2015 Honda Crosstour Quick Spin Review

The tagline for this car ought to be, “Honda Crosstour: It’s not for everyone, but then, it doesn’t try to be.” Because the fact of the matter is, it isn’t and it doesn’t. Think Honda Accord pseudo-crossover SUV, and you’ll pretty much have Crosstour nailed. In fact, back in 2010 at its introduction, the model was called the Accord Crosstour.

While the car is still most definitely based on Honda’s flagship (albeit the previous iteration, not the current iteration) it’s different enough in the minds of Honda’s marketing team that potential customers needn’t be reminded of the Crosstour’s derivative nature. Frankly, there are some advantages to going with a Crosstour; chief among them is the availability of all-wheel drive, which isn’t offered with Accord. Further, Crosstour drives more like a car than any crossover SUV. Its elevated ride height might be considered a plus, as well.

2015 Honda Crosstour: Styling

Crosstour’s styling definitely falls into the polarizing category. Depending on how you look at it, the model either delivers the best features of the Accord’s visage, along with elements of a crossover SUV. Or, grafting crossover attributes onto the look of the Accord makes for a completely ungainly appearance. It’s really a question of perspective. At any rate, if you like the Accord, but wish it were offered in a hatchback body style, the way it was for so many years in the past, here’s your best shot at an Accord hatchback and the utility such a configuration brings to the model.

Inside, Crosstour and Accord (the previous generation, mind you) are identical. The sweeping roofline makes for a roomy passenger compartment, and the hatchback helps the Crosstour claim 51.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seat folded.

2015 Honda Crosstour: Performance

Crosstour's power comes from a choice of two engines. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder makes 192 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Honda pairs this engine with a five-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The other offering is a 3.5-liter V-6 with 278 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission are standard here, but all-wheel drive is available as an option.

Fuel economy is rated at 25 miles per gallon combined for the 2.4-liter four, and 23 mpg combined for the V-6 with front-wheel drive. Get all-wheel drive and the EPA says you can expect 22 miles per gallon combined.

2015 Honda Crosstour: Safety

On the safety front, Crosstour features ABS, traction control, stability control, a full complement of airbags, and a rearview camera system. Upper trim level models include Honda’s LaneWatch, which uses a camera in the right-side rearview mirror housing to provide a view of the blind spot when the right turn signal is activated.

The IIHS rates Crosstour with its highest possible accolade (“Good”) in all testing. NHTSA says Crosstour is a four-star vehicle in rollover ratings, but shows no crash test ranking for the model.

2015 Honda Crosstour: Pricing and Features

For the 2015 models, Honda Crosstour EX pricing starts at $27,530. Standard features include automatic headlights, foglamps, a sunroof, power accessories, automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth telephony.

The $31,190 Crosstour EX V-6 trim package adds keyless entry and push-button start, an eight-inch touchscreen interface, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth audio streaming, and smartphone application integration.

The $31,215 EX-L package adds leather, heated front seats, forward collision, lane departure warning, and satellite radio. Another $2100 gets EX-L w/Navi (and yes, a satellite navigation system). EX-L V-6 comes in at $33,840, while EX-L V-6 w/Navi commands $35,940. All-wheel drive EX-L V-6 goes for $35,290. Crosstour base pricing tops out at $37,390 for an all-wheel drive EX-L V-6 w/Navi.