Road Test: Honda Accord Crosstour
No Surprises Here
Review by Gerry Frechette
There has been some discussion as to just what to call the new Honda Accord Crosstour. Some, including Honda, call it a CUV, as in crossover. Others think it is nothing more than an Accord hatchback or station wagon, neither being a description that is generally in favour in North America. It is certainly a car-based vehicle, with no ‘truck’ intentions.
Whatever you choose to call it, the Crosstour is an Accord sedan-based car designed to fulfill multiple roles, with elevated levels of utility thanks to its much larger cargo space and available all-wheel drive.
The Crosstour is differentiated from the Accord with a bolder front grille design, and moving rearward from there, it is all large-radius curves from most angles, with a sloped roofline that adds sleekness if not interior space.
Inside, the front of the cabin is obviously derived from the Accord, which is good because that sedan has one of the nicest interiors in the mid-size class. Of course, the rear of the cabin opens up to a large cargo area, and Honda has designed it to be useful to those with the ever-desirable “active lifestyle.” Levers near the interior fender wells allow for one-touch conversion of the seats into the floor and create 1,453 litres of cargo space in the process. A 213 mm-deep under-floor Hidden Removable Utility Box creates 54 L of storage space and includes a removable plastic tray that can be used for the temporary storage of wet or dirty items. Two additional side trays provide additional space for smaller items. The carpeted lid of the cargo box can be flipped over to the plastic side to protect the carpet from dirty items.
Being the top-of-the-line Accord, the Crosstour is available only with the 271-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6 and 5-speed automatic; no four cylinder or manual can be had. The main decision to make in the showroom is whether to stick with front-wheel drive or go for Real Time™ 4WD, which is an on-demand system that sends power to the rear wheels as needed. In the Canadian climate, anything that drives all four wheels is good to have. Should you want the Satellite-linked Navigation System with Bilingual Voice Recognition, the 4WD must be ordered first. There are no other options.
As far as models from which to choose, Honda has really narrowed down the choices, and Crosstour is offered in one version only, the EX-L. Standard equipment is extensive, led by Vehicle Stability Assist, anti-lock brakes and six air bags on the safety side, plus the likes of dual-zone automatic air conditioning with second row ventilation, 360-Watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with 7 speakers and USB audio interface, moonroof, projector beam headlights, leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, and much more.
To drive the Crosstour is to have no unpleasant surprises, especially if you have driven Hondas before. The feel is one of smooth sportiness, with a very refined engine and mechanical package that deliver performance in all normal situations. The interior is nicely appointed and equipped, and if you were thinking of a mid-size sedan like the Accord but could use a little more versatility, the Crosstour might be for you.
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