The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is available in both front-wheel and four-wheel-drive. All Crosstours are equipped with a SOHC 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The i-VTEC V6 produces 271 horsepower (HP) and 254 foot pounds of torque.

The official fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour are 18 city / 27 highway miles per gallon with front wheel drive and 17 city/ 25 highway with four-wheel-drive version.

We traveled roughly 400 miles in our top-of-the-line four-wheel-drive EX-L Nav-equipped Alabaster Silver Metallic review unit and vanquished the official mileage estimates, scoring an average of 32.3 MPG on the Interstate highway and 24.5 MPG combined, with temperatures ranging from the sixties through the mid-nineties. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the mid-to-high seventies.

The test vehicle was delivered with under 6000 miles on the odometer. EX-L models are equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and low-rolling-resistance Michelin Latitude Tour HP 225/60 R18 all-season tires, while EX models are fitted with 17-inch alloys and Bridgestone Dueler H/T 470 225/65 R17 all-season tires.

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 31.7 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 32.9 MPG

The Crosstour’s sleek design and the V6’s Variable Cylinder Management system deliver a high level of efficiency out on the open road. At steady-state cruising, the VCM system shuts down one bank of the V6 and the Crosstour motors along happily on just a trio of cylinders. The engine switches to four-cylinder mode when a bit more power is needed and to all six cylinders under heavy acceleration. Active Sound Control delivers noise canceling sound waves through the sound system, while Active Engine Mounts compensate for any additional vibration.

Highway driving range is good. All 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour models are fitted with an 18.5 gallon fuel tank and are engineered to run on 87 octane regular unleaded fuel.

The front-wheel-drive EX version weighs in at 3852 pounds, while the EX-L’s curb weight tips 3887 pounds with front-wheel-drive and 4070 pounds in four-wheel-drive form.

All 2010 Honda Accord Crosstours are equipped with four-wheel power-assisted ABS disc brakes (11.7-inch ventilated front rotors 12-inch solid rear rotors). The 4WD Crosstour uses a real time hydraulically actuated 4WD system that sends power to the rear wheels when the front wheels lose grip.

A simple Eco indicator light, along with average fuel economy and real-time fuel economy displays provide the feedback needed to adopt a light-footed driving style to get the most out of every gallon of fuel.

The Crosstour’s ride is smooth and quiet, with handling a bit more sporty than one might expect from an Accord.

The cabin is comfortable and well-equipped. The Crosstour’s leather-wrapped steering wheel has integrated audio, Bluetooth, and cruise controls. Bluetooth integration includes phonebook downloads.

Front bucket seats provide two-level heating. The driver’s seat features 10-way power adjustment (with two-position memory) and two-way power lumbar support.

The optional navigation system’s LCD screen is recessed deeply in the dash to avoid glare. The system provides voice recognition, restaurant ratings, calculator and calendar features. The backup camera display and reverse gear tilt-down side mirrors eases parking chores.

The 7-speaker 6-disc 360-watt sound system provides comprehensive USB iPod support. USB and auxiliary audio ports are tucked inside the center console. XM Radio is standard in the EX-L.

There are three twelve-volt outlets: one at the base of the dash, one inside the center console, and one in the cargo area.

Friends and family won’t squawk about riding in the spacious back seat. Despite the sloping roof, the Crosstour provides 37.2 inches of rear seat headroom. A one touch moonroof is standard in the EX-L.

Although it lacks a power liftgate, the Crosstour aced our Costco trek test. Lowering the rear seats is quick and easy. The Crosstour provides 25.7 cubic feet of cargo area with the 60/40 rear seats up and 51.3 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seats folded down. There are three underfloor storage compartments.

All-in-all, the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour delivers a sleek, unique, well-mannered and comfortable alternative to conventional SUVs and more pedestrian Crossovers. It’s been said that Europeans appreciate the virtues of station wagons – which they refer to as Touring models – far more than Americans. The name Crosstour is clearly a combination of Crossover and Touring … and perhaps a hint of what’s to come.

