2014 Honda Crosstour

NEW FOR 2014:

Although the Honda Crosstour was refreshed just last year with a new powertrain, revised styling, and the latest in Honda infotainment technology, 2014 will be its last year on sale in Canada.

The Crosstour debuted back in 2010 as a rival to the car-based Subaru Outback and Toyota Venza, offering buyers the driving dynamics of the Accord with a bit of additional ground clearance, a higher seating position, and a smidge more cargo space. Honda delivered the goods with silken powertrains, Acura levels of refinement, and arguably the best handling in the class, but the Crosstour never caught on. Perhaps its unusual hatchback-ish styling, or the fact that the smaller CR-V was just as well endowed in the cargo department had something to do with it.

For its final year, Honda has simplified the Crosstour lineup. The 4-cylinder front-drive variants have been discontinued, leaving the 3.5-litre EarthDreams V6 engine with cylinder deactivation as the sole powertrain choice. It comes paired to a six-speed automatic with paddles for manual shifting and all-wheel drive as standard.

The base EX-L 4WD comes standard with 18-inch wheels, a power sunroof, leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats, keyless access with push-button start, a removable in-trunk storage container, dual-zone climate control, and the latest version of Honda’s infotainment system which includes a premium 360-watt stereo system, Bluetooth handsfree connectivity, USB audio input, multi-angle rear-view camera, LaneWatch and satellite radio. You’ll also find standard lane-departure warning, and a radar-based forward collision warning system.

The EX-L Navi adds navigation, as well as FM-based traffic alerts.