RSS
Home
2010 Honda Accord Crosstour 4WD 'Photos'
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Now, I know what you’re thinking. I’m thinking it too. This is a rather (ahem) unique vehicle esthetically. We shall get to that in a bit, but I wanted you to know about the bones and utility of the Crosstour before you form an opinion. You see, unlike a LOT of writers who never drove it and, thus, panned it based on looks alone – I actually drove the thing.
What we have here is a Honda Accord with 4WD (more like all wheel drive) higher up, with a hatchback. You might think this is the same formula Toyota used in their Venza and you would be right; however, Honda went about the design of the Accord Crosstour in a different way.
Internally, the driver is treated to a similar high quality Honda interior as the regular Accord. Seats are firm and comfy, offering fantastic adjustment up front. Back seats are equally comfortable and the slightly higher ride height is a perfect loading altitude. While the controls are supremely well made, they are a tad too numerous. There is a learning curve and it is best to school oneself on these controls while in ‘park.’
This is a bigger, heavier car than the regular Accord weighing in at 3887 lbs (FWD) and 4070 lbs (4WD). The ride is slightly softer than the normal Accord while still providing good steering feedback. Acceleration is brisk in traffic as is passing thanks to the 271 horsepower (making 254 lbs feet of torque) 3.5 liter V6. In 4WD trim, the Honda Accord Crosstour is supposed to get 20 mpg. Opt for the FWD and get 21 mpg combined (according to Honda). With the 5-speed automatic, highway mpg ranges from 25 to 27 mpg which is not too shabby for roughly 2 tons.
The Honda Crosstour provides a good amount of space as there is 51.3 cubic feet of cargo space (and a nifty hidden/removable storage box in the back). This is where the funky looking hatchback comes into play as a regular station wagon back end would add several cubic feet to that total. One of the reasons for the rear design is a low drag coefficient – the other escapes me.
What stands out is the easy driving and comfort within.
Honda gave the Crosstour an 8.1 inch ground clearance and funky rocker panels that look a bit rugged. With the 4WD system (which is not a bad one as it is the “Real Time 4WD” unit found in other Honda vehicles) this Honda can probably handle dirt roads, icy/snowy roads and inclement weather comfortably. On the street, it is a smooth ride. It feels like a Honda Accord with three extra inches of height.
See? I keep coming back to how comfortable the Honda Accord Crosstour was to sit in and drive. I abused the Honda Accord Crosstour like Pete Townshend abuses guitars. It shrugged it off and drove – well – like a Honda. There is a real positive here as many will fixate on the Crosstour's appearance, which is a shame. Discount the looks and this is a nice ride.
Starting at about $30,000 for the base FWD model and moving up to about $35,000 for a 4WD Honda Accord Crosstour, Honda is aiming this vehicle directly at the Toyota Venza. I feel the Toyota Venza is a more compelling package with greater utility and more trim/option levels. On the other hand, the Honda Accord Crosstour is a tad better driving vehicle.
The obvious dangling issue is the exterior design. This is a new body trend that was pursued in earnest by BMW with their (ugly sister to the X5) X6. As I drove around Fontana, California , I noticed a mixed batch of reactions. Some looked on in amusement while others were clearly disgusted. Both front and rear are polarizing and there is a lack continuity of design. While the packaging and performance are damn good, I’m afraid the styling will vex this new Honda.
The Honda Accord Crosstour is on sale around Thanksgiving.
I’m curious as to your perspective. Drop a note below and let me know what your take is.
http://automobiles.honda.com/accord-crosstour/
Related Articles:
Comments
