Honda has taken its Accord and given it a new look and purpose. The 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour essentially makes a five-passenger hatchback wagon out of the popular Accord sedan, successfully inserting it into polite conversation discussing crossovers. Standing a tad taller than the Accord sedan, this incarnation offers a bit more cargo space along with the traditional carlike handling and V6 performance for which the lineup is known. Its styling presents a bit of a conundrum, with as many yeas from both owners and reviewers as nays. Essentially, this Accord simply doesn’t look that much like an Accord.

In any case, the 2011 Crosstour is expected to be unchanged from 2010, its debut year. It’ll be offered in essentially two trims, the base EX and high-end EX-L, with the “L” standing for Luxury. The EX-L offers as-needed four-wheel drive (4WD), with front-wheel drive (FWD) the standard powertrain configuration for both trims. Though offering some 51 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded down, this crossover wannabe remains a bit challenged in the towing department, with 1,500 pounds being about the limit. Handling is described by most reviewers as agile and smooth, though, adding a little panache to the commute or the trip to grandma’s house.

The standard, indeed, the only drivetrain available to the lineup, a 3.5-liter V6 and five-speed automatic transmission, provides more than enough oomph for highway cruising. This combo boasts 271 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque, to the tune of 18/27 in FWD versions and 17/25 in the EX-L 4WD. The 4WD system, tagged Real Time 4WD by Honda, uses a mechanical, center-mounted limited-slip differential to send power to all four wheels when wheel slippage is detected. When traction is regained, the 4WD system reverts back to FWD.

Creature comforts and appearance features are expected to remain a strong point for the 2011 Accord Crosstour. The base EX level should boast a remotely operated power sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, premium cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, remote power door locks, remote-operated power windows, heated power mirrors, a telescoping steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls, front and overhead consoles, dual-zone climate control, front and rear floor mats, and a 360-watt sound system with a 6-CD changer with seven speakers. The EX-L, meanwhile, can be expected to add leather upholstery, multi-level heated front seats, reverse-tilting outside mirrors for a look at the curb while in reverse, a universal remote garage door opener, leather and simulated alloy steering wheel and console inserts, memory for driver settings, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free communications, and a USB connection.

Though accessories, such as 18-inch chrome-look wheels, remote start, a roof rack, and reverse sensors are again expected to be available across the lineup, only a voice-activated DVD navigation system with rear-view camera will likely be offered as a true option, and this only with the EX-L trim.

Safety features for the 2011 Accord Crosstour likely won’t be neglected, with all trims once again sporting standard four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, remote anti-theft alarm, daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, and front head restraint whiplash protection. Additionally, the EX-L trim level can be expected to come with standard dusk-sensing headlights.

Owners of the 2010 Accord Crosstour are nearly unanimous in voicing concerns about rear visibility, calling the available rear-view camera system almost a necessity. Additionally, owners bemoan the lack of a power rear hatch and lack of push-button start. A few negative owner comments regarding Honda’s need to upgrade the Crosstour to a more fuel-efficient six-speed transmission and to rethink its over-the-top styling also surface. But positives certainly outweigh negatives, with versatility, performance, agility, safety, and, especially, its touch-of-class comfort and convenience features getting kudos. Owners are well satisfied with its extra cargo space, and most have a special place in their hearts for the 300-watt audio system, as well as Honda’s reputation for reliability. Oh yeah, and the Crosstour’s distinctive styling is, indeed, lauded by more than a few owners.