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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Honda Crosstour

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Overview

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2013 Honda Crosstour Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.0

A scaled-down alternative to traditional SUVs, the 2013 Honda Crosstour is a conundrum wrapped in an enigma wrapped in sheet metal. Think of it as the Swiss Army Knife of automobiles – equal parts sedan, wagon and SUV. But like a Swiss Army Knife, the Honda Crosstour's all-in-one design inherently limits the full potential of its various functions. For instance, the sloping roofline compromises both cargo versatility and overall styling, providing its more visually appealing rivals like the Toyota Venza, Ford Edge and Subaru Outback with a near 30-percent advantage in cargo space. Nonetheless, the 2013 Crosstour might be the ticket for those who appreciate the impressive build quality of the Honda Accord sedan but find its conventional trunk and lack of optional all-wheel drive (AWD) too limiting.

You'll Like This Car If...

If sedan-like driving characteristics top your list of priorities, the 2013 Honda Crosstour could be the wagonoid you've been looking for. Class-leading fuel economy figures, along with Honda's enviable reputation for reliability, make the Crosstour a solid choice for buyers who favor substance over style.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Today's marketplace is teeming with SUVs that offer significantly more cargo room than the 2013 Crosstour. In addition, a similarly-priced Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander includes a comparable level of standard equipment as well as a third row of seating (unavailable on the Honda).

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.0
Driving Dynamics

7.7
Comfort & Convenience

7.1
Design: Interior & Exterior

4.9
Value

6.3
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#8

out of 30

MPG

#16

out of 30

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.3 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2013 Honda Crosstour Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

After three years of production, the Honda Crosstour undergoes a mid-cycle refresh for the 2013 model year. Key changes include revised exterior styling, upgraded interior materials, a 7-horsepower bump for the optional V6, and a newly-available HondaLink infotainment system with Aha Radio compatibility.

Driving the Crosstour

2013 Honda Crosstour Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Despite its unconventional looks, the 2013 Honda Crosstour's underpinnings are firmly rooted in the Honda Accord family sedan. On long stretches of open road, the Crosstour possesses the same light...

and agile driving dynamics as its sedan-equivalent. The handling is crisp and precise, with body roll and lean kept to a minimum in all but the most hardcore driving situations. The 2013 Crosstour's 3,700-pound curb weight should act to hold it back, but acceleration and throttle response from the 278-horsepower V6 is quite impressive. Honda's Active Sound Control system cancels out unwanted engine and road noise for a more quiet ride. The Crosstour's raised ride height gives the driver a commanding view of the road ahead, though rearward visibility is problematic through the narrow rear glass and the bodywork that surrounds it.

Favorite Features

HIDDEN REMOVABLE UTILITY BOX
Made of plastic for easy cleanup, the removable utility box adds some two cubic feet of concealed storage space to the rear cargo area.

REAL TIME 4WD
Unlike the Honda Accord, the 2013 Crosstour offers the all-weather capability of available Real Time 4WD. Under normal driving conditions, power is shunted only to the front wheels, improving fuel economy. If the system detects a loss of traction at the front, torque is automatically routed to all four wheels for better grip.

2013 Honda Crosstour Details

2013 Honda Crosstour Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The interior of the 2013 Honda Crosstour is nearly identical to the 8th-generation Accord sedan on which it is based. The cabin is tightly constructed with new high-quality materials. The center stack features an attractive, high-tech appearance, but it's excessively cluttered with identical-looking buttons. In terms of storage, behind the 60/40-split rear seat is a 25.7-cubic-foot cargo area with reversible floor panels, which come in handy when dealing with messy items. With the rear seats folded flat, the Crosstour offers 51.3-cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, though most wagons and SUVs can accommodate considerably more.

Exterior

From the outside, the 2013 Honda Crosstour looks like a 4-door Accord onto which a large, sloping rear end has been grafted. Despite the cosmetic "enhancements" for 2013, we still feel the Crosstour's odd proportions and over-the-top styling cues make it look more like a caricature than a car. The fastback-style rear end severely cuts into the Crosstour's cargo area, and the narrow opening makes loading bulky items a real challenge. Unlike some of its lofty rivals, however, the Honda Crosstour is an SUV that doesn't require a leap of faith to exit the vehicle.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard features on the 2013 Honda Crosstour consist of auto-on/off headlights, a rearview-mirror-mounted backup camera display, a USB interface, fabric upholstery, a sliding center console, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, a power moonroof, , a 10-way power driver's seat, and a 7-speaker audio system with subwoofer. On the safety front, every Crosstour includes six airbags, all of the expected electronic stability controls and active head restraints that tilt forward on impact to help prevent whiplash-related injuries.

