Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Honda Crosstour Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Honda Crosstour Model Years (Ranked)
The Honda Crosstour was Honda's short-lived attempt at a five-door hatchback-crossover based on the Accord, sold from the 2010 through 2015 model years before being discontinued. Launched as the Accord Crosstour and later simplified to just Crosstour, it paired a raised ride height and a long fastback roofline with Accord mechanicals. Most buyers chose the smooth 3.5L V6 with available all-wheel drive, though a 2.4L four-cylinder front-drive version arrived in 2012.
Sales were modest, but the Crosstour aged into a quietly practical, comfortable, and durable used buy. This ranking covers the best Crosstour model years, their engines and drivetrains, the issues to inspect, and where the value sits today.
Direct Answer
The best overall Honda Crosstour is the 2013-2015 facelifted V6 EX-L with all-wheel drive, which combines the refined 278-hp 3.5L V6, a more modern six-speed automatic, updated styling, and the best available technology and safety features of the run, all on Honda's dependable Accord platform.
For shoppers focused on cost, the best value is the 2012-2015 2.4L four-cylinder front-wheel-drive EX, which delivers better fuel economy, a lower used price, and the same roomy hatchback practicality with fewer mechanical complications. Across all years the V6 is smooth and durable; the four-cylinder is the economical, lighter-duty choice.
Verify the timing belt service history on every V6 before buying.
1. 2013-2015 V6 EX-L AWD (Facelift) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The facelifted Crosstour is the model at its peak. For 2013 Honda revised the front styling, updated the interior, and paired the 3.5L V6 with a new six-speed automatic in place of the earlier five-speed, sharpening both refinement and efficiency to about 278 horsepower. The EX-L trim adds leather, a power liftgate, a premium audio system, and available navigation, while available all-wheel drive adds bad-weather security.
This is the most complete, best-equipped Crosstour, built on Honda's proven Accord underpinnings with a strong reliability record. If your budget reaches a clean late-build V6 EX-L, this is the one to buy.
2. 2012-2015 2.4L I4 EX (FWD) 💎 BEST VALUE
The four-cylinder Crosstour, introduced for 2012, is the value champion. Its 2.4L i-VTEC four-cylinder (about 192 hp) drives the front wheels through a five-speed automatic and returns notably better fuel economy than the V6, making it the cheapest Crosstour to own and run.
The best value is a 2012-2015 EX, which keeps the roomy fastback cargo area and comfortable cabin while dropping the V6's higher purchase and maintenance costs. The lighter engine also uses a timing chain rather than the V6's belt, eliminating a major scheduled service. For budget-minded buyers who do not need AWD or maximum power, this is the smart pick.
3. 2013-2015 V6 EX-L FWD (Facelift)
For buyers who want the refined facelifted V6 but do not need all-wheel drive, the front-drive 2013-2015 V6 EX-L is an excellent choice. It keeps the smooth 3.5L V6 and the improved six-speed automatic, delivering strong, quiet performance and slightly better fuel economy than the AWD version thanks to less drivetrain weight.
The EX-L trim still bundles leather, a power liftgate, and available navigation, and the updated styling and interior make these later cars the most pleasant to live with. With a documented timing belt service, a front-drive facelift V6 EX-L is a dependable, well-equipped used cruiser at a fair price.
4. 2012 V6 EX-L AWD (Pre-Facelift)
The 2012 Accord Crosstour is the strongest of the first-generation pre-facelift cars. It carries the 3.5L V6 with the earlier five-speed automatic and offered all-wheel drive on EX-L trims, giving it the same comfortable ride and roomy cargo hold as later models. The 2012 model year also marked the addition of the four-cylinder option to the lineup, but the V6 AWD remains the most capable configuration.
These cars are now affordable and, when well maintained, very durable. Confirm the timing belt and water pump history, and a clean 2012 V6 EX-L AWD makes a comfortable, low-cost all-weather hauler.
5. 2011 V6 EX-L AWD
The 2011 Accord Crosstour V6 EX-L with all-wheel drive is a dependable used pick from the first generation. The 3.5L V6 with the five-speed automatic delivers smooth, effortless power, and the EX-L brings leather, heated seats, and a premium audio system. By 2011, early-launch quirks were settled, and these cars have a solid reliability reputation on the Accord platform.
As an older example, inspect for suspension wear, brake condition, and corrosion in salt-belt regions, and verify the timing belt service. The reward is a roomy, comfortable AWD hatchback-crossover at a genuinely low used price for buyers who value space and durability.
6. 2013-2015 V6 EX FWD (Facelift)
The EX trim of the facelifted V6 Crosstour offers most of the late-model goodness at a lower price than the EX-L. It keeps the refined 3.5L V6 and the six-speed automatic with front-wheel drive, along with the updated 2013 styling and interior, but trades leather for cloth and drops some convenience features.
For a buyer who wants the smoother facelift powertrain and modern looks without paying for the top trim, this is a sensible middle ground. As with every V6, confirm the timing belt and water pump service history. A clean facelift V6 EX delivers strong, quiet performance and ample cargo space affordably.
7. 2011 V6 EX-L FWD
The 2011 Accord Crosstour V6 EX-L in front-wheel drive is a comfortable, well-equipped first-generation choice for buyers who do not need AWD. The 3.5L V6 with the five-speed automatic provides smooth power, and the EX-L adds leather, heated seats, and premium audio. Front-drive examples are lighter and slightly more efficient than their AWD counterparts and are common on the used market.
