2010 Honda Accord Crosstour: A New Spin on a Popular Ride

What’s New:

While Saab perfected the hatchback design decades ago, Honda has finally jumped into the game with the all-new Accord Crosstour crossover, which is based off the popular Accord. Honda has reinvented the station wagon, disguising it this time as a crossover. Unlike the Accord coupe and sedan, the Accord Crosstour has a larger grille and a hatchback design. More importantly, the family size vehicle is only available as a six-cylinder, with an automatic five-speed smooth-shifting transmission. This is the first Accord that doesn’t offer a four-cylinder engine.

Must Have Goodies:

The well-equipped Accord Crosstour has a limited option list, since Honda uses a simplified ordering package. The Accord Crosstour is only available in two model choices: EX  and EX-L. Opting for the upscale EX-L model will give you heated leather trimmed seats, an automatic dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, 18-inch wheels and a cargo privacy cover for the rear hatch.  

Outside of stepping into the EX-L model, there are only two option packages to consider: a 4WD system or a navigational system, which includes an integrated backup camera. That’s it! Also the new navigational system has an anti-reflective coating to improve the view when situated in direct sunlight.

 

What We Like:

Every Accord Crosstour is equipped with ABS, electronic stability control, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, a dual-zone a/c, allowing separate temperature controls for the front seat occupants and a power moonroof. In most large vehicle, a power roof is typically an option.

And like in the traditional Accord sedan, the Accord Crosstour is very roomy. In fact, the hatchback design provides additional utilitarian space not available in the sedan. Not only can you store extra cargo, but when the rear hatch is open, it can also serve as a great tailgating vehicle due to its large opening and low lift-over height.  

Added to that, the Accord Crosstour has lots of storage space. Two additional side trays provide space for smaller items to be stored. The crossover also has a deep, under-floor removable storage box.

 What We Hated:

Just like in the current-generation Insight (Hybrid) we reviewed last year, the Accord Crosstour rear hatchback design affects the vision of the driver, when using the rear insider mirror to change lanes. One’s vision can be easily distorted by the rear bar that connects the back windows. The rear sloping two-sectional review glass window obstructed our view. Thank God for the navigational system, with the rear backup camera. 

Unfortunately, you must step into the EX-L model for this safety and convenience aid. Also this advanced high-tech crossover doesn’t offer a push-button starter. Why do we still need a key to start the vehicle? Furthermore, you won’t find a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder in this Honda.

Any Juice:

All Accord Crosstour models are equipped with a 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder engine, which kicks out a healthy 271 horses from underneath the hood.

The Verdict:

Honda continues to up the ante with the Accord to keep it fresh and relevant. Not only is the Accord available as a coupe, a sedan and a hybrid, its available as a crossover too. If you’re a fan of the Accord, you’ll love the Accord Crosstour, which provides extra cargo space and storage.

Pricing for the base Accord Crosstour is more than what a traditional Accord buyer may be use to paying. The Honda Accord Crosstour 2WD starts at $30,380 and climbs to $36,930, when combining the 4WD and navigational system.

Competition: Hyundai Tucson, Toyota Venza and Subaru Outback