Announced: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

Honda has two core strategies for new model introductions:

1. Display a “concept” at major auto shows that turns out to be near-identical to the production model.
2. Skip the shows altogether and just put the car on sale, leaving the competition guessing.

The latter strategy is being tapped for the all-new Accord Crosstour, scheduled to go on sale in fall 2009. No further official information has been released.

However, spy photos reveal what appears to be a Honda interpretation of the Acura ZDX body-type undergoing field testing. Shown here in “concept” form, the ZDX is a genre-bending four-door sedan with a coupe-like profile and hatchback. Pricing has not been announced, but a spokesman said the ZDX will be positioned above the MDX SUV in the Acura lineup.

Despite speculation that Crosstour and ZDX share mechanical commonality, Honda has confirmed to us that they are different, distinct vehicles. The Crosstour is expected to be closely related to the Honda Accord, while the ZDX has much in common with the MDX. The Crosstour will likely offer both a four-cylinder and V6 engine.

The concept of a hatchback Accord is intriguing. It would appeal to Acura and Honda enthusiasts looking for a bit more versatility, but reluctant to transition from a car to a much thirstier SUV.

Details and official photos will be released and reported closer to production. 

—Jeff Bartlett 

Updated 8/9/09

Comments

[Paul]

The styling, especially the view from the side, looks like a modern interpretation of the Chevrolet Citation and the other GM X-car hatchbacks from almost 30 years ago.

[coolcar]

I personally do not care for the nonfunctional, swoopy hatchback styling of the Crosstour, BMW, x6, BMW 5 seris Gran Turismo, Toyota Prius, and others such. Why not just buy a wagon? We have a '98 Volvo V70, and we love its verstility, modest size, and utility packaged into a car with decent fuel economy and dynamics.

[Moose barber]

I have an 94 accord wagon and have been waiting/hoping for honda to again build an accord wagon. The hatchback won't work for me, I need the room. I have 170K miles on it, so I guess I'll keep waiting for a true wagon.

[Mike]

I'm personally excited about the prospect of a 4-door Accord hatchback that is bigger inside and out with avarage MPG of 20 (hopefully),with 4WD or AWD and a towing capacity of at least 3500 lbs. I was a died in the wool Toyota enthusiast but am totally turned off by the Venza with it's oversized wheels, poor handling in the snow, and cheap interior appearance. I've owner a 4 Runner for 11 years and ready for something other than a Truck-based vehicle. I have several friends that own Accords and they love them. I had an 84 Accord that finally died with over 240k miles after I gave it to my then teen age son.

[GeoLogic]

I'd hardly call a hatchback "nonfunctional"-- Indeed, if nonfunctional is something to be spoken of, apply the term to a sedan with a trunk. THAT constitutes a nonfunctional body style.

A hatchback provides the ultimate blend of efficiency and utility, delivering fuel economy and handling character on par with a sedan while still allowing you the option of hauling something once in awhile. Most of you would be flat out amazed, for instance, what I've been able to haul in my 1990 Geo Prizm hatchback. In fact, it affords superior cargo capacity to that of my 2007 Accord sedan-- Despite the fact that the Geo is a compact. Given direct personal experience with vehicles of this type, I know what I speak of.

I've been waiting for a contemporary hatchback in a reliable, refined, comparatively efficient package for a very long time. The previous generation Mazda6 hatch came close, but wasn't enough for my requirements (I hated the interior, and reliability was subpar). Thus, I am very, very hopeful that the Crosstour is delivered with that which I seek. A wagon for me is overkill and wasteful: I don't need to lug around that much mass and space all of the time when it isn't being used. So a hatchback is the perfect, logical, practical compromise.

I've never understood why Americans don't seem to get the sensible character of these vehicles...