2010 Honda Accord Crosstour: A Detailed Overview
The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour was Honda's ambitious entry into the burgeoning crossover segment, blending the practicality and familiar driving dynamics of an Accord sedan with the elevated ride height and cargo versatility of an SUV. It aimed to capture buyers seeking a more stylish and car-like alternative to traditional SUVs.
Highlights
- Engine Options: The Crosstour was exclusively offered with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing a healthy 271 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. This provided ample power for everyday driving and confident acceleration for merging and passing. The V6 was mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission that, while not the most modern at the time, delivered smooth and predictable shifts.
- Safety Features: Honda equipped the Crosstour with a comprehensive suite of safety features as standard:
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA): This system helps drivers maintain control during challenging driving situations by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and/or reducing engine power to help correct oversteer or understeer.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Brake Assist: Detects panic braking situations and applies maximum braking force, potentially reducing stopping distances.
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD): Optimizes brake pressure distribution between the front and rear wheels based on vehicle load, improving braking performance.
- Advanced Front Airbags: These deploy with varying force based on the occupant's position and severity of the impact.
- Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS): Provide side impact protection and the OPDS ensures the passenger airbag deploys correctly or not at all based on the passenger's size.
- Side Curtain Airbags: Extend to cover the entire side window area, protecting occupants in both front and rear outboard seats during side impacts.
- Active Head Restraints: Designed to move forward in the event of a rear-end collision, reducing the risk of whiplash.
- Trim Levels: The 2010 Crosstour was available in two distinct trim levels, each offering increasing levels of features:
- EX: This entry-level trim came well-equipped with features like 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a 6-speaker audio system with an auxiliary input, cruise control, and power accessories.
- EX-L: The EX-L added a premium touch with leather seating, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and often included a premium audio system with a subwoofer and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Navigation was also an option for the EX-L.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): While primarily front-wheel drive, a sophisticated Real Time 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) system was available, particularly beneficial for those living in areas with inclement weather. This system automatically engages the rear wheels when slippage is detected, enhancing traction and stability.
- Unique Cargo Area: A distinctive feature of the Crosstour was its "Hidden Cargo Well" located beneath the main cargo floor. This secure compartment was ideal for storing valuables or keeping groceries from rolling around. The Crosstour also boasted a removable utility box that could be used for tailgating or carrying dirty items.
What to Expect
Owning a 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour typically offers a predictable and generally positive ownership experience, in line with Honda's reputation for reliability and good build quality.
- Driving Experience: Expect a comfortable and composed ride, leaning more towards the car-like handling of an Accord sedan than a traditional truck-based SUV. The elevated ride height provides good visibility, and the V6 engine offers sufficient power for most driving scenarios.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is key to ensuring longevity. Expect typical oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, and brake inspections. Honda's parts are generally readily available, and many independent mechanics are familiar with the brand. However, because of its more specialized nature and V6 engine, some maintenance items might be slightly more involved or costly than those for a standard Accord sedan.
- Insurance: Insurance costs for the Crosstour will likely be comparable to other mid-size SUVs or crossovers from the same model year and with similar engine configurations. Factors like your driving record, location, and chosen coverage levels will influence the final premium.
Potential Considerations
While the 2010 Accord Crosstour offers many positives, buyers should be aware of a few potential drawbacks:
- Styling: The Crosstour's styling was divisive. Its elongated, somewhat hatchback-like profile and the prominent rear liftgate were not universally appealing, and some found it to be less cohesive than more conventional crossover designs.
- Rear Visibility: The steeply raked rear window and the design of the liftgate could compromise rearward visibility, making it more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces without the aid of parking sensors or a backup camera (which wasn't standard on all trims).
- Cargo Space vs. Traditional SUVs: While offering good cargo volume, the Crosstour's cargo area was not as tall or as boxy as that of some larger, more traditional SUVs, which might limit the ability to transport bulkier items.
- Transmission: The 5-speed automatic, while smooth, lacked the fuel efficiency and extra gear ratios found in newer transmissions. This could result in slightly lower fuel economy compared to some competitors.
Overall Summary
The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour was a unique offering that successfully blended the practicality of a crossover with the driving dynamics of a car. Its standard V6 engine, strong safety features, and innovative cargo solutions made it an appealing choice for those seeking a versatile and reliable vehicle. While its polarizing styling and certain design elements might have deterred some buyers, for those who appreciated its distinctive approach, the Crosstour offered a competent and comfortable ownership experience.
