The new Honda Crosstour is aptly named — it's a great touring car and it's a cross between, well, um, OK, that's a problem. See, it handles like a car, much like the Honda Accord it's based on, in fact. But it has nearly twice the cargo space and is slightly higher off the ground. Crossover, right? Well, it is shaped like a crossover, but it really can't compete in the cargo department with other crossovers — or even compact wagons for that matter. Plus, no third-row seats are available like they are with many crossovers and SUVs.

All things considered, it's just not quite as versatile as a crossover.

Whatever you choose to call this concept, Honda thinks you're going to like it. I do, too, especially if you approve of its not-universally-adored looks.

It has a sleek, low-profile and sporty appearance — better than the Accord sedan, and that may attract the Accord buyers. I think it is good-looking, especially in a crossover segment that isn't screaming with beauty in the first place. Crossovers offer lots of things, but stunning looks is not one of them.

Some say it looks like an Accord that needs to get on the treadmill and slim down that derriere. It differs from the sedan in that it has a wide-opening tailgate so you can store nearly twice as much as in the sedan.

There's also under-floor storage with reversible floor panels — carpeted on one side and plastic on the other — so you can put dirty stuff in there and not slop up the carpet.

Levers in the rear flip down the seats to create 51.3 cubic feet of cargo space. And there's 26 cubic feet of space with the second row of seats in use — which compares favorably to the Accord sedan. You can also get a six-foot ladder in the back of the Crosstour, with its cargo length of 75.5 inches (with rear seats down).

So, yes, it's roomier than the sedan. Still, if you're shopping crossovers and cargo is a high priority, you can do better.

If the interior looks familiar, it's because the Crosstour shares the same instrument panel as the sedan. Easy to see and use dials and knobs.

The sloping roof may cut off some room when compared to the squarer competitors, like the Subaru Outback, but I found it does not hamper head room for back-seat passengers.

Driving visibility is good, though not all will like the split window in the rear. The divider is a necessary evil; I'd rather it wasn't there but if it wasn't visibility would be insufficient. You'll get used to it.

For the record, the Crosstour is 2.7 inches longer than the sedan, 2 inches wider and 3.6 inches taller.

On the road, the front-wheel-drive Crosstour is again — surprise — much like the Accord sedan. All the underpinnings are basically the same. Except that it is quieter thanks to components designed to subdue noise and vibration.

Steering might be a tad more responsive with a constant steer ratio rather than the variable ratio setup in the sedan. Crosstour handles corners without worry — despite the fact that it's higher than the sedan. A five-speed automatic is the only tranny available but it's smooth through the gears.

All Crosstours get the 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine that features a cylinder deactivation system. That means you get full V-6 power when you need it, and more economical performance when you don't. It can run on three, four or all six cylinders.

The engine has 271 horses and puts out 254 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Zero-to-60 gets done in around 7.5 seconds.

The ride is on the firm side but comfortable even for longer rides. Mileage is rated at 18 mpg city, 27 highway for the two-wheel-drive version (17 city, 25 highway for the all-wheel-drive). My combined mileage on the AWD for the week was around 20 mpg.

Accord Crosstour gets stability control, ABS with brake assist which applies more pressure in emergencies if you don't, side curtain air bags and rollover sensors.

It comes in only two trim levels, the EX and EX-L. There's an enormous amount to be satisfied with, however, in the lower EX: 360-watt 6-disc audio system with 7 speakers, 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, cruise control and audio controls on the steering wheel. Go for he EX-L and you get leather on the seats, wheel and shifter knob, 18-inch wheels and memory seats for the driver.

The Crosstour is an admirable attempt to tap into the crossover world, converting an extremely popular sedan into a crossover of sorts. It fits between Honda's CR-V compact SUV and the midsize Pilot. If you like the ride and reliability of he steadfast Accord but hankered for just a bit more versatility, you're going to like the Crosstour. If you have bigger dreams when it comes to space and versatility, there's much to explore in this segment.

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PRICE:

Accord Crosstour 2WD EX: $25,670

Accord Crosstour 4WD EX-L: $34,020