Mechanically, the Odyssey and Crosstour share a huge amount. They are powered by Honda's much used 3.5L V6 featuring Variable Cylinder Management and i-VTEC technologies. They are in different states of tune as the Crosstour surfs on 271 hp while the Odyssey coasts on 248.
As far as transmissions go, a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic handles power delivery. In the Odyssey, this is true in 3 out of 4 cases. My tested Touring is "special" as it is the only one to sport a 6-speed automatic. This divergence I cannot explain. What I can tell you is that the 5- and 6-speed boxes behave in the same faultless if not slightly lazy manner, programmed to deliver fuel efficiency and cloud-like operation.
About fuel consumption, I managed just over 12L per 100 km in mixed driving with the minivan. This number is far greater than the suggested average 9.2L by Honda. My week-long test did take place on snow-covered roads with a median temperature of -5 degrees Celsius.
Tipping the scale at 330 lbs less than the Odyssey, I had expected the wagon to fare better. Not. In similar conditions, it gulped nearly 15L of black expensive gold per 100 km. I'm still not over it.
I suspect that in both instances, an owner would experience, over a far longer period of time, lower numbers. I wouldn't go so far as saying 25% better but more likely in the 10 to 15% improvement range.
At this point that I've shown that both vehicles can carry people and gear, are well built, have the same engines, are heavy drinkers and are good drives. You might be thinking that there has to be other differences than simply their body styles. Yes.
In my books, the Crosstour has one serious advantage, being available with AWD. Incidentally, both have a common platform. In fact, it is shared with the Accord and Pilot as well. This then means that the Odyssey could theoretically be fitted with Honda's Real Time 4-wheel drive system. The issue here would be cost.
A base Odyssey retails for $29,990. The lowest-priced Crosstour is $34,900, but compares equipment-wise to the EX RES-trimmed Odyssey which has a $35,490 sticker. Here, swap the leather for the rear entertainment system (RES) and you're just about even. At $36,900, an AWD Crosstour with many trimmings can be yours.
As far as transmissions go, a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic handles power delivery. In the Odyssey, this is true in 3 out of 4 cases. My tested Touring is "special" as it is the only one to sport a 6-speed automatic. This divergence I cannot explain. What I can tell you is that the 5- and 6-speed boxes behave in the same faultless if not slightly lazy manner, programmed to deliver fuel efficiency and cloud-like operation.
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| The Crosstour surfs on 271 hp while the Odyssey coasts on 248. (Model: Honda Accord Crosstour) (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
About fuel consumption, I managed just over 12L per 100 km in mixed driving with the minivan. This number is far greater than the suggested average 9.2L by Honda. My week-long test did take place on snow-covered roads with a median temperature of -5 degrees Celsius.
Tipping the scale at 330 lbs less than the Odyssey, I had expected the wagon to fare better. Not. In similar conditions, it gulped nearly 15L of black expensive gold per 100 km. I'm still not over it.
I suspect that in both instances, an owner would experience, over a far longer period of time, lower numbers. I wouldn't go so far as saying 25% better but more likely in the 10 to 15% improvement range.
At this point that I've shown that both vehicles can carry people and gear, are well built, have the same engines, are heavy drinkers and are good drives. You might be thinking that there has to be other differences than simply their body styles. Yes.
In my books, the Crosstour has one serious advantage, being available with AWD. Incidentally, both have a common platform. In fact, it is shared with the Accord and Pilot as well. This then means that the Odyssey could theoretically be fitted with Honda's Real Time 4-wheel drive system. The issue here would be cost.
A base Odyssey retails for $29,990. The lowest-priced Crosstour is $34,900, but compares equipment-wise to the EX RES-trimmed Odyssey which has a $35,490 sticker. Here, swap the leather for the rear entertainment system (RES) and you're just about even. At $36,900, an AWD Crosstour with many trimmings can be yours.
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| A base Odyssey retails for $29,990 and the lowest-priced Crosstour is $34,900. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |