I've got both.  A Syncro Westy for camping and a Honda 'E' as me daily driver.

A Vanagon it aint, but with that aftermarket pop top option (too expensive IMHO) it's definitely one of the few (if any) vehicles on the mkt today that are molded in the spirit of the VW bus/Vanagon.

The element appeals to the same demographic.

There is a ton of room in it, if you take the seats out, it's  cavernous back there!

Mpg of the element leaves a bit to be desired.  I've never seen better than 26 hwy and 22 mpg around town if I keep my foot out of it. (awd with 5sp manual).

Could sleep in it I suppose, have never tried.

Yakima rack on top hurts that mpg I'm sure.  Frankly, the E looks Bette with a rack on top.  Takes your eyes off the huge bulbous roofline.   ;-).

Then again, I drive a Vanagon, so obviously I care about utility, not asthetics!

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