Honda Accord Crosstour Parts Content Information
US/Canadian Parts Content: 75%
Major Sources of Foreign Parts Content: Japan – 15%
Final Assembly Point: East Liberty, OH
Country of Origin:
Engine – United States
Transmission – United States

While some folks have complained that their hybrid cars’ gas mileage falls short of the stated numbers, we found quite the opposite to be true. We were able to meet or beat the estimates with every hybrid we tested.

But here’s the rub …

Hybrid gas mileage depends largely on technique. If a driver fails to use the tools at their disposal and drives in an inefficient manner, they’ll struggle to hit the numbers.

Truth be told, it can take some effort to beat the official gas mileage estimates, no matter what you’re driving.

This is amplified with a hybrid car or SUV, where the right techniques can pay off with eye-popping numbers under the right conditions.

To achieve the best gas mileage in a hybrid, you’ll want to use the data provided by the dashboard to alter your driving technique.

When you minimize the pressure put on the pedals and maximize the use of inertia, you’re light footing.

The accompanying video shows the dashboards of three hybrid cars that deliver the highest gas mileage results: the Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid, and Honda Insight.

Each manufacturer takes a different approach when displaying real-time fuel efficiency.

The 2010 Toyota Prius tops the charts with an estimated 51 city / 48
highway miles per gallon (MPG).

Although the center-mounted real-time fuel-efficiency display in the Prius can draw the eye away from the road to a degree, our 55.1 MPG combined results – calculated from tank fills – proved the capabilities of a conscientiously driven Prius.

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid official ratings of 41 city / 36 highway provide a hint of the car’s potential.

Using the configurable (although somewhat distracting) Smart Gauge dashboard display, we were able to easily trounce the estimates in the Fusion Hybrid, scoring an average of 44.5 MPG combined. The Smart Gauge display is an excellent training aid for light footed driving.

We found the 2010 Honda Insight to be conservatively rated at 40 city / 43 highway, and were able to easily trump the numbers with an average of
46.5 MPG combined.

The Insight’s subtle glowing ambient meter surrounds the speedometer allowing the eyes to maintain focus on traffic conditions. With a change in color from green to blue, the driver instantly senses fuel efficiency, without the need to draw attention away from the road.

Hybrids have been traditionally touted as shining over conventional vehicles in stop-and-go traffic. But the benefits clearly carry through to more open roads, when driven appropriately.

The Fusion Hybrid’s ability to cruise under electric power at speeds up to 47 miles per hour is a case-in-point. If you can adapt not just your driving technique, but also the route traveled, you can achieve remarkable results.

Although road conditions can prevent you from getting the optimum gas mileage at all times, the more in tune you are with your vehicle, the better the results.

Stay tuned for more videos on techniques and tactics that you can use to dial up your fuel efficiency.

2010 Hybrid Gas Mileage Ratings

The 2010 Honda Insight is fitted with a 1.3-liter four cylinder engine and a DC brushless electric motor, mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Insight’s inline four, produces 98 horsepower (HP) and 123 foot pounds of torque, while the electric motor adds 13 HP and 58 foot pounds of torque.

The crisply designed exterior harkens back to the original Honda Insight (sans side skirts) and the CRX which inspired the first generation hybrids.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Honda Insight are 40 city / 43 highway miles per gallon (MPG)

We rolled up more than five hundred miles on the odometer of our Clear Sky Blue Insight EX review unit and had no problem trumping the official mileage estimates with an average of 50.8 MPG on the Interstate highway and 46.5 MPG combined.

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the seventies to the high-eighties, with Interstate highway testing temperatures running into the the high eighty degree range. All tests were run in ECON mode.

The Insight scored significantly higher with cruise control off on the highway. There was insignificant difference when running the air conditioner at highway speeds over our test period.

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up (1-inch gap): 48.9 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up (1-inch gap): 54.8 MPG
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C on, windows closed: 48.7 MPG

The Insight’s hybrid power train gets the 2734 pound (curb weight with Navigation system) up to highway speeds in a reasonable amount of time. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (courtesy of the Honda Fit), provide access to seven simulated speeds, for those times when you feel the need to indulge your sporting self.

