The Honda Accord Crosstour 3.5 V6 Automatic, produced from September 2009 to April 2012, represented Honda’s entry into the crossover coupe segment. 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. This particular variant, equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission, served as the top-tier offering in the Crosstour lineup, providing the highest level of performance and refinement. It was built on the Accord platform (CU2) and shared many components with the eighth-generation Accord, but with unique bodywork from the B-pillar rearward.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Crosstour |
| Generation | Accord Crosstour |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 V6 (271 Hp) 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) | 11.5 l/100 km (20.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | Tier 2 Bin 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.5 kg/Hp, 154.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm, 196 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 | 1755 kg (3869.11 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 | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| 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 Crosstour 3.5 V6 is the J35Z2 engine, a 3.5-liter, 60-degree V6. This engine is part of Honda’s well-regarded J-series family, known for its reliability and smooth power delivery. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) cylinder head and Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) system. The i-VTEC system optimizes valve timing and lift based on engine speed and load, improving both fuel efficiency and performance. Fuel delivery is handled by a multi-point fuel injection system. The engine produces 271 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 253 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. Paired with the engine is a five-speed automatic transmission, designed to provide smooth and responsive shifting. This transmission was a carryover from other Honda models and was chosen for its balance of efficiency and drivability.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.5 V6 automatic Crosstour offered brisk acceleration, capable of reaching 60 mph in around 7.2 seconds. While not a sports car, the engine provided ample power for highway merging and passing maneuvers. The automatic transmission, while generally smooth, wasn’t particularly sporty. Gear ratios were tuned for comfort and fuel economy rather than aggressive performance. Compared to the four-cylinder Accord Crosstour, the V6 model offered a significantly more refined driving experience, with noticeably quicker acceleration and a more relaxed feel at highway speeds. The front-wheel-drive configuration provided predictable handling, but lacked the all-weather capability of an all-wheel-drive system.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crosstour 3.5 V6 Automatic typically came standard with a generous array of features. These included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a premium audio system, cruise control, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels, such as the EX-L, added features like leather upholstery, a sunroof, navigation system, and a rearview camera. Optional extras included a premium sound system and various appearance packages. Interior materials were generally of good quality, reflecting the Crosstour’s positioning as a near-luxury crossover.
Chassis & Braking
The Crosstour utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road surface effectively. The front suspension featured a stabilizer bar to reduce body roll during cornering. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, providing adequate stopping power. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety and control during emergency braking situations. The Crosstour’s chassis was tuned for a balance of comfort and handling, prioritizing ride quality over sporty dynamics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Honda Accord Crosstour received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful V6 engine, it was often criticized for its polarizing styling and somewhat vague handling. Compared to other crossovers in its class, such as the Toyota Venza and Nissan Murano, the Crosstour offered a more engaging driving experience thanks to its V6 engine, but its unique styling didn’t appeal to all buyers. Fuel economy was average for the segment, with EPA estimates of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Reliability was generally good, consistent with Honda’s reputation for building durable vehicles.
Legacy
The Honda Accord Crosstour was discontinued after the 2012 model year, likely due to slow sales and its controversial design. However, the 3.5 V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission have proven to be reliable and durable. On the used car market, the Crosstour 3.5 V6 Automatic represents a relatively affordable option for buyers seeking a spacious and well-equipped crossover with a powerful engine. Maintenance costs are generally reasonable, and parts availability is good. While its styling may not be to everyone’s taste, the Crosstour offers a compelling combination of practicality, performance, and Honda reliability.
