The 2015 Honda Crosstour 4WD with the 3.5L V6 gets 22 MPG combined, which isn’t going to win any awards. But this is the fuel economy reality for those who need its unique blend of utility and car-like driving. Nobody buys a Crosstour expecting great fuel economy. Instead, they buy it for its cargo versatility, comfortable ride, and the added security of all-wheel drive. The six-cylinder engine is a known quantity, offering ample power for merging and passing. Its performance, coupled with the practicality, makes the fuel consumption acceptable to its owners.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 Honda Crosstour 4WD V6 at 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures are useful for broad comparisons, but remember that your actual results will vary based on driving style, traffic conditions, and even tire pressure. Short trips and aggressive acceleration will decrease your city mileage. Consistent highway cruising at moderate speeds should allow you to approach, or even slightly exceed, the 27 MPG estimate. The six-speed automatic transmission, though not the most modern design, does a decent job of keeping the engine in its optimal rev range for both power and efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Honda Crosstour 4WD V6 is $2,000. This figure assumes 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. This cost can change depending on current fuel prices, your individual driving habits, and the percentage of city versus highway driving you do. Expect to spend more than $2,000 if you primarily drive in stop-and-go traffic. Your fuel costs could be lower if you frequently make long highway trips.

Real-world expectations

The EPA numbers provide a baseline, but owners commonly report slightly different real-world fuel economy figures. A combined average of around 20-23 MPG is more realistic, especially with mixed driving. The weight of cargo, use of air conditioning, and even the condition of the vehicle’s spark plugs can influence fuel consumption. The Crosstour’s all-wheel drive system adds weight and complexity, which can negatively impact fuel economy compared to a front-wheel drive variant. To compare with other models, see CROSSTOUR MPG across all years for the best possible figures.

How it compares

The 2015 Honda Crosstour 4WD V6 competes with other vehicles offering similar utility with varying degrees of fuel efficiency. The 2015 Toyota Venza V6 AWD achieves roughly the same fuel economy, with a combined rating of 22 MPG (19 city/26 highway). A 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R gets a slightly better 22 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), with standard all-wheel drive. A smaller, more modern SUV like the 2015 Honda CR-V AWD yields a significant improvement, with EPA ratings of 29 MPG combined (26 city/33 highway). The CR-V lacks the Crosstour’s powerful V6 engine and distinct styling that some buyers want. Drivers interested in more efficient Hondas can explore all Honda fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2015 Honda Crosstour’s V6 engine performs best with smooth acceleration. Avoid aggressive starts and hard braking, as these decrease fuel economy. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed to keep the engine operating efficiently. This is important in city driving where frequent stops waste fuel.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes, as pressure can fluctuate with the weather.

Reduce excess weight in the vehicle. Carrying unnecessary items adds extra load, which negatively affects fuel economy. Clear out any clutter and remove items that you don’t regularly need, especially heavy objects.

Consider using cruise control on the highway to maintain a constant speed and avoid unintentional acceleration. This can improve your highway fuel economy, especially on long trips. Avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, negating its benefits.

Regular maintenance is important for optimal fuel economy. Ensure that your engine’s air filter is clean, and that you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, spark plug replacements, and other essential services. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, saving you money at the pump.