The Honda Accord Crosstour, a unique blend of sedan and SUV, offered versatility and practicality for those seeking something different. Understanding the various model years and their specific features, reliability records, and potential issues is crucial when considering purchasing a used Crosstour. This guide will provide a detailed overview of the best years to buy and which ones to potentially avoid, helping you make an informed decision.
Honda Accord Crosstour: Model Year Overview
| Model Year | Key Features & Improvements | Potential Issues & Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | First year of production; Available in EX and EX-L trims; Standard 3.5L V6 engine; Optional Real Time 4WD; 5-speed automatic transmission. | First-year model; Potential for early production kinks; Some reports of excessive oil consumption in V6 engines. |
| 2011 | Minor interior revisions; Improved sound insulation. | Still potential for oil consumption issues; 5-speed automatic may feel dated compared to competitors. |
| 2012 | Updated front and rear styling; Interior enhancements, including a revised dashboard and infotainment system; Introduction of a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine option (FWD only). | 4-cylinder engine may feel underpowered for some drivers; V6 still prone to oil consumption in some cases. |
| 2013 | No major changes. | Continues to have potential oil consumption issues in the V6; 5-speed automatic in V6 models is less fuel-efficient than later models. |
| 2014 | Last year of production; No significant changes. | Generally considered the most reliable year; However, V6 oil consumption is still a possibility, though less prevalent. |
| Years to Avoid (Relatively) | 2010, 2011, 2013 | Early model years may have more unresolved issues; Higher likelihood of V6 oil consumption. |
| Best Years | 2012, 2014 | Updated styling and interior; 2014 is generally considered the most reliable. |
Detailed Explanations
2010: As the inaugural year for the Honda Accord Crosstour, the 2010 model marked the beginning of its unique design and features. It was offered in EX and EX-L trims, both powered by a 3.5L V6 engine and available with optional Real Time 4WD. However, being a first-year model, it's more susceptible to early production issues and has a higher reported incidence of excessive oil consumption in the V6 engine.
2011: The 2011 Crosstour saw minor interior revisions and improvements in sound insulation, enhancing the overall driving experience. While these refinements were welcome, the potential for oil consumption issues in the V6 engine persisted, and the 5-speed automatic transmission may have felt outdated compared to competitors offering more advanced gearboxes.
2012: A significant update arrived in 2012, with refreshed front and rear styling, along with interior enhancements, including a redesigned dashboard and infotainment system. A 2.4L 4-cylinder engine option was also introduced, exclusively for front-wheel-drive models. While the styling updates were well-received, the 4-cylinder engine might feel underpowered for drivers accustomed to the V6, and the V6 engine remained prone to oil consumption in some cases.
2013: The 2013 model year brought no major changes to the Crosstour. While this meant it retained the improvements from the 2012 redesign, it also continued to face the potential for oil consumption issues in the V6 engine. Additionally, the 5-speed automatic transmission in the V6 models resulted in lower fuel efficiency compared to newer vehicles with more gears.
2014: The final year of production for the Honda Accord Crosstour was 2014, and it saw no significant changes from the previous year. This model year is generally considered the most reliable of the Crosstours. While the V6 oil consumption issue was still a possibility, it was less prevalent compared to earlier years.
Years to Avoid (Relatively): The 2010, 2011, and 2013 model years of the Honda Accord Crosstour are relatively more prone to issues compared to the 2012 and 2014 models. These earlier model years have a higher likelihood of experiencing issues related to excessive oil consumption, especially in the V6 engines. It is advisable to thoroughly inspect these models before purchasing.
Best Years: The 2012 and 2014 model years are generally considered the best choices for a used Honda Accord Crosstour. The 2012 model benefits from updated styling and interior enhancements, while the 2014 model is widely regarded as the most reliable year of production. While the V6 oil consumption issue can still occur, it's less common in these later models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Honda Accord Crosstour year is the most reliable? The 2014 model year is generally considered the most reliable due to its being the last year of production and benefiting from previous years' improvements.
Did all Honda Accord Crosstour models have oil consumption issues? No, while the V6 engine had a tendency for excessive oil consumption, it wasn't present in all models, and later years (2012, 2014) saw a decrease in reported cases.
Is the 4-cylinder engine underpowered in the Crosstour? For some drivers, especially those used to the V6, the 4-cylinder engine may feel underpowered, particularly when fully loaded or driving uphill.
What is Real Time 4WD? Real Time 4WD is Honda's all-wheel-drive system that automatically engages when the front wheels lose traction, providing added stability and control in slippery conditions.
Are parts readily available for the Honda Accord Crosstour? Yes, since the Crosstour shares many components with the Honda Accord, parts are generally readily available through dealerships and aftermarket suppliers.
What should I look for when buying a used Crosstour? Thoroughly inspect the engine for signs of oil leaks or excessive oil consumption, check the transmission for smooth shifting, and examine the interior and exterior for any signs of damage or wear. Also, obtain a vehicle history report to check for accidents or title issues.
Was the Accord Crosstour a successful model? While the Crosstour offered a unique blend of sedan and SUV features, it didn't achieve the sales success Honda had hoped for, leading to its discontinuation after the 2015 model year.
Does the Accord Crosstour have good cargo space? Yes, the Crosstour offers a decent amount of cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded down, making it suitable for carrying larger items.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Honda Accord Crosstour involves understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each model year. While the 2010, 2011, and 2013 models may present potential issues, the 2012 and especially the 2014 models offer a more reliable and refined experience. Thorough inspection and research are crucial to ensure you select a Crosstour that meets your needs and budget.