Is the Honda Crosstour a wagon?

The Honda Crosstour is not a wagon, but rather a crossover vehicle that combines elements of a sedan and an SUV. While it shares some similarities with wagons, the Crosstour has a distinct design and features that set it apart from traditional wagon models.

What is the Honda Crosstour?

The Honda Crosstour is a mid-size crossover vehicle that was produced by Honda from 2010 to 2015. It was designed to offer a blend of sedan-like handling and SUV-like utility, with a raised ride height, a hatchback-style rear door, and available all-wheel drive. The Crosstour was positioned as a more premium and upscale alternative to Honda's traditional Accord sedan.

How is the Crosstour Different from a Wagon?

• Body Style: The Crosstour has a more angular, coupe-like roofline and a hatchback-style rear door, unlike the more boxy and squared-off design of traditional wagons.


• Ride Height: The Crosstour has a higher ground clearance and a more SUV-like stance compared to the lower, more car-like profile of a wagon.


• Powertrain: The Crosstour was available with either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration, while most wagons are typically offered with only front-wheel drive.


• Positioning: The Crosstour was marketed as a more premium and upscale alternative to the Accord sedan, whereas wagons are often seen as more practical and family-oriented vehicles.

While the Crosstour shares some similarities with wagons, such as the hatchback-style rear door and increased cargo space, its overall design, features, and positioning make it a distinct crossover vehicle rather than a traditional wagon.

Conclusion

In summary, the Honda Crosstour is not a wagon, but rather a crossover vehicle that combines elements of a sedan and an SUV. Its unique design, higher ride height, and available all-wheel-drive configuration set it apart from traditional wagon models. The Crosstour was positioned as a more premium and upscale alternative to the Accord sedan, rather than a practical family-oriented wagon.

What is the common problem with Honda Crosstour?

Common Honda Crosstour problems include transmission issues, excessive oil consumption in V6 models, and brake problems like rotor pulsation. Other potential issues are power steering failure, electrical system glitches, and excessive tire wear or vibrations, especially in AWD models. Regular maintenance, particularly timing belt replacement for V6 engines, is crucial to prevent costly damage.
 
This video discusses common Honda Crosstour problems including transmission issues and oil consumption: 59sNexologyYouTube · Sep 18, 2025
Engine and drivetrain 

• Oil consumption: V6 engines are prone to excessive oil consumption, which can be caused by worn piston rings and may lead to engine damage if not addressed. 
• Timing belt: V6 engines use a timing belt that requires replacement every 100,000 miles. Failure to do so in this interference engine can cause severe and expensive damage. 
• Transmission: Some models have experienced transmission problems, including slipping, which can be caused by worn clutch plates or low fluid. 
• Vibrations: AWD models, in particular, can suffer from vibrations caused by worn CV joints, driveshafts, or other driveline issues. 
• VTC Actuator: A class-action lawsuit has been filed concerning a defective variable timing control (VTC) actuator in certain 2012-2015 Honda Crosstours. 

This video explains how to diagnose and fix a common issue where the 2011 Honda Crosstour stalls after starting: 1mParts shooterYouTube · May 29, 2020
Brakes and steering 

• Brake pulsation: Premature wear or pulsation during braking is a common complaint, often linked to warped brake rotors.
• Power steering: Issues with the power steering pump or fluid can lead to stiff or jerky steering. 

Electrical and other issues

• Electrical glitches: Owners have reported problems with the navigation screen freezing or becoming unresponsive, likely due to software or head unit issues. 
• Starting problems: Some owners experience persistent or intermittent starting issues, sometimes linked to a faulty starter or ignition system. 
• Paint and trim: Fading, peeling, or cracking paint and loose exterior or interior trim have also been reported. 

Is the Honda Crosstour a station wagon?

The Crosstour was marketed as a "hatchback"/"wagon" variation of the Accord and shared the same platform.

What is the best year of the Honda Crosstour?

The best years for the Honda Crosstour are 2013–2015, as these models received a significant refresh that improved the exterior, interior, and added more modern technology and safety features like LaneWatch. The first model year, 2010, is generally considered the worst due to an outdated infotainment system and design.
 
Recommended years: 2013–2015 

• Significant refresh: These models received major updates to the exterior styling and interior materials. 
• Improved safety: Features like Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and the LaneWatch blind-spot camera were introduced, along with a standard rearview camera and improved visibility. 
• More power: The V6 engine was updated for more performance in these model years. 

Years to avoid: 2010 

• Outdated technology: The 2010 model year has an outdated infotainment system, no driver assistance features, and a cluttered dashboard. 
• Limited visibility: The 2010 model is known for its poor rear visibility, a problem that was addressed in later years. 

Other model years

• 2012: This model year is also a decent option, as Honda dropped "Accord" from the name and made some updates like a standard backup camera and Bluetooth on EX models, but it still lacks the significant improvements of the 2013-2015 models. 

What vehicle is considered a wagon?

A wagon is a car body style with a roofline that extends over the rear passenger/cargo area, accessed by a rear liftgate or "fifth door" instead of a traditional trunk. It is essentially a stretched-out hatchback or a sedan with an extended roof and is characterized by its long body, low floor, and greater cargo space than a sedan. Modern wagons are less common due to the popularity of SUVs, but are still produced, often featuring a lower center of gravity for better handling.
 
Key characteristics

• Extended roofline: The roof extends further back than a sedan or hatchback, creating more cargo and passenger space. 
• Two-box design: Unlike the three-box design of a sedan (engine, passenger, trunk), a wagon is a two-box design where the passenger and cargo areas are one integrated volume. 
• Rear liftgate: The rear of the car features a large, hinged door that opens upward to provide access to the cargo area. 
• Lower ground clearance: Generally has a lower center of gravity and rides closer to the ground than an SUV, similar to a sedan, which can provide a more car-like driving experience. 
• Flexible cargo space: The rear seats can typically be folded down to create a large, flexible cargo area. 

Examples
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon, Audi A6 Avant, BMW 3 Series Wagon, Subaru Outback (often considered a crossover wagon), and Volvo V60 and V90 Cross Country.