Optional Equipment

Other than the voice-activated navigation system, optional equipment on the 2013 Crosstour is obtained by stepping up to a higher trim level. Notable tech features include Pandora Internet Radio and Aha Radio access, an 8-inch multi-information display with customizable settings, and a multi-angle rear backup camera with guidelines. While a Bluetooth hands-free phone system is included as standard fare, the basic Bluetooth audio profile that allows users to wirelessly stream music to the vehicle is reserved exclusively for the range-topping EX-L model. Other notable options include a new lane-departure warning system, keyless access with push-button start, and a blind spot monitor.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Honda Crosstour offers a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or an updated 3.5-liter V6 that produces a 278-horsepower. The V6 mill employs Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system, which allows the engine to run on three, four or six cylinders, depending on driving demands. A rather outdated 5-speed automatic is the only transmission available on 4-cylinder models, while V6-equipped Crosstours make use of a new 6-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

2.4-liter inline-4
192 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
162 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/31 mpg

3.5-liter V6
278 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
252 lb-ft of torque @ 4,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/30 mpg (front-wheel drive), 19/29 mpg (AWD)

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Honda Crosstour has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just over $28,000 and tops out right around $38,000 for an EX-L V6 with 4WD and navigation. The Toyota Venza and Ford Edge share a similar starting price with the Crosstour. Opening at $24,000, the rugged Subaru Outback commands the lowest entry-point in the segment. Before you begin negotiating, be sure to take a look at KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price at the bottom of this page to see what others in your area are paying for their Crosstours. Unlike most Honda products, Kelley Blue Book expects the 2013 Honda Crosstour to hold only average resale values, on par with the Nissan Murano and trailing both the Toyota Venza and the Subaru Outback.

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2013 Honda Crosstour Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.3

Out of 10

Based on 80 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.6/10
Reliability

9.7/10

Performance

9.5/10
Comfort

9.6/10

Styling

9.3/10

Just Drive It!

By indianacrosstour (IN) on Monday, March 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Interior quality, NAVI system, 18" wheels, V-6"

Cons: "Cabin carpeting"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased a new 2012 EXL,V-6 AWD w/NAVI in Nov. I traded a 2010 Accord EXL with 80K. I was sold by the ease of entry, the seating and AWD. The ride is superb, both during heavy rain and in snow. The mileage is just as expected, 20 mpg in urban, 26+ hwy. I drive about 30 K miles a year for work and am impressed by the comfort and support of the seats, better than my previous car. I did not purchase the car for the cargo area but carry work related tools--easy to load and unload from hatch area. Cargo area is still impressive. I purchased a cargo cover for privacy. It used to be standard with earlier models. I use the Voice Activated Controls & NAVI system extensively. I also had this in my Accord. I use the NAVI for more than just getting from point A to B. It is full of features and I find it intuitive. I am amazed at how many people comment positively (unsolicited) on the styling. The car is fun to drive."

18 people out of 18 found this review helpful

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Love my 2012 Crosstour

By MAN52 (MD) on Friday, February 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Driver's seat raises up higher for easy in/out"

Cons: "Outside Temp gauge not easy to see"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this car since the first time I saw it on a road trip a few years ago - "What is THAT?" I asked my husband. We couldn't figure it out until we got close up and noticed it said Honda Accord Crosstour. I later learned that "Accord" was dropped but just the same, being a Honda got my attention. In December, I was having major problems with my Jeep, which I had for 9 years and needed something similar. I was also having difficulty getting up to the high seat in the Jeep but waanted to stick an SUV but nothing was catching my attention. Finally, we went to see the CRVs since we had a Honda Accord before for 12 years. Walking through the showroom, we saw a beautiful red Crosstour with a reduced price tag. I got in and instantly loved it. I test drove the leather trimmed V-6 model and did NOT want to get out. My husband was sold as well. The next day, we purchased it and I love it more (as I get familiar with all the buttons) each time I drive. I used to hate driving to work in Washington DC every day but since I've been driving the Crosstour - I don't even notice the traffic - love listening to satellite radio, answering the phone with handsfree link, and thanks to the back up camera, I have less hassle getting into the parking space. I initially had a problem with the blind spots but someone suggested watching a Youtube video on how to set your side mirrors and I've not had any difficulties since then. Love, love this car. I just wished I could have afforded the navi system, but then I probably would have ended NEVER getting out!"

