Since I have owned a few Elements since 2005 and use them as daily delivery vehicles in the mountains of Colorado I can give you a real world insight.
Don't waste your time, they are great for what they are designed for. That being paved roads, not off-road. They are of light duty design, read fuel economy but still don't get very good mileage because of being a brick with a top-hat. Loaded with passengers, dogs, your gear and a roof top box you will be luck to get 22/23mpg on flat ground at 60mph. In the mountains or into a headwind less and they have to work very hard.
Yes they are reliable and roomy for there size, I love my E's and will always buy them for my business. That said, they are not Toyota tough by any means. Just not burly enough for any type of expedition use. I took a 3 week back country trip through out the southwest and had to replace all four struts/shocks and a $1500.00 rack & pinion when I returned. Did this twice in two years, thank god it was still under warranty! :sombrero:
Do yourself a favor and find a ladder framed vehicle with true 4wd and heavier duty components. Lots of choices to fit your budget. Just stay with a proven truck/suv for best results. Heck I would even consider a Mercedes 300TD even though they are only 2wd. They really are legendary and just might work, not to mention diesel and the unique factor.
Good luck with your quest but you should keep looking....
-R