Honda Crosstour review

The Crosstour is a crossover wagon that's trying too hard to multitask. It's intended to be a blend of a sedan and an SUV, but it really doesn't succeed at doing either well.

Though this Honda is based on the previous-generation Accord, it doesn't deliver the handling of a sedan. Its hatchback design gives it more versatility than a sedan, but the vehicle's love-it-or-hate-it styling, with its dramatically sloping roof, compromises cargo capacity and results in huge blind spots in the rear corners. With the rear seatbacks folded down, we measured rectangular cargo volume at just 22 cubic feet, which is less than that of many small SUVs.

Yes, the Crosstour has its strong points. The 278-hp  V6 in our all-wheel-drive EX-L test vehicle is lively, smooth, and responsive, and it's mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission that shifts seamlessly. The ride is compliant, and the roomy interior provides comfortable seating. A four-cylinder engine is also available, but only with a five-speed automatic and front-wheel drive.

A freshening for 2013 turned out to be a mixed bag. On the plus side, fuel economy improved slightly to 21 mpg, which is about par for this class. Advanced safety systems, such as lane-departure and forward-collision warnings, became available, and a backup camera is standard.

But the new electric power steering feels numb. This updated Crosstour is less agile than the previous model, and it's more ungainly than some large SUVs when it's pushed to its limits. And a complicated touch-screen radio has displaced the previously super-simple controls.

Also new for the Crosstour is Honda's LaneWatch blind-spot camera system, which drew varied reviews from our testers. When the right turn signal is on, the system displays a view of the area to the right of the car in the large in-dash display. Because of the Crosstour's terrible rear visibility, LaneWatch was welcomed by drivers trying to change lanes on a busy highway. But others were annoyed by the screen coming on every time they activated the turn signal. Overall, a conventional blind-spot warning system that works on both sides of the car would be more useful and less distracting.

The large cabin is neatly finished but not a standout. Head, leg, and foot room are generous, and even short drivers can dial in a good position with easy reach to the pedals and tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The large front seats are nicely shaped and firmly padded, and supply good overall support. Rear seating is spacious and comfortable too, although the center passenger has to cope with a wide tunnel.

The convoluted radio uses a touch screen and a separate display screen, and it's not always easy to tell which one you're supposed to consult. The audio system comes with the Aha streaming service and a Pandora app, but to use them you must first install those and a HondaLink app on your smart phone. Phone pairing is easy, once you find the menu for it.

Although reliability is average, we can't recommend the Crosstour because its test score of 62 is too low to make the cut.