Honda has made some questionable decisions on its North American products over the past few years, and it is (literally) paying the price by hurrying in facelifts to rectify some of the problems for cars like the Civic sedan and the Crosstour.
The updated 2013 Crosstour comes exactly three years after Honda launched the high-riding liftback on the American market in November 2009, initially as the Accord Crosstour before it changed its name.
We first saw the crossover model wearing its refreshed skin at the New York Auto Show this past April, though, at the time, Honda baptized it as a concept. As expected, nothing has changed on the production version with the redesign giving the Crosstour a slightly more rugged exterior look.
This was achieved through a new and more prominent front grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers that now accommodate protective black moldings and silver trays, along with matching side sills. The newly designed alloy wheels in sizes 17- to 18-inches, depending on the model, a fresh assortment of colors round out the exterior makeover.
Interior revisions include upgraded materials along with styling and ergonomic changes to the steering wheel and center console designs.
Enhancements on the safety front include the addition of an available Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) , a new keyless Smart Entry with Push Button start, a new rearview camera, re-shaped rear headrests and Expanded View Driver’s Mirror.
Under the bonnet, the base version of the Crosstour continues with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 192 horsepower, matched to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
For 2013, Honda has equipped the top Crosstour with a re-engineered 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine from its Earth Dreams series, featuring a Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) that allows the unit to run on 3 or 6 cylinders, depending on engine load and speed.
Power output in the new V6 climbs 7hp to 278hp at 6,200 rpm, while peak torque output is now 252 lb-ft. at 4,900 rpm. There’s also a new 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. According to Honda, the FWD model returns 20mpg city, 29mpg highway and 23 mpg combined, while the AWD version, 18/28/22 mpg respectively.
The 2013 Crosstour will arrive in U.S. dealerships on November 20, 2012, with a starting price of $27,230 (excluding an $825 destination charge), which is $525 lower than the 2012 model.
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