Relatively unique
In Canada, Honda offers a single trim level called EX-L, an indication that the Crosstour positions itself at the top of the Accord family. As such, it comes standard with leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and a sophisticated stereo that should get music lovers excited. Still, potential buyers will be few, making this a niche product.
Also standard is front-wheel drive, meaning you have to shell out $2,000 (in addition to the $34,900 MSRP) to benefit from Honda’s Real Time 4WD system. At $36,900, the four-wheel drive Crosstour becomes more expensive than similarly-equipped competitors.
The inevitable V6
Most buyers after this type of vehicle demand nothing less than a six-cylinder engine. Fine, says Honda, whose 3.5-litre unit actually proves to be the most powerful in its class.
Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivers healthy accelerations, exemplary flexibility and mileage figures on par with the competition. After covering more than 2,000 kilometres with my tester, I wound up with an average of 10.6 L/100 km.
The automaker’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology contributes to higher fuel economy. Once you reach your cruising speed, a slight mechanical spasm tells you that two or three of the six cylinders have been deactivated. At the same time, a green "ECO" reminder appears at the bottom of the tachometer to further ease your conscience.
The substantial performance of the powertrain is nicely complemented by a smooth ride, even though the suspension proves a bit stiffer than the Accord’s. The brakes are easy to modulate and the power-assisted steering does not feel too light. The only thing missing to somewhat justify the "sporty" label used by Honda to describe the Crosstour would be a manual mode for the autobox.
Spacious cabin
Four, maybe five adults can comfortably sit inside thanks to a very accommodating rear seat. The neat fit and finish as well as the quality materials live up to the asking price. Meanwhile, the tall ground clearance favors a commanding driving position envied by many Accord Sedan drivers.
In Canada, Honda offers a single trim level called EX-L, an indication that the Crosstour positions itself at the top of the Accord family. As such, it comes standard with leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and a sophisticated stereo that should get music lovers excited. Still, potential buyers will be few, making this a niche product.
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| The 3.5-litre V6 engine proves flexible and powerful, with mileage figures on par with the competition. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Also standard is front-wheel drive, meaning you have to shell out $2,000 (in addition to the $34,900 MSRP) to benefit from Honda’s Real Time 4WD system. At $36,900, the four-wheel drive Crosstour becomes more expensive than similarly-equipped competitors.
The inevitable V6
Most buyers after this type of vehicle demand nothing less than a six-cylinder engine. Fine, says Honda, whose 3.5-litre unit actually proves to be the most powerful in its class.
Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivers healthy accelerations, exemplary flexibility and mileage figures on par with the competition. After covering more than 2,000 kilometres with my tester, I wound up with an average of 10.6 L/100 km.
The automaker’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology contributes to higher fuel economy. Once you reach your cruising speed, a slight mechanical spasm tells you that two or three of the six cylinders have been deactivated. At the same time, a green "ECO" reminder appears at the bottom of the tachometer to further ease your conscience.
The substantial performance of the powertrain is nicely complemented by a smooth ride, even though the suspension proves a bit stiffer than the Accord’s. The brakes are easy to modulate and the power-assisted steering does not feel too light. The only thing missing to somewhat justify the "sporty" label used by Honda to describe the Crosstour would be a manual mode for the autobox.
Spacious cabin
Four, maybe five adults can comfortably sit inside thanks to a very accommodating rear seat. The neat fit and finish as well as the quality materials live up to the asking price. Meanwhile, the tall ground clearance favors a commanding driving position envied by many Accord Sedan drivers.
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| Sadly, the Accord-derived dashboard suffers from a cluttered, ill-organized center stack.(Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |