Get a Honda Element 2WD with the automatic, and the EPA fuel economy estimate is 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Choose an Element 4WD with a manual, and the numbers drop to 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Yes, the automatic delivers more miles per gallon than the stick, so rowing your own gears is now a matter of saving the $800 premium for the automatic or because you like to be involved in the act of driving. But seriously, if you like to be involved in the act of driving, you’re probably not shopping for a Honda Element.