Question of the Day: Poor Subaru! Honda Takes Aim at the Outback — Do You Want One?
Apparently, the Honda Accord has a problem: Subaru. More importantly, it plans to fix it by 2029.
Honda is pondering developing a version of the Accord, one of its iconic nameplates, that could better compete with crossovers with off-road capability, like the Subaru Outback. According to Automotive News, which cited a “person with knowledge of the plan,” data shows Honda loses more Accord customers to the Subaru Outback than any other vehicle.
To combat those losses, Honda is considering building an Outback fighter with an Accord-based hatchback with higher ground clearance giving buyers a Honda with more cargo flexibility at a cheaper (i.e. sedan) price. Honda officials declined to comment on the Automotive News piece, saying they don’t discuss future product plans.
Before you mention that Honda has two midsize SUVs that roll on car-like frames, just like the Outback does now, the Subaru — despite a design update giving it a more SUV-like look — is still smaller and less expensive. It should be noted that the first word that came to mind when seeing this was … Crosstour, which died 10 years ago due to … wait for it … poor sales.
Will Honda learn from past mistakes? Will this new Accord be called the Accord Crosstour? Does it make sense to even do this? Tell us what you think.
[Images: Honda]
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Michael Strong has spent more than 25 years writing about the automotive industry. A Detroit-area native, he’s written about everything from local car shows to product reviews to financial news. Currently he writes and edits for a variety of national and local publications. He’s also a longtime member of the Automotive Press Association and the International Motor Press Association, and a graduate of Georgia Southern University. Hail Southern! Despite a love for ’70s land yachts and BMWs from the late ’80s and early ’90s, his personal vehicle is neither of those.
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yes, the outback has a long history and image as an offroad vehicle and neither the venza nor this accord look the part. ironic in a way as I doubt many people actually take their outback offroad.
Had the original Venza and loved it at the time. It was expensive, but it came already duded up, and it was segmented as sort of upscaley.
Cross-shopped the Crosstour at the time. The problem with the Crosstour is the designers wanted a station wagon that looked like a coupe. The harsh downslope left cramped rear seats and a very compromised cargo area- exactly what you don't want in a vehicle of this type. The design was wanting, and yet customers were blamed for not buying it.