Something else to consider - I actually had an Element and traded it in for a CRV (family reasons). The Element definitely was more bike friendly and with a babyseat in the back of my CRV I can still still keep my bike (58cm) in the back without a front wheel of course. I loved the utility of the Element (also have 2 dogs) but the ride quality and gas mileage left a bit to be desired. I miss the basic utility of the Element but between the 2, the CRV is a better vehicle to drive.

For me, I work in an office complex where I cannot see my bike all day. It is a nice thing for me to have my bike in my car where no one is going to mess with it. Also, I ride at night and going home at time will make me miss pedals up. This makes things easier in life for me.

I am really between the two. I prefer an Element for the utility factor and the MPG gain on either will be a step up for me. I go on about 8-10 trips a year with my family (there are three of us) at about 300 miles so its not bad I think. I also have 1-2 trips a year from FL to NC.

At this point I am just at the mercy of finding the "right" car for me in my parameters. Either car would be great at this point.

Sounds like the CRV might already be out of the picture, but I have a 2007 and it isn't ideal for transporting bikes inside. I just lay my road bike on its side (non drive side touching the bed of the car) with the seat backs flipped down, but not up like you have in your first picture. It's snug and doesn't move like that and is very quick to pull in and out without requiring the front wheel to be taken out. That being said, it takes up pretty much the whole car.

I think you can probably fit a road bike upright fine with fork mounts, but you'd have to angle it in. I know my fat bike with approximately the same height as a 56 has to be angled in to get into the opening. Once it's in, it can be upright though. Kind of annoying - I wish I could just slide it in straight.