Accord Crosstour Test Drive.
Brand new to Hondas line-up is the 2010 Accord Crosstour. This car would fall into the popularly growing category of cross-over vehicles. Combining SUV like utility with sedan size and fuel economy. The Accord Crosstour starts in the high-end level of the Accord Line. The lowest model available is the two wheel drive EX. All Crosstours come with Hondas 271 Horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Available in 2WD and 4WD; it gives consumers an option for versatility.
The styling of the Crosstour is very similar to what we are already familiar with. The front end of the car looks like the Accord Sedan, and the rear resembles the Insight. I urge you to go and see the car in person for yourself if it is one of the cars you are considering. Pictures of it online don’t do it justice. The Crosstour is of course larger than the Accord, and sits higher as well. Overall, you are at a height were it doesn’t feel any different from driving any other sedan.
The trim levels (or sub-models) starting with the lowest and cheapest, are EX, EX-L, and EX-L with navigation; all models are available in both 2WD and 4WD. All models come equipped with plenty of bells and whistles; including dual-zone climate control (driver and passenger), power moon-roof, and power seats. stepping it up to the EX-L model will add even more features; most notably Leather, 18 inch alloy wheels (rather than 17 inch on the EX) Bluetooth, and memory seats. The navigation model just adds the navigation system and a rearview camera. The rearview camera has the option of showing distance guidelines on the screen to help judge space; this is new to Honda models.
The storage space is more than adequate for a car of its size. The hatchback area is a decent size and could easily fit some golf clubs. There are convenient levers located in the back that effortlessly allow you to fold the back seats down. Also in the back are lights, which is a must have. The storage space is unique in that there is a removable storage bin underneath the cargo floor. Honda moved the spare tire underneath the car like you would see on larger SUVs and trucks to allow more room for storage. Also, the cargo floor can either be carpet or rubber by simply flipping over the covers to the hidden storage. Honda also put a durable scuff plate on the rear bumper; this way you won’t damage it sliding your larger items in and out.
The driver and passenger space is nice and roomy. I am not a large person (about 5’10” 170lb and athletic build) but there is more than enough room for people of all shapes and sizes. The backseat seats three. There is enough space to where three adults would fit back there comfortably for a limited amount of time. After about a half hour, you might want to get out and stretch. There is plenty of space for two adults to sit comfortably for the longer drives; the arm rest in the center help with this. Of course there is plenty of space for children.
The seats of the Crosstour really show how Honda put thought into engineering a fun car. The seats are bucketed and while comfortable, they really hold you in your seat when you are cornering to allow better control of the steering and other controls. Honda has also engineered another first into the Honda line. The feature of ‘Gear holding’ is added to the 5-speed automatic transmission. What this does is when you are going through a corner, say a freeway onramp, usually an automatic transmission will change gears as your speed increases, with gear holding, the Crosstour will stay in say third gear through the corner allowing you to get an aggressive drive out of the corner on to the freeway; yet another element that Honda has engineered to add to the fun-factor of the Crosstour.
Honda has also added what they call ‘Active noise cancellation’. Basically this system uses the cars audio system to cancel out some booming caused by the engine at low engine speeds that you would normally hear in the car to help make the ride as quiet as possible. As you are driving the car it is relatively quiet and you shouldn’t have any problems talking on your phone or using the built in Bluetooth. While the suspension on the car is more sporty and fun in the corners, it still offers a smooth ride that you would expect from a thirty thousand dollar car.
Overall, the Accord Crosstour is a nice car. It is loaded with features, it’s comfortable, and it has plenty of utility. The Crosstour is a fun car to drive, and with Hondas VCM (variable cylinder management) allowing the engine to run on 4, 3 or 6 cylinders it is economical for its size. The Crosstour isn’t for everybody. It is quite expensive, and targeted at the upper middle class. The Car is loaded with enough features and being backed with Honda reliability it is worth it if you can afford it.
PROS
- Fun to drive
- Cargo space
- Comfortable
- Available in 4WD
CONS
- On the expensive side
- Low towing capacity (1500lbs)
- No DVD entertainment system option
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