in mind you'll probably have to paint it to match your car.
- Facebook Groups: There are some massive Element groups where people trade parts daily. Just be fast, because the good stuff usually gets snatched up within minutes.
Making it Your Own: Paint and Finishes
Unless you get incredibly lucky and find a wing that's already painted in your car's color (like Sunset Orange Pearl or Galapagos Green), you're going to have to deal with painting it. Most aftermarket honda element rear wing kits come in a "primer gray" or a "flat black" finish.
You've got two ways to go here. You can take it to a local body shop and have them color-match it perfectly. This is the "correct" way to do it if you want it to look factory. But, since the Element has those famous plastic body panels, a lot of owners decide to paint their wing a matte or satin black to match the trim. It's a cool, rugged look that's much easier to do in your own garage with a couple of cans of high-quality spray paint. Plus, if it gets scratched, it's way easier to touch up.
Final Thoughts on the Upgrade
At the end of the day, adding a honda element rear wing is about making the car yours. These vehicles are such a blank canvas for customization. Whether you're building a "camper" Element for weekend trips or just a cool daily driver, the wing adds a bit of sportiness that balances out the "utility" vibe.
It's one of those mods that you'll catch yourself looking back at every time you park in a grocery store parking lot. It just completes the look. Is it a strictly necessary part of the car's function? No, definitely not. But does it make the car look ten times better? Absolutely. Just take your time with the installation, make sure everything is level, and enjoy the new profile of your favorite box on wheels. Don't let the fear of a little drilling stop you—it's one of the most rewarding visual upgrades you can do for an Element.