The all-new 2010 Honda Crosstour is a head-turning kind of vehicle, whether that’s for the better or for the worse! The first

Honda's new Accord Crosstour is a unique look that is polarizing opinions. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

reaction I received from a pedestrian as I pulled into a parking spot was, “Wow, that’s a great looking car. Is it a hybrid?” To which I answered, “Unfortunately, no.” The next reaction, needless to say, was not so enthusiastic. “That is the ugliest car I’ve ever seen. I would never buy it.” Throughout my time with the Crosstour, I received various comments on its styling and the overall consensus was quite positive. But in a world where looks are so important, sometimes people cut themselves off from great things just because they judge the book by its cover. 

Granted, styling is a very personal thing so people who just hate the way the Crosstour looks probably won’t consider ever taking it for a test drive or buying it based on that judgment alone. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, those who are looking for a vehicle that is extremely practical,

From the back, the Crosstour has a really sporty stance. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

is bigger than a Honda CRV but comparable in size to the Pilot, has a great interior, a nicely endowed engine, and fantastic driving dynamics probably won’t be disappointed with the Crosstour. I know I wasn’t. 

This vehicle has a lot of admirable features, one of which I believe, is its styling. Honda, in my opinion, has broken out of its “safe-zone” and has made an edgy looking car with a prominent grille, a robust hood, beefy P225/60R18 all-season tires with sexy 18” aluminum-alloy wheels, sleek lines and a funky rear end design. It’s very future-chic and rather unconventional so perhaps that’s why there is such a polarized opinion on its exterior. 

Another feature that a passenger pointed out to me was the ease at which he was able to get in and out of the Crosstour. This usually isn’t a problem for me but this particular passenger requires the use of crutches to walk, is heavy in stature, and tall, so he feels very restricted when it comes to entering and exiting vehicles. He said, “This is the best car I’ve ever been in for a man my size.” In addition to him, there were also two males sitting in the back seat, both over six-feet-tall who also had no issues with comfort or legroom. Again, the Crosstour didn’t fail to deliver. 

And while I’m on the topic of the interior, the top-of-the-line EX-L Navi trim comes with plush leather seating surfaces, a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with bilingual Voice Recognition, and steering wheel-mounted controls. It also comes with a rearview camera, which was perfect since visibility out the rear can be a little challenging at times, but definitely not

Familiar territory if you're used to Honda interiors. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

something that takes away from the driving experience. The blue needles on the instrument cluster were also a nice touch that added colour and depth to the cabin. The only thing I wasn’t crazy about in the cabin was the copious amount of buttons on the centre stack. This is something that I’ve never really been crazy about in Honda’s so I’ll just leave it at that. 

The Crosstour is derived from the Accord sedan, but has an added bonus; the bonus of the available Real Time 4WD system. This crossover vehicle not only drives ideally on dry roads, but on wet ones as well. My husband even took it for a spin in the snow and it did just fine. And even with the 4WD system, the Crosstour doesn’t suck back too much fuel since it uses an estimated 12.3L/100km in the city and 8.0L/100km on the highway. 

While

Load it up! (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

driving around on the dry and wet roads, I noticed that the ride quality was quite exceptional. It definitely drove more like a sedan than anything else. Its front independent double-wishbone and rear multi-link double-wishbone suspension has the finesse and capability to master tight turns and also feels good doing it. Couple the suspension with a nicely endowed engine and life is good. 

Under the hood of the Crosstour is a 3.5-litre, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V6 that produces 271 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, which makes city driving oh-so-convenient. It didn’t feel too sluggish when accelerating quickly and has the ability to promptly pass other vehicles at highway speeds. Its versatility in various driving situations also earns points in my books. 

I’d

The Crosstour is mighty practical for a sporty car, featuring this hidden storage compartment under the load floor. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

also like to commend the Crosstour for having a generous amount of trunk space. Although it might look like the cargo capacity could be reduced due to the rear styling, that’s not the case. There is 728-litres (25.7 cu ft) of storage space to fill to your heart’s content, plus an 8-inch deep under-floor removable utility box cargo compartment as a bonus. So not only can five people sit comfortably in the Crosstour, there’s also room for their baggage, too. 

When it comes to pricing, the Crosstour EX-L Navi has an MSRP of $40,450. The base Crosstour has an MSRP of $36,450. With all things considered, the price tag is not unreasonable by any means. 

Overall, the 2010 Honda Crosstour proved to be a great vehicle on the inside and out. Even though it might not be every person’s first choice in the styling department, it is practical and very capable. Besides, looks aren’t everything and the Crosstour just might surprise you.