It’s safe to say that the Honda Accord Crosstour is not the most beautiful on the market but the vehicle compensates with other great features. And in order to make it even more attractive, the Japanese carmaker has recently announced a new powertrain available for the model which is more fuel efficient than current versions.
The engine I’m talking about is a new four cylinder 16-valve i-VTEC unit with a 2.4-liter displacement that produces 192 hp at 7,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. According to Honda’s official press release, the new engine is mated to a five speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control and achieves a fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway and 24 mph on the combined cycle.
The Honda Crosstour with the new engine will be available in two trim levels, EX and EX-L and the fact that it’s the most fuel efficient Crosstour doesn’t mean the model didn’t get a long list of standard and optional features. Standard features for both trim levels include USB and Bluetooth connectivity, automatic headlights and rearview camera with guidelines. In addition to these features, the Crosstour EX also gets moonroof, power side mirrors with defrost, power windows, rear privacy glass, projector beam headlights, sound system with seven speakers, cruise control, audio system and phone controls mounted on the steering wheel, plus 60/40 split rear seatback.
Besides these features, the Crosstour EX-L also offers heated front seats with leather-trimmed surfaces, memory seat and side mirrors for the driver, steering wheel wrapped in leather, a premium sound system with XM Radio, satellite navigation and dual-zone climate control.
The two new Crosstour versions will also get 17-inch alloy wheels, two new colors (Twilight Blue Metallic and Basque Red Pearl II) and body-color door handles. Safety features are also decent, with an ACETM (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ABS with brake assist and brake distribution, several airbags including curtain aribags plus rollover sensor, active front seat head restraints and Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) for the passenger’s seat.
The new Honda Crosstour EX and EX-L will be assembled at the same East Liberty Auto Plant facility as the other Crosstours, in Ohio and will come with a 3 year or 36,000 miles limited warranty, a 5 year or 60,000 miles powertrain limited warranty and a 5 year and unlimited miles corrosion limited warranty. Pricing is still unknown, but Honda will probably release more details closer to the model’s market launch, scheduled for January 2012.