2013 Honda Crosstour Review
It’s not an Accord anymore, nor is it an SUV, it’s barely even a Crossover, so then what is it?
By Shahzad Sheikh
Introduced a few years ago as the Honda Accord Crosstour, most customers, and frankly yours truly, didn’t know what to make of it. It’s supposed to fit between the CR-V and MR-V in the Honda SUV line-up, but it looks like an overly ballooned and raised up Accord hatchback. The faux off-roader cladding on the side sills didn’t help much either.
So for 2013, the cladding is gone, and so is the ‘Accord’ part of the name. It’s now just the Honda Crosstour. Frankly it’s also now one-generation divorced from the Accord, which is an all-new car for 2013.
Having said that, it gets many of the updates inside that the Accord does, including the dual information screens, and the right lane-change camera that comes on in the central screen each time you indicate right – it’s actually even more helpful in this car, because of the larger C-pillar and higher ride height obstructing vision over the shoulder. Plus the new face is similar to its four-door sibling too.
There’s a V6 under the bonnet, and it’s a nice, well crafted, usable and well-equipped car with a Honda badge on it. But still though. What exactly is it?
Okay, perhaps this is an unfair question, after all Audi do ‘Allroad’ versions of its cars and likewise Volvo has Cross Country editions.
In fact, here in the Middle East, probably more than anywhere else, we should be rejoicing at the arrival of the latest iteration of the Crosstour and it should find its natural home here. After all, it’s a sort of Accord (a popular and highly rated saloon) that offers increased ground clearance and modicum off-road ability, both of which should come in very handy on some of the terrain here, even if it’s just for the sake of parking on sandy bits.
The 271bhp and 3.5-litre engine, plus the decent kit, should just seal the deal. The problem is that it’s not only visually bloated, but feels heavy too. Which means it feels slower than you’d expect. Still decent enough performance for this sort of vehicle, whatever this sort is, and the engine thrum is appealing, so it must be good to drive them.
Except that it’s unsurprisingly floaty, but more surprisingly understeery and not particularly composed if you dare to get too enthusiastic through the corners. So there’s not really any of the latent sportiness to be found in regular Accords here, just as well they got rid of the ‘Accord’ badge then.
But here’s the problem though. The Crosstour is priced at around AED150k ($41k). The bigger, more spacious Honda Pilot has more seats and it’s 4WD is good enough to properly go off-roading should you wish to do so.
It rides and handles at least as well, and at least looks like a proper SUV. The base model starts at AED135k ($37), there’s a well-equipped mid-range version with leather upholstery for AED160k ($43k) and it tops out with Sat Nav for AED175k ($48k) – alternatively just buy a Garmin or download the Google Maps App for your smart phone!
So basically if you want a Honda 4×4 that’s somewhat larger and plusher than a CR-V, you should buy a Pilot. I still don’t know what to make of the Crosstour, and the answer to ‘what is it’ is that ‘it’s redundant,’ thanks to its bigger brother.
2013 Honda Crosstour
Specs
Price: AED146,999 ($40k)
Engine: 3.5-litre V6, 271bhp @ 6200rpm, 250lb ft @ 5000rpm
Performance: 10secs 0-100kph (est), 200kph (est), 9L/100
Transmission: Five-speed auto, four-wheel drive
Weight: 1846kg
Have I got it completely wrong, is the Crosstour the most logical car in the Honda range? Let us know what you think below
Good review Shahzad , What ever honda does with crosstour it still looks very ugly …
It should be named Honda Confusion…
agreed good review – yeh the fat chick of cars
I have the 2013 Honda crosstour. Its an excellent crossover vehicle and rides like a breeze. It doesn’t look like all the high boxes (called SUVs) on the road and it is definitely unique and distinctive. Everyone that has seen the car loves the design. So, if you were looking for and used to a Ferrari, this is not for you. Otherwise, this is fine. I am sorry that the earlier reviewer is confused. Check tool box please.