Comparo: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour/Subaru Outback/Toyota Venza

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Crossover confusion

Are the new Accord Crosstour, Venza, and redesigned Outback cars or crossovers?

By John LeBlanc Just as new-car buyers were getting used to the idea that crossovers were car-based sport-utility vehicles, automakers have started morphing vehicles from the opposite end of the evolution cycle — turning some of their cars into crossovers. Honda says its new Accord Crosstour “blends sporty, low-profile contours” with “crossover functionality.” Subaru has enlarged its SUV-wannabe Outback to make you think it’s a crossover, not just a jacked-up Legacy wagon. And Toyota calls its Camry-based Venza a “Car Plus.” Confused? Don’t be. All three of these new types of five-passenger vehicles offer the extra room of a large and boxy SUV and traction at all four wheels, but with better fuel economy and the promise of car-like driving characteristics. The question is: Which of this trio of car-crossovers drives most like a car? THIRD PLACE: 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK - Looking more like its larger Tribeca three-row sibling, the new-for-2010 Outback is larger in every dimension except length, and has been deliberately styled to look, tote and tow like a crossover. At 972 litres, it boasts the most cargo space here with rear seats up. And it can tow up to 1,363 kg; not as much as the Venza, but better than the Crosstour. In addition to the familiar 170 hp, 2.5-litre flat-four engine and AWD standard on the $28,895 base Outback, there’s an optional 3.6 L flat six-cylinder (from the Tribeca and standard on the $35,695 Outback 3.6R and our $38,495 Limited tester) that brings more horsepower (256 versus 245) and more lb.-ft. of torque (247 versus 215) than the previous 3.0 unit. Passing manoeuvres require less time now. But 0-to-100 km/h takes just under 8 seconds in the Subaru, slower than the Honda (7.5) and the swift Toyota (6.5). Like the Crosstour, the Outback is one cog down from the Venza’s six-speed autobox. Aggressive drivers will quickly lose interest in the 3.6R’s paddle shifters, though. Shifts are slow and soft. Outbacks have never been cars for drivers (that role was taken by the recently departed Legacy GT wagons). And the 2010 model doesn’t stray too far from the soft and floaty ride of its predecessors. It’s the car-crossover in this trio that drives most like a crossover. While the Subaru’s body feels solid over bad pavement, a tall seating position, slow and numb steering and cushy suspension cause a lot of a body roll in corners with plenty of squealing from the tall profile 225/60-17 rubber. WHY BUY: Lots of seats-up cargo room; more powerful V6; quiet and smooth ride. WHY NOT : Superfluous paddle shifters; non-enthusiast driving experience. SECOND PLACE: 2010 TOYOTA VENZA - Available with front- or all-wheel drive, and four- or six-cylinder engines, the Venza is a bit of an odd duck. Taller than a typical wagon yet shorter than crossovers like the Ford Edge or Chevrolet Equinox, it’s more like a tall Camry wagon than anything else. As the roomiest car-crossover here, Toyota has a right to brag about the Venza’s generous interior room. It betters the Subaru and Honda in most dimensions. Rear seat legroom is especially generous. Its driver controls and instrumentation are much better organized than the Accord’s shotgun approach. Compared to the Outback and Crosstour, though, the Venza’s interior felt the least expensive, with rough-hewn plastics and several trim pieces not aligned. At 869 litres, its seats-up cargo space is more than the Honda’s, less than the Subaru’s. While base models start at $29,310, our $38,160 Venza V6 AWD/Premium Package’s 268 hp and 246 lb.-ft. V6 always felt relaxed, smooth and fast. And it delivers the most in capacity in the towing department at 1,587 kg. From the driver’s seat, the Toyota corners flatter than the sea-worthy Subaru. The Venza’s pliable suspension eats potholes. But there’s less feedback (especially from the steering) than what the Honda provides, leaving the driver guessing what’s going on at road level. The other big strike against the Venza is its front seats. Neither comfortable nor supportive, drivers will be constantly shifting around to find a position that doesn’t cause a trip to the chiropractor after an hour. Not good. WHY BUY: Smooth and swift drivetrain; roomy interior; competitive cargo space; pothole-eating suspension; towing capacity. WHY NOT: Quasimodo seats; questionable interior build quality; uncommunicative steering. FIRST PLACE: 2010 HONDA ACCORD CROSSTOUR - Sometimes, looks don’t lie. If you think the Crosstour merely looks like a slightly taller hatchback version of the Accord sedan, you’re bang on. And drivers will appreciate how little Honda has veered from the mid-sized sedan’s athletic driving characteristics. Available only in top-line EX-L trim, the Crosstour only comes one way: loaded. There’s no four-cylinder offered: The front-drive $34,900 Crosstour comes standard with the Accord’s five-speed automatic transmission and 3.5 L V6 combo sporting 271 hp and 254 lb.-ft. AWD is an extra $2,000. With similar features (like leather and power everything), that’s less than the Subaru and Toyota. The Crosstour weighs more than an Accord sedan. But fuel economy doesn’t suffer much: Our AWD model is rated and 12.3 L/100 km city and 7.2 L hwy. (23/39 mpg), slightly more efficient than six-cylinder Venzas or Outbacks. Compared to the soft Subaru or muted Toyota, the Honda offers a much more dynamic and engaging driving experience. Highlights include a reasonably quick and direct steering, little body roll and minimal understeer. And of this trio, the Crosstour has the quietest cabin. The only nits to pick are an overly firm ride and the price you pay for the Honda’s Accord bones (limited seats-up cargo space of 728 litres and a lightweight towing capacity of only 680 kg). WHY BUY: Sedan-like driving experience; good fuel economy; good value. WHY NOT: Relatively lightweight cargo space and towing capacity; no four-cylinder option.

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