I don't know where you guys get your information but the Element has the same 2354cc 4cly 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC K-engine as the Accord and the same tranny. The Element engine is a bit detuned and has 11 less horsepower. From 2007, the Element has the 5 speed automatic instead of the 4 speed.
It does not have the same engine as a Civic but it is based on the CR-V platform.
The third generation CR-V (2007 and on) has the 2.4 engine, same as Element and Accord.
Please read from Honda
"A redesigned CR-V was launched for the 2007 model year. The third generation CR-V is powered by the latest version of Honda's standard K-series 2.4 L inline-four engine, similar variants of which can also be found in the current-generation Honda Accord and Honda Element. "