12 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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Great Drive

By elenas (NY) on Tuesday, February 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,650

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great Ride"

Cons: "Low Visability"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"This is the first time i have leased a car, I went to honda for the CR-V but I got a fully loaded crosstour for the same price as a base CR-V so I went with it. It drives smooth. My old car was a Plymouth Voyager. My only learning curve is the back window. It is definately a learning curve. There is limited visability, similar to a prius. In bad weather the defroster does not do the entire back window. The cut off is something to get use to. The rear back navigation is a plus and is necessary, however if you have never used this back navigation you will need time to trust it. I have had this car 3 months and I am still afraid to go on a highway because of the limited visability. This is my one and only concern with the car. Otherwise this is truly the best ride I have ever had. Oh also the salesman that sold me the car told me the 2012 model does show the tire pressure so am not sure if these other reviews were older models. I have not reached that stage yet with my car we shall see..."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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dream drive!

By mannu (MI) on Monday, February 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great drive"

Cons: "would do well with a push start"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I would say you gotta drive it and then comment about it. Its a highway sportswagon, built to fly on the road. The road grip, the comfortable height, the steering control and the sound system with a honda engine and the superspacious interior make it my perfect car! only complaint i have is the lack of a side view camera in this car and also if honda could give free upgrades to its navigation system."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Drove BMW & the Honda drives better

By Stretch (TX) on Monday, February 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,600

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Safety features, performance, reliability"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"29 MPG first day and has gone up to 34 mpg hwy and consistently 25 mpg in town with V6. I test drove BMW, Audi, Lexus and Acura. This drove better than the rest and the only one that really fit my 6'4" frame. While not sold as a performance car, it really does perform very well. Awsome in traffic. Safety cameras are a great feature. Honda needs to market the Crosstour better, it's a great car."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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The Avalon of Honda

By Dateraxis (WA) on Sunday, February 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 450

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Smooth and heavy, but sporty feel. Easy to drive."

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I traded in a '95 Accord EX, V-6, (167K miles, owned since new) for the '13 Crosstour 4WD EX V-6 w/Leather & Navigation, 6 Speed Automatic - color is Mountain Air Metallic. Primary add-ons were back-up sensors, side moldings, splash guards, Crystal Fusion windshield treatment, and paint and interior protection packages. At 61, I wanted a smooth riding, quiet, well appointed car that was easy to get in and out of. The more I drive the Crosstour the more impressed I am with it. It has a heavy but unmistakably powerful feel to it, yet is easy, almost effortless, to drive. The engine has a "throaty" sound that let's you know you've got a lot of power should you want to use it, and the car has very, very smooth acceleration and braking. Inside, the sound system is superb. The interior is quiet enough to be able to listen to classical music - something not feasible in the old Accord - and getting in the car after work brings on a tangible sense of relaxation. The sound system is "precise" enough to bring out elements of oldies and classic rock music that I had been listening to for decades, that I hadn't heard or noticed before. One thing I had been concerned about with the Crosstour was the view to the rear - the old Accord had great visibility. But, and I'm not really sure why, the rear visibility of the Crosstour just isn't an issue - I get all the visibility and awareness I want or need. Doesn't seem to make sense given what would appear to be significant limited visibility to the rear. The car was relatively expensive, but I have no buyer's remorse whatsoever. If I had a reason to buy another one I probably would - the car is a gem - more than what I had hoped for. I had pretty much decided on purchasing an upper-end Avalon based on price and a test drive before test driving the Crosstour. But once I drove the Crosstour I didn't consider the Avalon again."

6 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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