The new Honda Accord Crosstour blurs the lines between wagons, SUVs, and sedans offering both benefits and compromise associated with those more traditional car types. Like the Acura ZDX and BMW X6, the more affordable Accord Crosstour has a tall stance and all-wheel drive, but the design hurts visibility, rear access, and cargo space. Its shape and accommodations are sedan-like, but a hatchback and folding rear seats add to versatility.

The 271-hp, 3.5-liter V6 and five-speed automatic transmission together deliver very smooth and responsive performance, and the all-wheel-drive system works unobtrusively.

Fuel economy is good for an SUV, but it falls short of the Accord sedan. Even the handling and 43-foot turning circle is more in line with a SUV than a car. We're also disappointed that for the $34,000 sticker price of our test car, you don't get a backup camera or an onboard computer that gives range to empty or fuel consumption stats.