Honda faced intensely negative reaction when it first released pictures of its upcoming Accord Crosstour CUV. A few automotive journalists had the chance to drive the Crosstour yesterday, however – and their reactions are far more mixed than the overwhelming criticism those first pictures triggered.

Cars.com can now see the point of the odd-looking vehicle. "Fans of the [Accord] sedan who need some extra cargo room might want to put it on their shortlist," they write. And, as the second best-selling car in America last year, the Accord certainly has some fans.

The Crosstour is far from perfect in Cars.com’s estimation. "Honda makes the car out to be some sort of marriage between luxury and versatility," they reports, but "on each, it comes up short." The company plans to price the Crosstour close to $30,000, they note, "and there isn't enough that sets it apart from its modestly priced sedan counterpart." It also lacks certain utility, thanks to its steeply raked roofline. "Relative to the range of wagon and crossover alternatives, the Crosstour still doesn't offer a particularly spacious setup."

It does, however, offer a more entertaining driving experience.  Motor Trend writes, "It's smooth, supple (though rarely floaty), and simultaneously nearly absent the tire noise we've come to grudgingly endure in Accords." The Crosstour’s steering is a bit more "languid" than a typical Honda offering, they write. "Frankly, it rides more like a big Toyota or Lexus." They conclude, "This is one delightful car to drive."

The Crosstour’s obvious rival is the Toyota Venza. With less cargo space but a more athletic ride than the Venza, reviewers aren’t sure that Honda has put forth a better effort than Toyota.  Popular Mechanics writes, "If absolute utility is the main criteria for selecting one of these tall wagons, the Toyota Venza offers more cargo capacity and greater hauling capability in a taller crossover package. But if driving fun is the larger part of the equation, the Crosstour is the more engaging partner."

Buyers might, however, be scared off by the starting price Honda expects to ask for even the least well-equipped Crosstour.  Car and Driver notes, "Prices start at $30,380 for front-drivers --about three grand above a V-6 Accord sedan -- and approach $37,000 for one like our test car, with all-wheel drive and navigation. Comparable Venzas and [Subaru] Outbacks both top out similarly, but also offer four-cylinder options for thousands less, and the Subaru includes standard all-wheel drive."

And, of course, there is the matter of its odd appearance.

After seeing it in person, Motor Trend writes, "The Crosstour is not exactly museum material, parked next to Toyota's Venza or Nissan's Murano (as Honda smartly arranged) the Crosstour is aesthetically competitive."

Others are less chartable.

Car and Driver reports, "A conventional Accord wagon likely would have served the same role. And would have looked better doing it."

And Cars.com bluntly says the Crosstour "was struck -- bludgeoned, really -- by the ugly stick."

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