For the latest model year Honda decided to switch things up a bit, dropping the Accord portion of the Accord Crosstour nameplate - instead going with nothing more than Crosstour. Another change to the controversially styled vehicle is the addition of a cheaper, more economical four-cylinder engine as standard, while the 3.5-liter V6 remains available as an option.
Despite the name change, the Crosstour remains a funky crossover with a coupe-like roofline that slots between Honda's CR-V and Pilot utilities. Although visually similar to the upcoming Acura ZDX, the Crosstour does not ride on the ZDX's platform. It is actually based off a modified Accord chassis, and it shares its powertrain lineup with Honda's popular sedan as well.
What differentiates the Crosstour from its sedan progenitor is its focus on cargo hauling (despite the somewhat space-robbing roofline). The Crosstour boasts a useful 25.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and a truly roomy 51.3 cubic feet when they are foled. It also features an eight-inch deep under-floor Hidden Removable Utility Box with a reversible lid.
The new base engine for the Crosstour is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 192 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 4,400 RPM. Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for this engine.
Power for the Crosstour is provided by Honda's 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine, which generates 271 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 254 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Fuel economy takes a minor hit compared with the four-cylinder, dropping to 18 mpg in city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Both engines make use of a five-speed automatic transmission that is down a cog compared with the gearboxes of many competitors.
Other than the name change, the latest model year also saw a few other changes, such as include auto on/off headlights, a rearview camera, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and USB audio interface for the Crosstour EX.
Trim Level Breakdown
The Crosstour is offered in EX and EX-L trim levels with unique levels of equipment depending on engine. Only the EX-L can be spec'd with the optional all-wheel-drive system.
The EX model comes standard with projector-beam headlights, moonroof, body-colored power side mirrors with defrost, auto-up/down driver and front passenger side windows and rear privacy glass. Inside, features include air conditioning with second-row ventilation, a 360-watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, steering wheel-mounted cruise, audio and phone controls, an easy fold-down 60-40 split rear seatback, a hidden removable utility box and more.
The four-cylinder Crosstour EX-L adds leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, a memory driver-side seat and memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down capability, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, an automatic dimming rearview mirror, a premium audio system with Kevlar cone speakers and front aluminum dome-type tweeter speakers, XM Radio and more.
Highlights of standard features on the Crosstour EX V6 include: dual-zone automatic air conditioning with second row ventilation, 360-Watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, easy fold-down 60-40 split rear seat back, 17-inch aluminum wheels with 225/65 R17 all-season tires, hidden removable utility box, cruise control, moonroof, auto up/down driver and front passenger side windows, rear privacy glass, steering wheel-integrated audio controls, compass and outside temperature indicator, projector beam headlights with auto-off, fog lights, chrome door handles, body-colored power side mirrors with defrost, and more.
The Crosstour EX-L V6 adds or upgrades: leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, leather steering wheel, leather gear shift knob, auto day/night dimming rearview mirror, 18-inch aluminum wheels with 225/60 R18 all-season tires, auto on/off headlights, memory driver-side seats, memory side mirrors with reverse tilting capability, cargo privacy cover, HomeLink transmitter, Kevlar cone speakers, aluminum dome-type front tweeter speakers and a USB audio interface.
Occupant Safety
Safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional safety equipment includes: Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), commonly referred to as Electronic Stability Control; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist; side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage, multiple threshold front airbags; and active front seat head restraints.
Key Competitors
Other entrants in the tall wagon/crossover segment include the Subaru Outback, the Toyota Venza and the Ford Flex.