Honda is reportedly planning a new model that revives the Crosstour concept: a lifted Accord hatchback aimed at Subaru Outback buyers.
The vehicle, internally referred to as the Accord SUV, could enter production around mid-2029 at Honda's Marysville, Ohio plant, according to sources cited by Automotive News.
Not a Conventional SUV
Despite the SUV label, the Accord SUV is not expected to be a traditional SUV slotting between the CR-V, Passport, and Pilot.
Instead, it will be a raised Accord hatchback with larger wheels and tires, increased ground clearance, and a more practical cargo area, while retaining the sedan's long-wheelbase platform.
The new model will likely share Honda's next-generation hybrid powertrain with the redesigned Accord sedan, which is expected to arrive around the same time.
Honda plans to have 15 hybrid models globally by 2030, and the Accord is expected to become hybrid-only by 2031.
Targeting Subaru Outback Shoppers
Dealers reportedly see Subaru as the primary competitor.
Edmunds analyst Ivan Drury noted that the Outback was consistently among the top 10 vehicles purchased by customers leaving Honda between 2020 and 2025.
Honda currently lacks a direct rival for the Outback, making this model a strategic addition.
One Honda dealer described the potential customer as someone "ready to move on from a sedan but not quite ready to make the full plunge into an SUV."
Building the Accord SUV on the existing Accord platform could keep development costs manageable while offering a roomier, taller alternative.
Learning from the Crosstour
Honda previously attempted a similar concept with the Accord Crosstour, launched in 2010. However, U.
S. sales peaked at 28,851 units in its first year, and Honda discontinued the model in 2015.
The Crosstour was criticized for its awkward design, a mistake Honda is likely to avoid this time.
The new Accord SUV may draw design cues from the Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype shown in May, and possibly from the axed Model 0 Saloon and 0 SUV concepts.
While its final look remains under wraps, it is expected to be more appealing than the Crosstour.
