What is the difference between Honda Crosstour and Accord Crosstour?

The two names refer to the same Honda crossover-wagon built on the Accord platform; there isn’t a distinct, separate model behind them. The difference you’ll notice is primarily branding and how Honda labeled the vehicle in different years and markets.

Naming and branding over the years

How Honda labeled the model changed a bit from year to year and region. This section outlines how the badge appeared in official materials and how that can affect what you see when shopping used cars.

Branding notes

• Early introductions and dealer literature in the United States commonly used the name Accord Crosstour for the 2010 model year.


• As the model aged, some marketingmaterials and brochures emphasized Crosstour with fewer references to “Accord” on the badge.


• Regional differences exist: some markets or dealers used Crosstour more prominently, while others continued to reference Accord Crosstour in documentation.


• In practice, most listings and reviews still describe the vehicle as the same Accord-based Crosstour regardless of the badge you see on the car.

In short, the badge reflects branding choices rather than a different car; always check the VIN and year to confirm the exact specification.

What stayed the same across both names

This section highlights core aspects that remained shared between the two naming variants, focusing on the underlying platform and overall design language.

• Shared platform: the Crosstour is built on Honda Accord underpinnings from the generation it belongs to.


• Body style and interior layout: five seats, a hatchback-style rear opening, and a footprint similar to an elevated wagon rather than a sedan trunk.


• Drivetrain options: available configurations varied by year and trim, with front-wheel drive as the baseline and all-wheel drive offered on select trims or markets.


• Safety and features: equipment levels followed the Accord’s trim structure, meaning similar infotainment, comfort, and safety tech depending on year and grade.

These commonalities mean the two names describe the same fundamental vehicle, differing only in branding and trim details rather than architecture.

Key design and practicality differences you can observe

From a buyer’s perspective, visible differences revolve around styling cues and cargo access rather than mechanical divergence.

• Exterior styling: Crosstour emphasizes a taller, hatchback-like silhouette with a more coupe-like roofline, whereas the traditional Accord sedan features a conventional trunk and sedan profile.


• Cargo access and flexibility: the Crosstour’s rear hatch and higher load floor typically offer greater versatility for bulky items compared with a standard sedan trunk.


• Ride height and stance: the Crosstour generally sits higher than a standard Accord sedan, lending a crossover-like driving position and impression.

For practical purposes, these differences affect everyday usability (cargo, entry height, access) more than they alter the underlying drivetrain or reliability profile.

Performance, efficiency, and trims by year

Engine choices and available features evolved with the model’s lifecycle, but the two names always referred to the same vehicle family. This section outlines what buyers could expect across years.

• Powertrains: the Crosstour shared engines with the Accord lineup of its era; availability of a V6 and other options varied by year and market, with automatic transmissions common across trims.


• Fuel economy: fuel efficiency varied by engine, drivetrain, and tuning; typically, larger V6 configurations delivered stronger performance but lower mpg than four-cylinder setups.


• Trims and equipment: common trims included baseline, higher-spec (with leather, navigation, and premium audio), and the all-wheel-drive option on select configurations.

Specific EPA ratings and exact drivetrain options depend on the model year and region; checking the exact VIN and window sticker will give precise figures for a given car.

Historical timeline and current status

Understanding the production run helps explain why you’ll see the two names appear together in listings and histories. Here is the essential timeline.

• Production span: the model began as the Accord Crosstour for the 2010 model year and continued through the mid-2010s, with final production around 2015.


• Marketing evolution: early communications often used Accord Crosstour; later communications leaned toward Crosstour on its own badge.


• Market status: Honda discontinued the Crosstour after 2015 due to sales volume, beginning a shift back toward other crossover/wagon offerings in its lineup.

If you’re shopping today, both names point to the same car’s history and specs; focus on year, trim, and condition rather than badge alone.

Bottom line

The Honda Crosstour and Accord Crosstour are not two separate vehicles; they are the same model with branding that changed over time. When evaluating a used car, prioritize the year, trim level, mileage, maintenance history, and condition, and verify the exact configuration via the VIN rather than relying solely on the badge.

Summary

In essence, there is no meaningful model difference between Honda Crosstour and Accord Crosstour—the distinction is purely naming. The car is an Accord-based crossover/wagon built for a period in the 2010s, and the badge varied by year and market. For buyers, the key considerations are the specific year, trim, drivetrain, and overall vehicle condition rather than the label on the car.

What is the best year of Honda Crosstour to buy?

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. 

Is a Honda Crosstour and Accord the same?

The Honda Accord Crosstour had numerous positive attributes due to being based upon the critically-acclaimed Accord sedan and coupe, while having almost double the storage space of the sedan thanks to its hatchback design. The Crosstour's passenger room was largely identical to that of the spacious Accord sedan.

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. 

Why was the Honda Crosstour discontinued?

The Honda Crosstour was discontinued due to its slow sales, awkward design, and Honda's strategy to shift production to more popular models like the CR-V and to make way for the new HR-V. Consumers were often confused about its purpose, as it was an unusual blend of a car and a crossover that didn't resonate as well as a traditional SUV. Ending production also allowed the East Liberty, Ohio plant to focus on building higher-demand vehicles.
 

• Poor sales: The Crosstour was not a sales success, with numbers steadily declining since its 2010 launch. For example, U.S. sales in 2014 were down 38% from the previous year. 
• Confusing design: The vehicle's unique design, with a sloping, car-like roof on a crossover body, was a point of confusion for many consumers who were unsure whether it was a wagon, an SUV, or something else. 
• Strategic production changes: Discontinuing the Crosstour allowed Honda to reallocate production capacity at its Ohio plant to more popular vehicles. Specifically, it enabled the plant to increase production of the CR-V and Acura RDX, and later, the Acura MDX. 
• New model introduction: Honda also planned to introduce the new 2016 HR-V, a smaller and more conventional subcompact crossover, which they believed would appeal to a broader range of crossover shoppers.