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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