Honda Accord Crosstour
The 2011 Crosstour is Honda's acclaimed Accord but better. The Crosstour blends thoughtful design with a more rugged persona, which should allow for plenty of adventures both on the road and off.
The Accord Crosstour is available in three trim levels-EX and EX-L in front-wheel drive, and a 4-wheel-drive EX-L. All come powered by an aluminum 271-hp 3.5L V6 that delivers 254 ft-lb of torque and is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The same engine is also found in the Accord sedan and coupe. It benefits from intelligent Variable Valve Timing (i-VTEC) as well as Variable Cylinder Management, two technologies that are designed to deliver fuel efficiency and performance.
The Crosstour's suspension is also based on that of the Accord sedan, with a double wishbone front setup with upper and lower control links and an independent multi-link rear suspension. As a result, the vehicle is both athletic and predictable in nearly every cornering situation. The EX rides on 17-inch allow wheels, while the EX-L is fitted with 18-inch alloys.
The EX-L offers a real-time 4-wheel-drive system, which means in normal driving conditions, only the front wheels are powered, but it engages when wheel slip is detected, sending power to where it is most needed.
Inside, the Crosstour provides everything one expects from a Honda-enhanced ergonomics, comfortable, supportive seating and high-quality materials. Rear cargo volume with the seat up is nearly 26 cubic feet; with the 60/40 split folding rear down, this increases to just over 51 cubic feet.
Exterior standard amenities on all Crosstours include a one-touch power moonroof, security system, fog lights and halogen headlights and rear privacy glass. Inside, all Crosstours benefit from dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows with automatic up/down, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, power adjustable front seats, a 360-watt 6-disc in-dash CD 7-speaker stereo and three 12-volt power outlets.
The EX-L also gets Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, leather trim, HomeLink, heated front seats, premium speakers, a USB interface and satellite radio.
Optional accessories include various roof-mount gear carriers, as well as a back-up sensor and remote engine start, while Satellite-Linked Navigation with Voice Recognition is available on both EX-L models.
Like all Honda vehicles, the manufacturer has placed a strong emphasis on safety. Standard features include stability and traction control, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, a tire-pressure monitor, active head restraints and front, front-side, and side curtain airbags.