The Insight delivers crisp handling and a 36.1 foot curb-to-curb turning diameter. Some folks may consider the ride to be taught. Our only beef was with the feel of the regenerative brakes.

When driving the Insight, you’re constantly aware of gasoline consumption. The Ambient Meter surrounds the digital speedometer with glowing color that changes from green – when driving in a fuel-efficient manner, to a blue-green – for the times when the engine is under moderate load, to dark blue – when you’re really on the pedal. The speedometer’s placement keeps your eyes centered and on the road.

When you come to a full stop, the Insight’s gasoline engine may shut down, depending on conditions. This can save a considerable amount of fuel in city traffic.

Pressing the ECON button optimizes the drive train for economical driving. This function delivers more MPGs with a bit less performance. The Assist/Charge meter lets you know when the electric motor is providing power or in recharge mode.

The Multi-Information Display (MID) provides instant and average fuel economy data, along with an Eco Guide and the fuel economy results for previous trips. There’s even an “Eco Scoring” feature that turns saving gas into a game.

MPGomatic Note: While the Insight’s glowing Ambient Meter is wicked cool (and quite effective), we always recommend driving with the instant fuel economy or Eco Guide display active, in order to develop a light-footed driving technique to ensure the greatest amount of mileage from every gallon of fuel.

The Insight’s 10.6 gallon gas tank allows for very generous range, with the fill ups few and far between.

The Insight EX features a six-speaker 160-watt audio system that provides a handy USB interface, along with a standard audio input jack. (The base LX model has four speakers.) Our test unit was equipped with the satellite-linked Navigation package with voice recognition and hands-free Bluetooth. Steering wheel controls are excellent. The Insight’s iPod and USB flash drive integration is comprehensive. The USB interface allows for access to playlists, artists, albums, and songs from the Navigation system’s touchscreen display and steering wheel controls.

Note: The 2010 Prius may deliver higher gas mileage, but it does not provide an USB interface.

The rear 60/40 fold down bench seat allows for flexible cargo arrangement, with 15.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the rear seats are up and 31.5 cubic feet of capacity when the rear seats down.
Headroom in the back seat is tight for taller folks.

The Insight EX includes a number of welcome safety features, including Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals.

All-in-all, the 2010 Honda Insight is an extremely thrifty ride for the budget conscious. While its pure fuel economy numbers may fall a bit short of the Toyota Prius, the Insight’s lower sticker price make it a more economical choice. With crisp handling and tight lines, the Insight seeks to widen the niche.

2010 Honda Insight EX Navi Specs at a Glance:
Engine: 1.3-liter inline SOHC i-VTEC four cylinder with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system.
Transmission: CVT
Fuel: Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Tank Capacity: 10.6 gallons
Drive: Front-wheel
Brakes: Front-Disc / Rear-Drum (Anti-Lock)
Curb Weight: 2734 pounds with navigation (2727 without)
CARB Emissions Rating: ULEV/AT-PZEV

The natural gas powered Civic GX NGV is refilled via a Phill home fueling unit, which is tied to your home’s gas line. While initially targeted at controlled fleets and campus settings, the Civic NGV is available to individuals in select areas. Alas, it’s not for everyone. Finding an authorized Honda NGV dealer in your area may pose a significant hurdle.

It’s important to note that the Civic NGV is not a conversion, nor is it imported from overseas. In this video report shot at the 2008 Alternative Fuels and Vehicles conference, Honda representative Annabel Cook explains that the Civic NGV it is built from the ground up as a natural-gas powered vehicle at Honda’s production facility in Ohio.

The 2009 Honda Fit is available in two levels of trim, the base Fit and the Fit Sport.

All 2009 Fits are equipped with a 1.5 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Fit’s inline four produces 117 horsepower (HP) and 106 foot pounds of torque.

The official gas mileage estimates for the 2009 Honda Fit are 27 city / 33 highway miles per gallon (MPG) for both the manual transmission and Fit Sport automatic. (The base Fit automatic is estimated slightly higher at 28/35.)

