The element is a real-time AWD. What this means is it is primarily a FWD car until one of the front tires slip, then it transfers power to one of the rear wheels. That means that 90% of the time or more, it will only be a FWD car. My girlfriend and I were looking at it as well, and really besides that, the only difference between a 2WD EX and AWD EX is the skylight in the back. I told her it wasn't worth an extra $3k.

BTW, if you are deadset on an AWD 5 spd it's coming out in the fall.