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.

2011 Kia Sorento Unwrapped & Produced Stateside

Kia Motors is waging a friendly battle with its former rival and current business partner, Hyundai Motors. Both Korean automakers have been defying industry trends and are selling more cars and gaining market share at the expense of American, European, and other Asian manufacturers.

That rivalry between the two companies (Hyundai owns 38% of Kia) can be seen with every new product introduction. While Hyundai has been concentrating on the upper end of the market with the Genesis sedan and coupe as well as the midrange Hyundai Sonata, Kia has recently released the compact Koup sedan and coupe, and introduced the 2011 edition of its compact crossover Sorento.

Friendly Hyundai Competition

The competition between Hyundai and Kia isn’t so much a model v. model comparison, rather how well each new model is received by the car shopping public. Judging by the most recent sales figures Hyundai (+45.9%) and Kia (+18.3%) posted very strong gains for November 2009 and besides Subaru will likely be the only car companies seeing an increase in year over year sales when 2009 draws to a close.

The Sorento has managed to hold its own in an automotive segment that has grown in importance over the past several years. The Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, Ford Escape, and the Chevy Equinox are strong contenders for Kia, even the Hyundai Tucson presents a challenge to the Sorento.

New USA Facility

Kia recently opened its first manufacturing facility in the United States, a plant in West Point, Georgia that is up and running. Indeed, the 2011 Sorento is the first model to be produced at that plant and it will arrive in Kia showrooms this January.

Two engines are offered with the five/seven passenger CUV. A 2.4L I4 is standard while a 3.5L V6 is optional, both are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Kia says that the six cylinder gets 276 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft of torque, besting such rivals as the Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V.

Well Equipped CUV

Air conditioning, tilt wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, push button start, premium sound system, are among the many standard items with the Kia Sorento while optional voice activated navigation, rear view camera, and air ionization purification technology is optional. Safety features include ABS, ESC, EBD; front active headrests; front, side, and side curtain airbags; while the hood has been re-engineered to soften the blow of contact with a pedestrian and bicyclist.

Available in front- or all-wheel-drive, the 2011 Kia Sorento is longer and roomier than the previous generation model, offering some of the best storage capacity of crossovers in its segment.

Kia has yet to announce pricing for the 2011 Sorento. However, expect that when prices are announced that they’ll be near the $21,545 base MSRP of the outgoing 2009 model as no 2010 model is being offered.

Source: Kia Motors America