This Forgotten Ugly Honda Hatchback Could Be a Perfectly Practical Winter Car
Are you looking for a practical car that’s great for all four seasons? If so, there are plenty to choose from in the used market. However, reliability is key, so looking into a Honda could be a good move. Here’s one forgotten Honda model that could get you through the snow and any other type of weather with ease — the Honda Crosstour.
This old, ugly Honda model has plenty of power and traction
If you’re looking for a good winter beater capable enough to trudge through the snow and practical enough to haul five people and their stuff, we recommend the Honda Crosstour. We know it’s not pretty, but the Crosstour is functional, powerful, and provides traction when the road gets slippery.
The Honda Crosstour was built from 2010 to 2015 and could be optioned with a V6 engine and an all-wheel drivetrain. The earlier models, built from 2010 to 2012, came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that produced 271 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque. That engine was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that routed the power to the front wheels.
However, an all-wheel drivetrain was available, and we suggest finding a used Crosstour with it if you live in a snow state. Later, Honda Crosstour models (2012 to 2015) came standard with a four-cylinder engine that made 192 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. We recommend finding one of these models if fuel efficiency is more important to you than power.
Powertrains aside, the Honda Crosstour isn’t the most attractive car in the used car market, but what it lacks in attractiveness, it makes for in practicality.
The Crosstour boasted plenty of passenger and cargo space
The Honda Crosstour was based on the Accord chassis, which meant it had an identical amount of space with plenty of leg and headroom in both rows. However, the Crosstour upped the ante with its hatchback versatility. Its cargo volume measured 25.7 cubic feet with the seats up and 51.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That’s over 10 more cubic feet than what the Accord sedan offered at the time. There was also an in-trunk storage bin for added storage.
Don’t expect too much in terms of in-cabin tech, though. After all, the Crosstour was built over 10 years ago. That said, some tech features include an AM/FM radio with Bluetooth, navigation, and a backup camera. Other safety aids include blind spot detection, lane-departure/forward collision warning, and stability control.
It also can be noted that the Honda Crosstour’s audio controls were very busy. There are plenty of buttons to control the HVAC and audio system, in addition to a large knob to control the navigation screen. So, don’t be surprised when there isn’t a fancy touchscreen to play around with.
How much does a Honda Crosstour cost nowadays?
When it was new, the Honda Crosstour retailed for well over $30,000. Fortunately, due to depreciation and a general lack of public interest, you can now find a Crosstour nationwide for an average price of $12,979, according to CarGurus.
That’s a small sum to pay for a car with plenty of features, comfort, practicality, and capability. Of course, you’ll have to get over how it looks first.
