The all new Honda Accord Crosstour has made its debut for the 2010 model year. Sporting a unique, "love it" or "hate it" design, this crossover wagon is based on the very highly regarded Accord sedan and will likely attract those who appreciate the sedan's qualities but who also value additional space and/or the all-wheel drive availability.
It's sleek and edgy look may also appeal to those who find the design of the Accord a bit too traditional. The bottom line is a new Honda that offers style, a quiet cabin, a carlike drive, a roomy interior and all-wheel drive versatility for better dealing with inclement weather ... and all with the Accord's top-notch reputation for reliability. That's a lot of pluses.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2010 Accord Crosstour is available in two trims: EX and EX-L.
Standard features on the Crosstour EX include upscale items such as a sunroof, foglights, a 10-way power driver seat, a 4-way power front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control with second-row vents, 17 inch wheels, a multifunction steering wheel and a 7-speaker stereo system with a 6-disc CD changer and an auxiliary audio jack.
Moving up the the Accord Crosstour EX-L adds leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings, heated front seats, automatic headlights, 18 inch wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a cargo cover, Bluetooth and an upgraded audio system with satellite radio and a USB port.
The only available option for the new Crosstour is a navigation system with voice activation and a back-up camera that's offered on EX-L models only.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering all Crosstours is a 3.5 liter V6 engine that delivers 271 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. It's mated with a 5-speed automatic as the only available transmission. All Crosstour models come standard with front-wheel drive, while the EX-L model also offers an all-wheel drive choice.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for a front-wheel drive Crosstour is 18 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway. The ratings for the all-wheel drive version come in at 17 city and 25 highway. And in performance tests, a front-wheel drive Crosstour was timed from a standstill to 60 mph in a very class-respectable 7.5 seconds.
Safety:
Standard safety features for all 2010 Crosstour models include antilock disc brakes (ABS) with brake assist, stability control, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front seat head restraints. Crash test ratings had not yet been completed at the time of this writing.
Interior:
The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour's cabin is very similar to the present-generation Accord sedan. It's attractive, well-built and consists of above-average materials. It has an overall "high-tech" look and while the center stack seems overstocked with buttons, the features are actually fairly user-friendly.
Even with its slanted roofline, the backseat has been designed to provide an adequate amount of head and legroom for adults. Both the front and rear seats are comfortable and supportive, while storage space behind the rear seats comes in at 25.7 cubic feet. With the seatbacks folded, storage capacity increases to 51.3 cubic feet. While these numbers reflect an improvement over the Accord sedan, they are somewhat below average when compared to more traditional midsize wagons or crossover SUVs.
Drive:
Much like the regular Accord, the 2010 Crosstour provides adequate power, accurate steering and capable handling. While certainly not intended as a "sport wagon", it is likely that most consumers will be satisfied with its driving performance. One noticeable difference with the regular sedan is the Crosstour's better job at suppressing road noise and providing a quieter ride.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Accord Crosstour Prices:
The bottom line is the current combination of a soft market with fierce dealer competition has created an ideal opportunity for nailing down great deals.
How To Buy A New Accord Crosstour At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, here's exactly how to buy one at the lowest price.