Being older cars, they should be inspected for suspension and brake wear, and the timing belt service must be verified. With good records, a 2011 V6 EX-L FWD is a roomy, reliable, and inexpensive everyday hauler that holds up well over high mileage.
8. 2010 V6 EX-L AWD (First Year)
The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour was the model's debut year, launching with the 3.5L V6, the five-speed automatic, and available all-wheel drive on the EX-L. It established the formula: a raised Accord with a fastback hatchback body and a large, flat cargo floor. As a first-model-year car it is now the oldest and cheapest, and it carries the usual high-mileage concerns of aging suspension, brakes, and any unaddressed first-year quirks.
The V6 and Accord mechanicals are fundamentally durable, so a well-documented 2010 EX-L AWD can still serve as a roomy, capable budget hauler. Verify timing belt service before purchase.
9. 2010-2011 V6 EX FWD
The earlier EX-trim V6 Crosstours in front-wheel drive are the budget entry points to the original cars. They keep the smooth 3.5L V6 and the five-speed automatic but use cloth upholstery and fewer features than the EX-L, which keeps used prices low. These are honest, no-frills versions of the Crosstour formula with the same generous cargo area and comfortable ride.
Being among the oldest examples, they demand a careful inspection for wear items and a confirmed timing belt history. For a buyer who wants V6 smoothness and Accord durability at the lowest possible price, a clean early EX FWD is a reasonable economy choice.
10. 2012 2.4L I4 EX (First Four-Cylinder Year)
The 2012 Accord Crosstour 2.4L was the first year of the four-cylinder option, bringing the 2.4L i-VTEC engine and front-wheel drive to the lineup for buyers who wanted lower running costs. It offers the best fuel economy of any Crosstour and uses a timing chain, eliminating the V6's scheduled belt replacement.
As the inaugural four-cylinder year, it is now an affordable used option, though it is the least powerful and least quick Crosstour and was offered only in front-drive form. For a value-focused buyer who prioritizes economy over power and AWD, a clean 2012 2.4L EX is a practical, low-cost pick.
What to Watch For When Buying
The single most important check on a V6 Crosstour is the timing belt and water pump service, due around 105,000 miles or by age; a neglected belt risks expensive engine damage on this interlocking-valve engine. The 2.4L four-cylinder uses a timing chain instead, which is one reason it is cheaper to maintain.
Beyond that, inspect the all-wheel-drive system on AWD cars for proper operation and any rear-differential noise, and confirm the five- or six-speed automatic shifts smoothly without flare or hesitation. Check for typical Honda-platform wear such as front suspension components, brake life, and, in salt-belt states, underbody corrosion.
The Crosstour's sloping rear glass limits visibility, so verify the rearview camera works. As always, a documented maintenance history matters more than a low sticker price.
How to Choose
Match the Crosstour to your needs. For the best blend of refinement, features, and all-weather capability, target a 2013-2015 facelift V6 EX-L, ideally with all-wheel drive. For the best value and lowest running costs, a 2012-2015 2.4L four-cylinder EX is the smart pick, trading power for economy and a maintenance-friendly timing chain.
Buyers who want V6 smoothness without AWD should look at a front-drive V6 EX-L, while bargain hunters can consider the older 2010-2011 cars in EX or EX-L trim. In every case, favor the facelifted years for their updated styling and six-speed automatic, verify the timing belt on any V6, and prioritize a clean, well-documented example.
FAQ
Which Honda Crosstour years are best? The 2013-2015 facelifted models are the best, thanks to revised styling, an updated interior, and a six-speed automatic on the V6. A 2013-2015 V6 EX-L with all-wheel drive is the strongest overall pick.
Is the Honda Crosstour reliable? Yes. It is built on the dependable Honda Accord platform and shares its engines and mechanicals, giving it a solid reliability record. The biggest maintenance item is the V6 timing belt; the four-cylinder uses a longer-lasting timing chain.
What engines did the Crosstour offer? It offered a 3.5L V6 making about 278 horsepower with available all-wheel drive, and from 2012 a 2.4L i-VTEC four-cylinder making about 192 horsepower in front-wheel drive only. The V6 is smoother; the four-cylinder is more economical.
Why was the Honda Crosstour discontinued? Sales were modest throughout its run, and Honda ended production after the 2015 model year as buyers shifted toward more conventional SUVs and crossovers. Its used durability, however, remains a strength.
Bottom Line
The Honda Crosstour is an underrated used hatchback-crossover that benefits from proven Honda Accord mechanicals and strong durability. The 2013-2015 facelifted V6 EX-L with all-wheel drive is the best overall pick, offering the most refinement, features, and the improved six-speed automatic, while the 2012-2015 2.4L four-cylinder EX delivers the best value with lower running costs and a maintenance-friendly timing chain.
On any V6, verify the timing belt service. Buy a clean, well-documented example and the Crosstour rewards you with roomy practicality and Honda dependability at a low price.
Sources
- Honda official Accord Crosstour and Crosstour model specifications and history, honda.com
- EPA Fuel Economy ratings for Honda Crosstour by model year and engine, fueleconomy.gov
- Edmunds Honda Crosstour generation reviews and used-car appraisals, edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book Honda Crosstour used values by model year, kbb.com
- U.S. News & World Report used Honda Crosstour reviews and rankings, cars.usnews.com
- Wikipedia Honda Crosstour model overview and technical specifications, en.wikipedia.org