The Honda Accord Crosstour 3.5 V6 4WD Automatic, produced from September 2009 to April 2012, represented Honda’s foray into the crossover coupe market. Positioned as a more stylish and sporty alternative to the traditional Accord sedan and wagon, the Crosstour aimed to attract buyers seeking a blend of practicality and distinctive design. It was based on the eighth-generation Honda Accord platform (CU2), sharing its core mechanical components but featuring a unique, sloping roofline and increased ground clearance. This variant, equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and all-wheel drive, served as the top-of-the-line offering for the Crosstour, emphasizing performance and all-weather capability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Crosstour |
| Generation | Accord Crosstour |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 V6 (271 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | September, 2009 |
| End of production | April, 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe, SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.3 l/100 km (19.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | Tier 2 Bin 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.8 kg/Hp, 146.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm, 186.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 271 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 78.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 344 Nm @ 5000 rpm (253.72 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | J35Z2 |
| Engine displacement | 3471 cm3 (211.81 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, i-VTEC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.6 l (6.97 US qt | 5.81 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1845 kg (4067.53 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 728 l (25.71 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4999 mm (196.81 in.) |
| Width | 1898 mm (74.72 in.) |
| Height | 1670 mm (65.75 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2797 mm (110.12 in.) |
| Front track | 1648 mm (64.88 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1648 mm (64.88 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 205 mm (8.07 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Accord Crosstour 3.5 V6 was Honda’s J35Z2 engine, a 3.5-liter, naturally aspirated V6. This engine was a member of the J-series family, known for its reliability and smooth power delivery. The J35Z2 featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) cylinder head with Honda’s i-VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system, optimizing both low-end torque and high-end horsepower. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-point fuel injection system. The engine produced 271 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 253 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. The engine was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, designed to provide smooth and responsive shifts. The all-wheel-drive system utilized Honda’s Real Time AWD, which primarily drives the front wheels but automatically engages the rear wheels when slip is detected, enhancing traction in adverse conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.5 V6 and automatic transmission combination delivered brisk acceleration for a crossover vehicle. While not a sports car, the Crosstour offered ample power for highway merging and passing maneuvers. The automatic transmission was tuned for comfort, with relatively smooth shifts, but it wasn’t particularly sporty or quick to downshift. Compared to the four-cylinder Accord Crosstour, the V6 provided a significant performance advantage, offering a more relaxed and confident driving experience, especially when fully loaded or towing. The all-wheel-drive system provided enhanced stability and grip in inclement weather, making it a practical choice for regions with snow or rain. The gear ratios were optimized for highway cruising, but at the expense of some low-end grunt.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.5 V6 4WD Automatic Crosstour typically came well-equipped. Standard features included automatic climate control, a premium audio system, power-adjustable front seats, and alloy wheels. Leather upholstery was often standard or available as an option. Higher trim levels added features such as a navigation system, sunroof, and upgraded interior trim. Optional extras included a rear-view camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium sound system. The interior design was largely shared with the Accord sedan, offering a comfortable and functional cabin.
Chassis & Braking
The Crosstour’s chassis utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and predictable handling. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort over sporty handling. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The steering was a rack-and-pinion system with electric power steering, offering light and easy steering feel. The 18-inch wheels were typically fitted with 225/60 R18 tires, providing a good balance of ride comfort and grip.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Accord Crosstour received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While the styling was polarizing, the V6 engine and available all-wheel drive were generally praised. Critics noted the comfortable ride and spacious interior. However, some found the handling to be somewhat uninspired and the fuel economy to be relatively poor compared to four-cylinder competitors. Compared to the base four-cylinder Crosstour, the V6 offered a substantial performance upgrade but came at a higher price and with reduced fuel efficiency. The Crosstour competed with other crossover vehicles such as the Toyota Venza and the Subaru Outback, offering a unique blend of style and practicality.
Legacy
The Honda Accord Crosstour was discontinued after a relatively short production run. While it didn’t achieve the sales success of the traditional Accord sedan, the Crosstour demonstrated Honda’s willingness to experiment with new designs and cater to evolving consumer preferences. The J35Z2 engine proved to be a reliable and durable powerplant, and examples continue to be found on the used car market today. The Crosstour’s all-wheel-drive system and spacious interior make it a practical choice for buyers seeking a versatile and comfortable crossover vehicle. Its unique styling, while controversial, has also given it a certain cult following among Honda enthusiasts.