We absolutely demolished the official estimates for our five-speed automatic 2009 Honda Fit Sport review unit, scoring an average of 44 MPG on the Interstate highway, with 34.3 MPG combined. Test period temperatures ranged from the thirties through the forties, with freeway speeds between 60 and 72 miles per hour (MPH).

While the Fit is fun to push through the twisty bits, both in town and out in the country, there’s no mistaking it for a rocket ship. With just 117 HP to work with, off-the-line acceleration is a bit leisurely.

Regardless of the power deficit, the Fit Sport automatic’s paddle shifters make the car a blast to drive. The paddle shifters allow you to upshift and downshift without taking your hands off the steering wheel. This makes it easy to keep the Fit’s revvy engine in its power band. (Redline comes at 6800 RPM.)

When turning, you can lose track of which paddle is which … until you feel the back of the paddles. The upshift (right) paddle has two vertical ridges that put you on track in an instant.

The Fit provides both average fuel economy and real-time MPG gauges in a LCD display just under the speedometer. This little critter responds exceptionally well to light-footed driving, but it takes some finesse. We saw distinct differences in fuel economy between driving with the cruise control on and off at highway speeds.

Cruise control on / 68 MPH average speed – 42.9 MPG
Cruise control off / 60-72 MPH speed – 45.1 MPG

The trick to getting the best fuel economy from the Fit? Use Sport mode, upshift early, watch the real-time MPG gauge, and drive conscientiously with a light foot.

Our philosophy and methodology at MPGomatic is simple. Getting the best mileage is all about knowing when to let off the gas. The greater the distance you drive with your foot completely off the accelerator pedal, the higher your MPGs.

The Fit is a driver’s car of a different sort. From the steering wheel controls through the flexible interior, versatility and thoughtful design are the emphasis.

The Fit Sport features an USB audio interface in the upper glovebox. The optional satellite-linked navigation system conveniently displays all the files on your USB digital music device, sorted by playlist, album, artist, and track. You can navigate via the navigation system’s touch screen or through the steering wheel controls. While the navigation system includes voice control, there is no voice control over USB audio.

The rear seat and cargo area are best in class. The Fit’s “Magic” back seat doesn’t just fold down, it folds completely flat … and it folds up, to boot. This allows the cargo area to accommodate the widest range of objects, with a remarkable 57.3 cubic feet of space.

The Fit is a wonderful little car but it’s not free of shortcomings. While there’s an overabundance of (10!) cupholders in the Fit, there’s only one 12-volt outlet and hands-free Bluetooth is not available. The 2010 Fit needs to offer Bluetooth and additional power outlets.

All-in-all, we found the Honda Fit Sport to be quite roomy and fun-to-drive, which can be a rare characteristic in a small car with such remarkable fuel economy. While the Fit’s not nearly as sporting as a MINI Cooper, it’s considerably less expensive, with a far more roomy and versatile interior.

But when you consider the changes in today’s cars, compared to those of the late seventies and early eighties, it all begins to make sense. The modern Civic is much more complex, much larger, and much heavier than its counterpart three decades ago.

Today’s Honda Fit is more akin to yesteryear’s Civic, yet it’s so much more.

I’m in the midst of testing a Fit this week and I can’t help but think how much it reminds me of my trusty old 1983 Honda Civic S. (I didn’t leave the “i” off … the S model predated the Si.) But the Civic’s interior was much tighter inside than the Fit. That’s not to say that it couldn’t haul stuff. I used the little hatchback as a moving van more than once, back in the day. But when I flipped the Fit’s Magic Seat around the first time, I was flabbergasted. There’s a remarkable amount of cargo space inside the little critter.

And the highway mileage?

It’s good. Really good. This is one of the cars that responds so well to light-footed driving that you have to question the official numbers …

Our MPGomatic Honda CR-V review was one of our earliest efforts. Over a week-long early spring test drive, our AWD 2008 CR-V EX-L lived up to its billing, delivering a comfortable car-like ride unlike any CR-V we’d driven before, with plenty of creature comforts. While some CR-V owners might gripe about the mileage, we found that careful use of the center-dash real-time MPG monitor will enable you to squeak past the official estimates.

