Automotive
Honda may be looking at a familiar idea with much better timing this time around. According to Automotive News, Honda is considering a lifted Accord-based utility vehicle that could target Subaru Outback buyers who miss the more wagon-like personality of earlier Outback generations. The reported model was referred to as the “Accord SUV” in a planning document, with possible production starting in mid-2029 if the project moves forward.
The idea sounds a lot like a modern rethink of the Honda Accord Crosstour, the oddball hatchback-like crossover that arrived for the 2010 model year and later dropped the Accord name before being discontinued after 2015. The Crosstour struggled because buyers at the time did not fully know what to make of it. It was not quite a sedan, not quite an SUV, and not quite a wagon. But the market has changed dramatically since then, with buyers now far more open to lifted long-roof vehicles that blend car-like driving manners with extra ride height and cargo flexibility.
This reported Accord SUV would likely arrive alongside the next-generation Accord sedan and use Honda’s next-generation hybrid powertrain. That setup is expected to include a new direct-drive motor, generator motor, and battery, which could give Honda a strong efficiency story if the vehicle reaches production. A Marysville, Ohio, build location has also been mentioned in the report, which would make sense since the Accord sedan is already assembled there.
The Subaru Outback angle is especially interesting. Subaru’s latest Outback has moved further toward a traditional SUV shape, potentially leaving space for a vehicle that keeps more of the old wagon-like feel. If Honda can package an Accord-based crossover with a long wheelbase, a large rear hatch, slightly bigger tires, a modest suspension lift, and strong hybrid fuel economy, it could land in a surprisingly useful niche for buyers who do not want another conventional compact or midsize SUV.
For now, this remains only a reported possibility. Honda told Car and Driver that the information is not based on any Honda announcement and added that it has no plans to make this type of vehicle. That is a pretty firm public statement, but automaker planning can change, especially when market gaps open up. If Honda does eventually revisit the Crosstour formula, the key will be execution. The original may have been ahead of its time, but a smarter, cleaner, hybrid-powered Accord SUV could make far more sense in a market that now understands exactly what a lifted wagon can be.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
