Honda positions its Crosstour somewhere between a Pilot and a theoretical Accord wagon. We say theoretical because while the Crosstour is very much a car, its crossover SUV cues are aimed at active folks who want more style, sportiness, and utility than the regular Accord has to offer.
The Range
Bodystyle: Crossover SUV
Engine: 3.5L V-6
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Models: EX, EX-L, EX-L with Navigation
What's New
What's in a name, Honda? The car officially loses the "Accord" part of its "Accord Crosstour" name, and sets off on its own badge. Standard equipment now includes Bluetooth, automatic headlights, and USB audio input. For 2012, the Crosstour gets two new shades of blue and a tweaked shade of red.
Exterior
The Crosstour does look better in person, but that's damning with faint praise -- the awkward, bulbous front end hangs heavily over the front wheels, and the rear coupe-like profile seems like it belongs on another car. The surface treatment is well-executed, but the car's proportions leave much to be desired. It will certainly get people's attention, however, and for some, that's good enough.
Interior
The interior shares almost everything with a top-of-the-line Accord, and comes well-appointed with automatic dual-zone climate controls, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and leather seats. The navigation system, unfortunately, is still shared with the Accord's. Although it'll get you to your destination just fine, the low-res display brings back memories of Windows 98.
Performance & Handling
The Crosstour's independent multi-link rear suspension gives it a healthy balance between comfort and handling, but there's a lot of weight to hustle around. The five-speed auto has an exclusive rev-matching feature, but still seems outdated with six-, seven-, and even eight-speed transmissions on the market. The 271-horsepower V-6 has plenty of power to keep things fun at impromptu stoplight drags, yet it can cruise on only three cylinders to conserve fuel and return a combined rate of 21 mpg.
Safety
Dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags come standard, as do driver and front passenger active head restraints, stability/traction control and brakes with anti-lock control, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist.
EPA Fuel Economy
FWD: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway
AWD: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Stylish interior
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Smooth and quiet ride
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Loaded standard equipment
You Won't Like
- Goofy, awkward styling
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Compromised cargo area
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Antiquated transmission
Sum Up
Drives better than it looks
If You Like This Vehicle
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