The Best Years For Honda Crosstour And Some To Avoid

The Honda Crosstour, a unique blend of sedan and SUV, offered a distinctive alternative in the automotive market. While it wasn't a sales success, it garnered a loyal following who appreciated its practicality and comfortable ride. This guide aims to help you navigate the used Crosstour market, identifying the best model years and highlighting potential pitfalls to avoid, ensuring you make an informed decision.

Honda Crosstour: Model Year Deep Dive

Detailed Explanations

2010: The inaugural year for the Crosstour. Its strengths lay in its roomy cabin, comfortable ride quality, and the option of a powerful V6 engine. The distinctive styling, however, was a point of contention for some. Being the first model year, it's more susceptible to early production issues. Keep an eye out for potential quirks common in first-generation vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors were known to fail prematurely in some cases.

2011: Honda addressed some early concerns in 2011. Interior materials were slightly improved, and features like a rearview camera became available on higher trim levels. While progress was made, some issues persisted. The TPMS sensor problems continued to be reported by owners. Also, some drivers noted excessive wind noise at higher speeds.

2012: This model year saw further refinements, particularly in the navigation system. Minor styling tweaks were implemented, and sound insulation was enhanced to reduce road noise. However, the TPMS woes remained a concern. Pay close attention to the functionality of the TPMS sensors during inspection. There were also isolated reports of oil consumption issues in some V6-equipped models.

2013: Arguably the most significant year for the Crosstour, featuring a complete exterior and interior redesign. This redesign aimed to address some of the criticisms leveled at the original styling. Fuel economy was also improved, and enhanced safety features were introduced. The redesign gave the Crosstour a more contemporary look. Despite the improvements, the new styling wasn't universally appreciated. Some owners experienced glitches with the infotainment system.

2014: This model year was largely a carryover from 2013, with no major changes. Honda continued to refine existing features. This year is generally considered a reliable choice. However, infotainment system glitches persisted for some owners. The potential for oil consumption in V6 models remained a possibility, so a thorough inspection is crucial.

2015: The final year of production for the Crosstour. By this point, the vehicle was well-sorted and generally considered reliable. This is often considered the best year to buy a used Crosstour. However, due to its age, finding one with low mileage may be challenging. Also, factor in that maintenance and potential repairs might be needed sooner than with newer vehicles.

Spacious Interior: The Crosstour's interior is one of its most appealing features. It offers ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cargo area is also surprisingly spacious, especially with the rear seats folded down. This makes it a practical choice for families or anyone who needs to haul cargo regularly.

Comfortable Ride: The Crosstour is known for its smooth and comfortable ride. It absorbs bumps and road imperfections well, making it a pleasant vehicle to drive on long trips. This is a major advantage for those who prioritize comfort over sporty handling.

Available V6 Engine: The optional V6 engine provides ample power for confident acceleration and passing. It's a good choice for those who want a more responsive driving experience. However, be aware that the V6 engine will consume more fuel than the standard four-cylinder.

Unique Styling: The Crosstour's styling is certainly unique, and it's either loved or hated. Its sloping roofline and raised ride height set it apart from other vehicles in its class. This distinctive look appealed to buyers looking for something different.

First Model Year Quirks: As with any new vehicle, the first model year (2010) is more prone to issues. This can include minor defects, software glitches, and other problems that are typically ironed out in subsequent years. Be extra cautious when considering a 2010 model.

TPMS Sensor Issues: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors were a common source of problems in the early years of the Crosstour. These sensors can fail prematurely, requiring replacement. This is a relatively inexpensive repair, but it's still something to be aware of.

Wind Noise: Some owners have reported excessive wind noise at higher speeds, particularly in the 2010 and 2011 models. This can be annoying on long trips. Test drive the vehicle at highway speeds to check for wind noise.

Oil Consumption (V6 Models): Some V6-equipped Crosstours have been known to consume excessive amounts of oil. This is a more serious issue that can lead to engine damage if left unchecked. Regularly check the oil level and look for any signs of oil leaks.

Infotainment System Glitches: The infotainment system in the 2013 and 2014 models has been known to experience glitches, such as freezing, crashing, and unresponsive touchscreens. Test the infotainment system thoroughly before buying the car.

Availability: Because the Crosstour was only produced for a few years, availability can be limited, especially for specific model years and trim levels. Be prepared to search for the right vehicle.

Higher Mileage: Given that the newest Crosstour is now several years old, most examples will have accumulated a significant number of miles. This means that maintenance and repairs may be needed sooner than with a newer vehicle. Factor in potential maintenance costs when budgeting for a used Crosstour.

Exterior and Interior Redesign (2013): The 2013 redesign significantly altered the Crosstour's appearance, both inside and out. The exterior received a more streamlined and modern look, while the interior was updated with higher-quality materials and a more user-friendly layout. This redesign addressed some of the criticisms of the original model.

Improved Fuel Economy (2013): The 2013 redesign also brought improvements in fuel economy. The four-cylinder engine, in particular, saw a noticeable increase in MPG. This makes the 2013 and later models more economical to own.

Enhanced Safety Features (2013): Honda added more advanced safety features to the Crosstour in 2013, including lane departure warning and forward collision warning. These features can help to prevent accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most reliable Honda Crosstour year? The 2015 model year is generally considered the most reliable, as it was the final year of production and had the benefit of several years of refinement.

What are the common problems with the Honda Crosstour? Common problems include TPMS sensor failures, wind noise, oil consumption in V6 models, and infotainment system glitches in some years.

Is the Honda Crosstour a good car for families? Yes, the Crosstour offers a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and ample cargo space, making it a good choice for families.

Is the Honda Crosstour expensive to maintain? Maintenance costs are generally average for a Honda vehicle, but potential issues like oil consumption in V6 models can increase expenses.

What should I look for when buying a used Honda Crosstour? Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for signs of damage, check the oil level regularly, test all features, and review the maintenance history.

Conclusion

Choosing the right year for a used Honda Crosstour involves balancing your priorities. The 2015 model year offers the most refinement, but earlier models can be more affordable. By being aware of potential weaknesses and conducting a thorough pre-purchase inspection, you can find a Crosstour that provides years of reliable service.