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Honda Wants to Turn the Accord Into an Outback Rival—And This Time, It Might Actually Work

Hope @ProStreet
Illustration of a lifted Honda Accord hybrid crossover parked beside a Subaru Outback with rugged styling, roof rails, and crossover body cladding.

For years, enthusiasts have watched automakers abandon sedans in favor of SUVs, crossovers, and anything with black plastic wheel arches. Now, according to multiple reports, Honda may be preparing its next big move: a lifted, hybrid-only Accord crossover designed to compete directly with the Subaru Outback.

If that sounds familiar, you’re probably remembering the Honda Accord Crosstour—a vehicle that arrived years ahead of its time, confused nearly everyone, and quietly disappeared from showrooms after disappointing sales.

Ironically, Honda may have been right all along.

Today, buyers can’t seem to get enough of rugged-looking crossovers that promise adventure while spending 99% of their lives commuting to Costco. Timing, as they say, is everything.

Honda Reportedly Has a New Accord SUV in the Works

According to recent industry reports, Honda is evaluating a new model internally referred to as the “Accord SUV.” If approved, production could begin around 2029 at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio plant alongside the next-generation Accord. The model would reportedly feature Honda’s upcoming hybrid powertrain and target buyers who once gravitated toward the Subaru Outback’s wagon-like practicality.

Unlike a traditional SUV, the concept appears to blend:

In other words, it sounds suspiciously like the formula Subaru has been perfecting for decades.

Wait… Didn’t Honda Already Try This?

Yes.

It was called the Accord Crosstour, later shortened to simply Crosstour, and it launched for the 2010 model year.

Unfortunately, buyers weren’t interested.

At least not then.

The Crosstour offered:

What it didn’t have was good timing.

Back then, Americans still largely viewed midsize sedans and traditional SUVs as separate categories. The idea of a lifted fastback crossover confused shoppers.

Fast forward to 2026, and nearly every manufacturer builds something remarkably similar.

Sometimes being early is worse than being wrong.

Why Honda Thinks It Can Beat Subaru

The Subaru Outback has evolved dramatically over the years.

Originally known as a lifted station wagon, today’s Outback leans much closer to SUV territory while still offering:

Honda apparently sees an opportunity.

Many buyers no longer want large three-row SUVs.

Instead, they want something that:

That description fits an Accord-based crossover surprisingly well.

Hybrid Power Makes More Sense Than Ever

Reports indicate Honda’s next-generation hybrid system would power both the upcoming Accord sedan and this potential crossover. The new hybrid setup is expected to feature redesigned electric motors, a new battery, and improved efficiency.

That’s probably the smartest part of the plan.

Today’s buyers increasingly prioritize:

Honda hybrids have built a strong reputation in all four categories.

Rather than chasing horsepower numbers, Honda appears focused on maximizing everyday usability.

Not every vehicle needs 500 horsepower.

Sometimes people simply want to pass a gas station without developing a personal relationship with the owner.

The Crosstour Failed Because Buyers Weren’t Ready

Looking back, the Crosstour may have been one of Honda’s most misunderstood vehicles.

It offered many of the features people now actively seek:

Unfortunately, styling became the biggest talking point.

Its sloping rear design divided opinions almost immediately.

Sales never recovered.

Today?

Vehicles like the:

prove there’s now a healthy market for lifted wagons and crossover-style cars.

Honda simply arrived about fifteen years too soon.

Will Enthusiasts Hate It?

Probably.

Enthusiasts tend to mourn every sedan, manual transmission, and naturally aspirated engine that disappears.

Meanwhile, everyone else buys crossovers.

Honda has already demonstrated it’s willing to follow customer demand rather than internet comment sections.

If a lifted Accord sells significantly better than another conventional sedan, the business decision becomes fairly obvious.

Automakers answer to customers.

Customers keep buying SUVs.

Could This Replace the Accord Sedan?

Probably not immediately.

Reports suggest the traditional Accord sedan would continue alongside the crossover if the project receives final approval.

That gives Honda flexibility.

Customers wanting:

could still buy the Accord.

Meanwhile buyers wanting:

could choose the crossover.

It’s essentially the same strategy Subaru has successfully used for years.

My Take

Normally I’d be first in line complaining about another sedan becoming an SUV.

This time?

I actually understand Honda’s thinking.

The market has changed.

People want:

A lifted Accord hybrid checks every one of those boxes.

Would I still personally prefer Honda build another Accord Coupe with a turbo engine and six-speed manual?

Absolutely.

Will enough people actually buy that to justify production?

Probably not.

Honda learned that lesson years ago.

Final Thoughts

Nothing has been officially confirmed yet, but the idea of an Accord-based hybrid crossover makes considerably more sense today than the Crosstour ever did back in 2010.

Honda isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel.

It’s simply recognizing that buyers who once wanted wagons now buy crossovers.

If Honda can combine:

it could finally have the Outback competitor the company has been searching for all along.

Ironically, Honda may end up succeeding by building almost the same vehicle it introduced fifteen years ago.

Turns out the Crosstour wasn’t necessarily a bad idea.

It was just born in the wrong decade.

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