As promised, Honda->ke34 has unveiled the Honda Crosstour Concept at a catered media reception at the 2012 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in hopes of reviving a vehicle that has had less than stellar performance on the market. This new concept follows the original Accord Crosstour->ke3922 that was launched back in 2010 and the renamed Honda Crosstour in 2012 (when it dropped the Accord nomenclature). The Honda Crosstour Concept is our first taste as to what we can expect for the 2013 model of this struggling crossover.

The list of changes for the new Honda Crosstour Concept include exterior and interior upgrades, a new 6-speed automatic transmission for the V6 versions, and safety upgrades for both four-cylinder and V6 versions.

"Fueled by a combination of versatility, luxury, and efficiency, owners have demonstrated remarkable devotion to the Honda Crosstour," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "The 2013 Crosstour Concept shows how Honda will strengthen the styling and add even more content to one of the most efficient offerings in the class."

UPDATE 04/05/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images of the 2012 Honda Crosstour Concept.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Honda Crosstour Concept.

2013 Honda Crosstour Concept

Specifications
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  • Model: 2013 Honda Crosstour Concept
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Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

For the 2013 model year, the new Crosstour will receive a more aggressive and athletic front end, new contrasting moldings on the lower door garnish, and cleaner front and rear fascias. Honda has also installed new integrated foglamp treatment complemented by a slotted finish beneath the headlights and a more bolder grille. The concept sits on a new set of 19" 5-spoke wheels, while the production version will benefit from a new set of 18" alloy wheels.

The interior will receive heavily revised trim materials, a new 8-inch, in-dash information display, keyless ignition, and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters on the V-6 models.

Engine

The 2013 Honda Crosstour will be offered with a choice of a 2.4 liter inline-four cylinder engine or a new 3.5 liter V6 engine. The V6 version will receive a new 6-speed automatic transmission and will utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology to achieve class-leading V-6 fuel economy.

The four-cylinder engine delivers a total of 192 HP at 7,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control as standard.

When Can I Buy One?

The production version of the new Honda Crosstour will go on sale in Fall 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Even though Honda wanted the Crosstour to be a competitor for the BMW X6, we think that it will have to stick with its usual competition: the Toyota Venza. The Venza has also been updated for the 2013 model year with a new exterior look, a new interior, and a choice of either a four-cylinder or a V6 engine. Honda is going to have to try a little harder to get anywhere near the BMW X6's status.