Introduced in 2010 and based on the Accord platform, the Honda Crosstour wagon was indeed classed as an Accord variant. But it shared almost no body parts with its sedan counterpart, although it did utilize the same V6 drivetrain. There was no four cylinder version.
Displacing 3.5 litres, the V6 developed 271 horsepower and 254 foot-pounds of torque, which gave it lively performance. Comparatively, the Toyota Venza, which was a direct competitor, was good for 268 horses, so performance-wise, these two were pretty much neck-and-neck. Transmission was a five-speed automatic only, and you could choose from all-wheel-drive or front-drive.
The “Real Time” AWD system was of the full-time variety, and about as inconspicuous as these things get. Unless you got caught in deep snow or sand, you wouldn’t even know it was there. By the way, the system used in the Crosstour was completely different from Honda/Acura’s SH-AWD arrangement used in some of the company’s other products.
In 2010, there was but one trim level – EX-L – and, unsurprisingly, the AWD version was a little thirstier than the FWD: 8.0 L/100 km in town vs 7.2 L/100 km.
Relatively high equipment level here. Full leather interior, dual zone climate control system, tilt/telescoping steering, heated front seats, XM satellite radio, and the usual power modcons all came standard and you could also get a navi package which included a back-up camera and steering wheel-mounted controls.
Storage capacity was a healthy 1453 litres with the back seats folded, and the back door a one-piece affair that opened up like a hatchback. By way of comparison, Honda’s CR-V SUV had about 2064 litres of space.
Like all Accords, the Crosstour had that attractive driveability factor that Honda has been building into its Accord models almost since the first one was introduced to the North American market, in 1976. The V6 could be a little on the growly side, and Toyota’s Venza V6 was probably smoother with a more refined power delivery, but it was a close call, either way.
Many carmakers seem to have an aversion to the term “station wagon”. Maybe it’s because it conjures up corny visions of Ward Cleaver taking Beav and Wally to the soda shop, and the poodle-skirts and saddle-shoes Eisenhower era in the U.S. Europeans have no such phobias, and their equivalent, which is known as the “estate wagon” has been a popular model designation across the pond for decades. Honda, in fact, has had an Accord wagon in the U.K. and elsewhere for years.
Transport Canada has one safety recall on file for the 2010 Crosstour, and it’s a fairly complicated one. Apparently, the secondary shaft bearing in some automatic transmissions could fail, and result in all kinds of problems, including instant loss of power, various trouble lights flashing on the dashboard, loss of Park, and possible damage to the transmission itself. This recall applies to all Accords of this vintage.
To this we can add an airbag recall from the US National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. In a nutshell, some Crosstour models may have a passenger side airbag that was improperly installed and may not protect an “unbelted child” in the event of an accident.
Six technical service bulletins are on file with NHTSA. They range from software issues to premature spark plug fouling, to malfunction lights coming on when the engine oil level gets a little low.
As far as Consumer Reports is concerned, this is a good one. Aside from some minor issues with the suspension, it gives the ’10 Crosstour top marks virtually right across the board, with its “good bet” designation thrown in. It rates an overall “better than average” grade and, according to C.R. “combines the appearance and versatility of a wagon and hatchback without looking like an SUV.” Some comments from owners: “like to see a power liftgate”, “seats were the most comfortable I’ve ever sat in”, and “rear quarter reminds me of the Porsche Panamera.”
High marks also from marketing researcher, J.D. Power. In fact, aside from comfort, style, and body and interior accessories, it gets the best marks this organization can bestow and an “among the best” grade for overall performance and design.
No surprise then to learn that this one has held its value well. From a base price of just under $35,000 for the 2WD version in 2010, it’s still fetching at least $10,000 and up. The AWD versions seems to be valued about $1500 – $2000 higher than the base FWD models, and the navi package adds another $500 – $1000.
2010 Honda Crosstour
Original Base Price: $34,900; Black Book: $25,600 – $27,700; Red Book: $20,700 – $22,500
Engine: 3.5 litre V6
Horsepower/Torque: 271 hp / 254 ft. lb.
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Fuel Economy (litres/100 km): 12.3 city/8.0. Regular gas.
Alternatives: Toyota Venza, Nissan Murano, Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3-series Wagon, Subaru Forester.