Honda could bring back the Accord in a more SUV-like body style by mid-2029, with reports suggesting the upcoming model may take the form of a raised wagon rather than a direct revival of the controversial Accord Crosstour. The rumored vehicle is expected to arrive alongside the next-generation Accord and could compete with the Subaru Outback and Toyota Crown Estate, known as the Crown Signia in the United States. Although Honda has not finalized the plan, the reported design would mark a potential return to a body style the Accord has not offered in more than a decade.
Honda’s Accord Crosstour Experiment Fell Short
The Honda Accord has worn several different body styles throughout its history. It originally debuted as a two-door hatchback before Honda added a four-door sedan, a coupe and a wagon. In Europe, the model was also offered as a liftback.
Today, the Accord lineup is limited to a sedan. That approach took an unusual turn in 2009, however, when Honda introduced the Accord Crosstour, a vehicle based on the eighth-generation Accord that aimed to deliver greater practicality.
The Crosstour combined the Accord’s foundations with increased ground clearance and a rounded rear design intended to give it an SUV-like appearance. Despite its more rugged stance, the vehicle’s styling proved divisive, and it performed poorly compared with the regular Accord.
The Crosstour also shared the market with the Acura TSX Sport Wagon. That model was essentially the Japanese- and European-market Accord wagon sold in the United States under the Acura name. Although the Crosstour outsold the TSX Sport Wagon, it remained a relative commercial disappointment compared with the conventional Accord.
Honda’s Next Accord SUV Could Arrive in 2029
The idea of a more versatile Accord may be making a comeback. A report from Japanese publication Response says an Accord-based SUV could arrive by mid-2029, alongside the next-generation Accord.
The plan has not been confirmed, so the vehicle’s eventual name, design and production details remain uncertain. Still, reports of a possible revival suggest Honda may be considering a new body style to keep the Accord relevant in a market increasingly dominated by crossovers.
According to the report, the proposed vehicle would not simply repeat the Crosstour formula. Instead of using a liftback design with additional ground clearance, Honda could give the new model a more traditional wagon shape.
That approach would distinguish the vehicle from the original Crosstour and could address criticism of its unusual proportions. The reported design would retain the raised stance associated with crossover-style vehicles while adopting a more conventional wagon silhouette.
Honda Accord Wagon Could Rival the Subaru Outback
If Honda moves forward with the project, the new vehicle is expected to use a new chassis or a substantially updated version of the current Accord platform. The current-generation Accord would be approaching seven years old by the proposed launch period, making a major platform update a possibility.
The reported model is being positioned as a potential rival to the Subaru Outback, which has evolved toward an SUV-like format, and the Toyota Crown Estate. The latter is better known as the Toyota Crown Signia in the United States.
A wagon-inspired design would fit that competitive positioning more closely than the original Crosstour’s distinctive liftback shape. However, Honda has not confirmed the vehicle’s specifications or whether it will ultimately reach the U.S. market.
Spotted Honda Vehicle in Japan May Offer a Clue
An Outback-like Honda vehicle has reportedly been spotted driving in Japan, adding another detail to the discussion surrounding the possible Accord SUV. That vehicle, however, is said to be the Honda Avancier rather than the rumored Accord-based model.
The sighting does not establish that Honda is developing the reported Accord wagon. Nevertheless, the possibility remains that a vehicle of this type could be marketed in the United States under the Accord Crosstour name if Honda decides to bring it to the market.
Next-Generation Honda Hybrid System Could Be Included
Response also reported that the raised Accord wagon could use Honda’s next-generation hybrid system. The technology is described as an evolution of the automaker’s current hybrid setup, known as e:HEV in most parts of the world.
The next-generation system is expected to begin rolling out in certain models sometime in mid-2027. If Honda proceeds with the reported Accord-based vehicle and equips it with the updated technology, the hybrid system could become one of its defining features.
The proposed model would also represent a significant change in the Accord’s body style. If it reaches production with a tailgate, it would be the first Accord in more than a decade to offer one instead of a conventional trunk.
Honda’s Accord SUV Remains Unconfirmed
Honda’s reported plan points to a possible return of the Accord to a more versatile body style, potentially combining a raised wagon design with a next-generation hybrid system. The vehicle could arrive by mid-2029 alongside the next Accord and compete with established wagon-inspired crossovers.
For now, the project remains unconfirmed. Whether Honda revives the Crosstour name or introduces the vehicle under a different identity will depend on how the reported plan develops.
