Honda is missing a big American customer base by not offering a direct rival to the immensely popular Subaru Outback, but the automaker is reportedly working on a solution: a lifted version of the Accord sedan. That’s according to Automotive News, which says a lifted Accord mid-size hatchback with more utility, a higher driving position, and a versatile cargo area was seen in a Honda planning document. That sounds a lot like the ill-fated Accord Crosstour that left the market in 2015. This document reportedly named the new vehicle “Accord SUV,” and an inside source claims the vehicle is expected to enter production in the middle of 2029, potentially in Marysville, Ohio. And it won’t arrive alone.
Honda Accord Redesign Will Come With SUV Flavor
Honda
New concepts shown in May of this year hint at the design direction Honda and luxury arm Acura are heading, and while the sedan concept supposedly previews the next Civic, its styling will doubtless heavily influence the Accord, too. The report claims both the redesigned Accord and its new SUV sibling, which may carry a new name, will arrive around the same time, and both would be powered by Honda’s next-generation hybrid setup. Naturally, Honda would not comment on future products so far in advance, but the data suggests an Accord SUV would help the brand steal a slice of the Outback’s market.
Related: Honda Is Ready To Bet Big On America
According to Edmunds analyst Ivan Drury, from 2020 through 2025, the Outback was consistently one of the 10 most popular vehicles that customers who left Honda chose. Dealers have also complained that they’re losing out on potential sales by not having something for those who want more space than a sedan provides without making the jump to a big SUV like a Pilot. Indeed, AutoForecast Solutions says the lifted Accord variant could be even more popular than the beloved sedan. Yes, the original CrossTour was a flop, but buyers’ tastes have evolved since then, as evidenced by the market proliferation of vehicles like the BMW X2, Acura ADX, and other swoopy crossovers.
Honda To Focus On Power And Efficiency
Honda
Honda’s current hybrids are excellent (having sampled several options, one of the Autoblog staff is even planning to buy one), but its upcoming new hybrids will be even better, producing more power and being capable of towing heavier loads while offering better gas mileage. The Odyssey minivan and the aforementioned Pilot are in line for a new V6 hybrid with AWD that is aiming for a 30 percent improvement in fuel economy and 10 percent quicker acceleration compared to the current gasoline powertrains.
Autoblog’s take: A new midsize, mildly rugged crossover to encroach on the Subaru Outback’s market share is almost guaranteed to be a success, particularly if the new hybrids are as good as Honda expects. Hybrids are a first consideration for those suffering from high gas prices, and if the popular Accord can extend its 50-year American legacy by being built here, its affordability despite tariffs and indefinite Middle East conflict should remain strong.
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