2013 Honda Crosstour Debuts: 2012 New York Auto Show

Luke Vandezande
by Luke Vandezande

Despite questionable sales and previously poor customer reception Honda unveiled a re-thought and re-designed Crosstour today at the New York Auto Show.

As part of its strategy to sugar-coat what has otherwise seemed to be a bitter pill to most American consumers, the 2013 Crosstour has sharper lines, improved engines across the board and a standard six-speed automatic transmission for the V6 and five-speed automatic with the four. Though not offered on the four-cylinder, V6 customers will also get paddle shifters.

Among the other changes offered in the 2013 Crosstour, improved interior material and a new eight-inch infotainment display are meant to improve the driving experience from a comfort standpoint.

Although the 2.4-liter inline four cylinder isn’t any more powerful, Honda says both engines will be more efficient and the V6 will also see a power gain, though actual horsepower ratings aren’t available yet.

This fall when it goes on sale, the 2013 Crosstour will be safer to drive too, but only if you decide to pay for the added safety options like lane departure and front collision warning.

Gas mileage will also improve to offer class-leading V6 fuel economy according to the automaker, which is good because previous Crosstours haven’t offered particularly attractive fuel specs, which probably compounded the less-than-popular reputation the car suffered.

The latest iteration brings a more crossover-styled experience which might serve to spur improved sales, though the vehicle has a difficult history: to contend.

Luke Vandezande
Luke Vandezande

Luke is an energetic automotive journalist who spends his time covering industry news and crawling the internet for the latest breaking story. When he isn't in the office, Luke can be found obsessively browsing used car listings, drinking scotch at his favorite bar and dreaming of what to drive next, though the list grows a lot faster than his bank account. He's always on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> looking for a good car conversation. Find Luke on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> and <A title="Luke on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/112531385961538774338?rel=author">Google+</A>.

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