 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L AWD Navi. Click image to enlarge |
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Review and photos by Jeff Burry
Ottawa, Ontario – Honda’s latest offering, the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, while aimed at empty nesters and upwardly mobile young executives, may in fact have something for everyone.
Honda refers to the Crosstour as a CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) – part car and part SUV. Based upon the Honda Accord platform, the Crosstour sits 59 mm higher off the ground while offering a luxurious and well-appointed interior. But while the interior looks very much like that of the 2010 Honda Accord V6, the exterior bears no resemblance to its sibling whatsoever. From every angle the CrossTour exudes personality; it may even strike you as being somewhat “over-styled.”
During my week-long test drive it was difficult not to notice the interest it generated. Pulling discreetly into parking lots and the local gas bar proved to be a challenge at times. An intended quick trip to the bank took more than twenty minutes while an older couple posed multiple questions. They were clearly very impressed.
This latest offering from Honda is available in both (FWD) front-wheel drive and AWD (all-wheel drive) modes, all badged as EX-L models. My test vehicle itself was an EX-L AWD equipped with the optional navigation system and rearview camera.
The new CrossTour drives and handles very much like an Accord sedan – very nimble in parking lots with very little sound making its way into the cabin. Throw the Crosstour into a corner and you will be impressed by its handling and lack of body roll. If you prefer a crossover with a more “exhilarating” driving experience, this vehicle will deliver.
  2010 Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L AWD Navi. Click image to enlarge |
As a driver, you truly feel connected to the Crosstour. The 3.5-litre, 271-hp SOHC V6 engine, also found in the Honda Accord V6 sedan, is quick to respond and the five-speed automatic transmission moves smoothly through the gears (it’s the only transmission available).
The 3.5 litre V6 is equipped with Honda’s Advanced Variable Cylinder Management (AVCM) system which enables the engine to switch automatically into either four or three cylinder modes under low load conditions to save fuel. The driver is notified of such a change by a subtle green “ECO” light that will illuminate on the dash but it’s very difficult to sense when the engine has switched into four or three-cylinder mode.
Fuel economy ratings for the Crosstour range from 11.5 L/100 km (city) to 7.2 L/100 km (hwy) for the FWD model while the slightly thirstier AWL Crosstour is rated at a very respectable 12.3 L/100 km (city) and 8.0 L/100 km (hwy).
Safety features abound in the Crosstour. From the front side and side curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock braking (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) system to the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), occupants should feel that Honda has made their safety and security a priority.
The Honda Crosstour offers a generous 728 litres of cargo space for hauling just about anything. Two nifty placed levers quickly and effectively flatten the 60/40 split rear seats, and they really do sit flat on the rear seat surfaces. One of the more unique features of the Honda Crosstour is a removable tray under the cargo floor that offers an additional 54 litres of storage space. The tray is completely hidden from view and can also be lifted right out of the vehicle for easy washing. Due to the location and depth of the tray, the spare tire is actually stored under the vehicle.
  2010 Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L AWD Navi. Click image to enlarge |
The one and only issue that was a constant annoyance for me was the lack of rear visibility. Due to the manner in which the roof line swoops down toward the tailgate and the rather large “D” pillars, rear visibility was less than adequate. When making a lane change, you have to start scoping out what’s behind you well in advance. An optional “lane departure” or “blind spot” sensor system would have made for a much more relaxed driving experience, especially in city traffic.
At least the optional navigation system comes equipped with a rearview camera: this camera proved particularly useful when backing out of a driveway or into tight spaces at the local Walmart. The lens of the camera will need to be cleaned from time to time if driving in wet, salty road conditions as we so often do in Canada.
The base FWD Honda Crosstour retails for $36,450 and the AWD version lists at $38,450. It should be noted that leather seats, sunroof and ample brushed aluminum surfaces are all standard on the Crosstour. Add in the optional Navigation Package and it pushes the total price to a whopping $40,450 (before taxes).
In comparison, if shopping around, the Nissan Murano starts at $38,298 while the Toyota Venza (base four-cylinder model) will set you back a more modest $29,160. Both the Venza and Murano will offer buyers slightly more cargo space – 869 litres and 826 litres respectively.
Honda has certainly presented the buying public with something to ponder in terms of a vehicle that has “presence” and a decent sized cargo bay. This is one CUV that will not go unnoticed and it has nothing to do with its size or stance. Honda hopes to sell approximately 3,000 of these vehicles annually in Canada.
