A Matter of Style: Honda Accord Crosstour

Until the Element and later the Ridgeline showed up, most Honda models were boringly predictable designs. Honda has long stood on its well earned reputations for quality and value rather than being known as a maker of cars which are truly inspiring. Then again, polarizing might be a more accurate term to use, as both of these earlier models have their share of supporters and detractors.

Honda Accord Crosstour

A third model likely to raise eyebrows is the all new Honda Accord Crosstour. Technically, a submodel in the Accord family, the Accord Crosstour has a unique fascia, sweeping lines, and a completely different body style from the B pillar to the rear bumper.

Quite easily, Honda could have kept the Accord name off of the model much as Toyota did with the Camry based Venza, but the automaker apparently wants to capitalize off of the recognizable name of its best selling car, thus the submodel status.

Tall Wagon Styling

What you have in the Crosstour is a tall wagon better known as a crossover (CUV). The since retired Chrysler Pacifica and the current Mercedes R-Class are additional examples of vehicles in this category, embodying much more of a wagon look than the minivan styling found in most CUVs.

A 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission helps the Crosstour achieve 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, the latter number reached thanks to cylinder deactivation which allows the car to run on three, four, or six cylinders depending on demand.

Two Trim Levels

Available in two trim levels—EX and EX-L—Honda says that the Accord Crosstour offers numerous amenities as standard equipment including dual-zone automatic air conditioning with second row ventilation, 360-Watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, fold-down 60-40 split rear seat back, 17-inch aluminum wheels with 225/65 R17 all-season tires, hidden removable utility box, and cruise control. In addition, all models come equipped with a 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.

The EX-L is further distinguished by a number of leather treatment touches to the seats, steering wheels and doors, as well as automatic headlights, larger tires, premium sound system, and a USB audio interface.

Ample Storage Offered

With the second seat folded down, storage space in the Accord Crosstour is generous. But even with the seats folded up, the five passenger CUV offers a pair of nice touches: an under-floor storage area located in the rear of the vehicle as well as reversible cargo floor panels which can house dirty objects such as sporting gear or beach towels.

Pricing for the base 2WD model starts at $29,670 while the top of the line 4WD is priced from $36,220. There are five model packages available with the Honda Accord Crosstour which is built in the US at Honda’s East Liberty, OH factory.

Yes, this Honda occupies the top end of the price spectrum which means that a fully equipped model with all of the bells and whistles included will cost you nearly $40,000, including taxes, tags, and other fees.

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.