Honda introducing 4-cylinder versions of Crosstour crossover; improved fuel economy over V6 models
22 December 2011
Honda is introducing new four-cylinder, two-wheel-drive versions of the Honda Crosstour crossover in the US next month, in an attempt to broaden the vehicle’s appeal through a lower price point and improved fuel economy.
The 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine in the Crosstour 192 hp (143 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft (220 N·m) of torque at 4,400 RPM, while achieving an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 21/29/24 mpg US (11.2/8.1/9.8 L/100 km). By comparison, the 271 hp (202 kW) 2WD 3.5L V6 model is EPA rated at 18/27/21 mpg US.
To enhance efficiency, a 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is standard equipment.
With the launch of the new four-cylinder Crosstour models, some features are now standard across the entire Crosstour family, which first debuted for the 2010 model year with V6 power. Standard features now include an automatic dimming rearview mirror, a rearview mirror back-up camera display for improved rear visibility (non-Navigation models), convenient auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth3 HandsFreeLink and USB audio interface.
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| 2012 Crosstour (4-cylinder). Click to enlarge. |
Having driven this powertrain in the TSX I have a hard time imagining how slow it will be off the line in a heavy beast like this. As far as I'm concerned, Honda's all-power no-torque fixation started to hit the wall by about 2000 and now ruins the appeal of almost all of their vehicles for me. I find this platform sluggish even in with the V6, because it doesn't have much low-end either and the transmission is always trying to lug along like other manufacturer's do. But the lugging approach is acceptable in a vehicle with low-end torque, and Honda's dont have any these days.
The last Honda I drove that had a good balance of power and torque for my use was a '97 Accord, which had 130 hp but didn't have to rev to get the car moving and wasn't always the last one across the intersection when the light turned green.
Posted by: Wes | 22 December 2011 at 05:07 AM
ugly useless car.
Posted by: dursun | 22 December 2011 at 11:36 AM
Honda used to be such a strong brand. What happened to it ? They have to redo the new Civic. Seems like they also hastily redid the Crosstour. I considered the Crosstour some 2 years ago when I wanted to switch to a bigger car. Bought a Kia Sorento 2011, that has the same mpg as the improved Crosstour, same standard features already back there, but more utility, and am happy with it ever since.
Posted by: D | 22 December 2011 at 11:46 AM