The Honda Accord has been one of the most successful cars ever manufactured by this Japanese multinational car maker.
First introduced in 1976, the Accord has been hugely popular in various markets around the world. The first Honda Accord Crosstour was announced in 2009 as a 2010 model.
The 2012 Honda Crosstour is a “crossover utility vehicle” (CUV). It incorporates the comfort of a sedan and the versatility of a powerful SUV. Based on the platform of the original Honda Accord, the Crosstour is ideal for families who want utility and comfort at the same time. It features a raised suspension and unique styling which is sure to attract a lot of fans.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Crossover | Base Price: $27,755.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters) | MPG: 21 city / 29 hwy |
| Length: 196.8 in. (499.8 cm) | Wheel Base: 110.1 in. (279.6 cm) |
| Height: 65.7 in. (166.8 cm) | Width: 74.7 in. (189.7 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3664 lbs (1662 kg) | Ground Clearance: 6.2 in. (15.7 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 25.7 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: Inline 4, 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC® | Displacement: 2354 cc |
| Horsepower: 192 HP | Max RPM: 7000 RPM |
| Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic |
| Option:Crosstour EX-L | MSRP: $30,805; MPG: 21 city / 29 hwy |
| Option:Crosstour EX V6 | MSRP: $30,440; MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy |
| Option:Crosstour EX-L V6 | MSRP: $33,090; MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy |
| Option:Crosstour EX-L V6 4WD | MSRP: $34,540; MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy |
Performance
The Honda Crosstour comes in 5 trims. All 5 trims are powered by the same 3.5 liter V6 engine. The maximum power of 271 horsepower is produced at 6200 rpm. The four door vehicle has a passenger capacity of 5. As far as fuel economy is concerned, the Crosstour delivers 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on highways. Electronic fuel injection is the fuel system used in the vehicle. All models of the Crosstour are provided with a 5 speed automatic transmission.
Apart from the top model which comes with an all-wheel drive option, all other models have front wheel drive. Being a crossover, the Crosstour is heavier than the sedan version. Hence, the 271 horsepower output of this vehicle can feel a bit on the lower side for a lot of people.
Compared to the Venza and the Outback, the Crossover’s acceleration is on the slower side. Fuel economy is also lacking as the Venza is much more economical. Crisp transmission shifts and smooth acceleration are the hallmarks of this vehicle.
Interior
The interior of the Crosstour has received mixed reactions. A lot of people are of the opinion that Honda should have improved the interiors given its price tag. Nonetheless, the cabin is comfortable with adequate legroom and headroom.
The overall ambience is quiet, which is ideal for families. A six disc CD player, remote entry, power front seats, power moon roof and automatic dual zone climate control are base features on the 2012 Crosstour. The gauges are large and clearly marked.
Logically placed controls are another advantage of this vehicle. While the Crosstour succeeds in providing a sedan like feel to the cabin, it loses out on cargo space. Both the Outback and Venza have more cargo space than this vehicle.
With the Crosstour, Honda has placed more importance on second row space than front seats. As such, the passenger space in the Crosstour is more than that in other competing vehicles of the same class.
Safety
Electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, anti-lock brakes, traction control and side curtain airbags are standard safety features in the Crosstour. There is an optional rearview camera as well. Poor over the shoulder and rear visibility are some drawbacks of this vehicle.
The Honda Crosstour received a score of Good in rear, side impact and front crash tests. However, the poor roof strength of this vehicle is a cause for concern. Despite the huge rear windows, backing up is very difficult due to poor visibility.
The Crosstour is not a bad vehicle by any stretch of the imagination. It delivers solid performance for a CUV and has decent fuel economy. Price is one area where the Crosstour loses out to its competitors. Both the Toyota Venza and Subaru Outback are cheaper. The Toyota Venza (MSRP $29,985; 21 city / 27 hwy) and Subaru Outback (MSRP $26,525; 19 city / 27 hwy) are competitors of this CUV.
Reliability
Additionally, most features of the Crosstour are found on both vehicles. Based on the Camry Sedan, the Toyota Venza is similar to the Crosstour in a lot of ways. Reliability is one area where the Crosstour scores some points.
It comes with a basic warranty of three years or 36,000 miles and power train warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. When it comes to brand retention and customer satisfaction, few automobile manufacturers can compete with Honda. Despite the overall average score of the 2012 Honda Crosstour, a lot of Honda loyalists might consider this vehicle.
Overall Rating
73 out of 100
What others say:
“The Honda Crosstour–formerly known as the Accord Crosstour–is a hatchback wagon variant of the popular mid-size four-door sedan.”Car Connection
“While Accord sedans and coupes are on the sporty side of the midsize class, nothing about the Crosstour is especially engaging. This is a competent, somewhat large car, with acceptable road manners.”Consumer Guide
“The Crosstour is derived from the Accord and is a raised hatchback with optional all-wheel drive. We like the high seating position; wide, spacious cabin; and comfortable seats, as well as the smooth, responsive 3.5-liter V6 engine. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Roomy seating; carlike driving dynamics; quiet cabin; available all-wheel drive. Limited cargo capacity; significant blind spots; button-heavy controls; controversial styling.”Edmunds
“Honda calls its 2012 Crosstour a CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle), but we’re not so sure. The 2012 Honda Crosstour is part wagon, part sedan, part CUV and 100-percent different.”KBB