Here at MPGomatic, we recommend that you puruse a wide variety of reviews when considering the purchase of a new vehicle. Although this early effort might overlook a feature or two, we’ve always aimed to deliver a real world review from the driver’s seat, while relying upon the automotive community as a whole to cover all the bases. We like to think of this as an open-source model. Rather than getting mired down with a checklist of features in our three-minute review, we’ve undertaken the efford to create a mashup of CR-V reviews that paints a complete picture of Honda’s not-so-little (anymore) SUV…

Kelly Blue Book’s Honda CR-V review exhaustively details the CR-V’s standard features and the options, as it delves into the details with lingering looks and attractive scenery. As always, KBB does a fine job of covering pricing and financial issues …

Weighing in at just under two minutes, The Toronto Star and Wheels.ca’s Honda CR-V review takes it to the street and pulls no punches, when it refers to the CR-V as “a bit of a wallflower” when compared to more sporting competition …

cnet’s 2009 Honda CR-V review gushes over the new and generally very pleasant CR-V after referring to the previous generation as a “barbaric little ruffian.” cnet’s review earns high notes by tackling the tech details of the top-of-the-line EX-L’s standard navigation and audio system.

In May 2008, we had the opportunity to taste the forbidden fruit. Our Honda CR-V diesel test drive through the streets of Las Vegas, Nevada provides a rare glimpse of what it’s like to drive a diesel-powered CR-V through American traffic …

While rumor had it that Honda was nearly ready to begin importing the torquey and fuel-efficient CR-V diesel here to the States, those dreams have been dashed, at least for the time being …

The original Honda Insight’s remarkable gas mileage ratings are largely due to its tiny three cylinder engine. In the 2005 Insight (shown above), the highly efficient 1.0 liter engine produces 67 horsepower (HP) and 73 foot pounds of torque when mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The electric motor adds an additional 14 HP. When fitted with an automatic transmission, the 2005 Insight’s 1.0 liter engine produces 65 HP and 73 foot-pounds of torque, with the electric motor producing an additional 13 HP. The 2005 Insight’s NiMH battery storage system delivers 144V, using 120 1.2V cells, with a rated capacity of 6.5 AH.

The Insight grew significantly for the 2010 model year and is now a four-door, four-cylinder vehicle. So what’s it like to drive? Check out our 2010 Honda Insight review!

Honda Insight Gas Mileage 2000-2010

Viewing the statistics, it’s easy to understand how the Insight hybrid achieved those remarkable gas mileage results. Weighing in at under a ton, Honda’s little spaceship had a big head start, with a diminutive 1.0 liter three cylinder engine providing just enough oomph and efficiency to land the micro hybrid’s gas mileage in the stratosphere.

With the Insight put out to pasture after the 2006 model year, the Toyota Prius snatched the hybrid gas mileage crown, edging out the Honda Civic Hybrid.

The mid-decade loss of the Civic Hybrid’s manual transmission option is worth noting. With the ever-increasing focus on fuel-efficiency and a Honda sports hybrid on the way, it might not be the last we see of the stick-shift Honda hybrids.

The promise of the 100 mile per gallon (MPG) hybrid isn’t a dream … it’s achievable today, with an aftermarket plug-in hybrid conversion kit.

2000-2008 Hybrid Gas Mileage

After opening remarks from diesel hot rodding legend Gale Banks, attention turned to the race course laid out though the parking lots of the Rio Hotel and a generous selection of Euro-diesel gems from Bosch’s fleet.

Attendees were treated to some of the finest examples of diesel engineering currently prowling the streets of Europe, including a Honda Accord i-CDTi and i-CDTi CR-V, Chrysler 300, BMW 535d M Sport, Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, and a Mercedes-Benz E320.

Two of the newest and smallest additions to Bosch’s fleet proved to be the hits of the evening, with the MINI Cooper D and BMW 123d M Sport hot hatchbacks especially well suited to the tight curves of the Rio track.

For those that had never driven a modern clean diesel vehicle, the event was an eye opener, with each vehicle delivering exceptional performance and economy in their respective classes.

For attendees that missed the event … there’s always next year …