Non-periodic homogenization has proved to be an accurate asymptotic method for computing long-wavelength equivalent media for the seismic wave equation, turning small-scale heterogeneities and geometric complexity into smooth elastic properties. Using homogenized media allows i) decreasing the computation cost of wave propagation simulation and ii) studying the apparent, small-scale-induced anisotropy. After illustrating these two aspects briefly, I propose to analyze in great detail the accuracy of body waves simulated in homogenized 3D models of the subsurface. First, the behaviour of head-, reflected and refracted waves with respect to source-receiver offset, maximum frequency and velocity contrast across a planar interface, is investigated. Then, I consider the SEG-EAGE overthrust model to exemplify how the accuracy of simulated body waves anti-correlates with the distance to seismic source and the amount of apparent anisotropy. In high apparent anisotropy regions, we show that the first-order correction provided by the homogenization theory significantly improves the computed wavefield. The overall results of this analysis better frame the use of homogenized media in seismic wave simulation.