2015 Honda Crosstour: A Detailed Overview
The 2015 Honda Crosstour offers a unique blend of a car's comfortable ride and a crossover's utility, all wrapped in a distinctive hatchback-like body. Positioned as an alternative to traditional SUVs and sedans, it aims to provide practicality without sacrificing everyday drivability.
Highlights
- Engine Options:
- 2.4L Inline-4: Producing 190 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque, this engine is paired exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It prioritizes fuel efficiency for daily commuting.
- 3.5L V6: This more potent option delivers 278 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, offering a more engaging driving experience and increased towing capability.
- Safety Features:
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE)™ Body Structure: This Honda-exclusive body design enhances crash protection by distributing frontal crash energy more evenly through the vehicle's structure, including the front, side, and rear components.
- Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA) with Traction Control: VSA helps drivers maintain control during cornering or slippery conditions by automatically applying brakes and/or reducing engine power to help counter oversteer or understeer.
- Brake Assist: In emergency braking situations, Brake Assist automatically applies full braking force sooner than the driver might, potentially reducing stopping distances.
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera: Provides drivers with different viewing perspectives (normal, wide, and top-down) when reversing, enhancing situational awareness.
- Optional Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning: Available on higher trims, these systems act as electronic co-pilots, alerting the driver to potential hazards.
- Trim Summary:
- EX: The entry-level trim comes well-equipped with features like a rearview camera, 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven-speaker audio system with an 8-inch i-MID display, Bluetooth connectivity, and heated front seats.
- EX-L: Building upon the EX, the EX-L adds leather-trimmed seating, a one-touch power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an upgraded audio system. It's also where the more powerful V6 engine option typically becomes available.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Unique Styling: The Crosstour's polarizing design is a defining characteristic, offering a departure from the conventional SUV or wagon.
- Spacious Interior: Despite its sleeker profile, the Crosstour boasts a roomy cabin with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
- Versatile Cargo Space: The rear cargo area offers flexibility with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and a unique underfloor storage compartment, perfect for hiding valuables or keeping groceries organized.
- Comfortable Ride: The Crosstour is known for its smooth and comfortable ride, making it well-suited for long journeys and everyday driving.
- Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD): For enhanced traction in inclement weather, AWD was an option, particularly with the V6 engine.
What to Expect
Ownership of a 2015 Honda Crosstour generally aligns with the typical Honda ownership experience: reliability and predictable performance. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements, is straightforward and can be performed by any competent mechanic or dealership. The cost of parts and labor is typically moderate, reflecting Honda's reputation for reasonable long-term ownership costs.
Insurance premiums are likely to be competitive, especially when comparing it to other vehicles in its segment. Factors like the engine size, trim level, and safety features will influence individual rates. Generally, the Crosstour's strong safety ratings and Honda's reputation for durability contribute to lower insurance costs compared to vehicles with higher theft rates or a history of costly repairs.
The driving experience is characterized by a comfortable and compliant suspension that absorbs road imperfections well. While not as engaging as a sport sedan, the Crosstour offers a composed and quiet ride, making it a pleasant companion for daily commutes and road trips. The V6 engine provides ample power for confident acceleration and merging.
Potential Considerations
- Polarizing Styling: The Crosstour's distinctive styling is a double-edged sword. While some appreciate its unique approach, others find its proportions awkward or unappealing, making it a matter of personal taste.
- Limited Visibility: Due to its sloping roofline and thicker C-pillars, rearward visibility can be somewhat compromised, especially in parking situations. The standard rearview camera helps mitigate this, but it's something to be aware of.
- Fuel Economy (V6): While the 4-cylinder is reasonably fuel-efficient, the V6 engine, while powerful, will naturally consume more fuel, especially when driven aggressively or equipped with AWD.
- Cargo Opening Size: While the cargo area is spacious, the opening to access it is not as large as that of a traditional SUV or a larger wagon, which might make loading bulky or awkwardly shaped items slightly more challenging.
- Handling: While comfortable, the Crosstour's elevated ride height and longer wheelbase mean it doesn't handle with the same agility or responsiveness as a car. Body roll is present during spirited cornering.
Overall Summary
The 2015 Honda Crosstour is a practical and comfortable crossover-like vehicle that appeals to those seeking something different from the mainstream SUV segment. It offers a spacious and refined interior, a smooth ride, and Honda's renowned reliability. While its unconventional styling may not be for everyone, and its handling isn't the sportiest, it delivers a solid ownership experience with a good balance of utility and everyday drivability, particularly for those who prioritize comfort and versatility over outright sportiness or convention.