The Subaru Outback Just Changed. Honda's New Move Could Steal Its Buyers.

Wouter Smit · 2026-07-27

The Subaru Outback has long been the go-to choice for drivers who want something more rugged than a sedan but more practical than a traditional SUV. That wagon-like stance, the generous ground clearance, and the go-anywhere attitude made it a favorite for weekend adventurers and daily commuters alike. But now, the Outback is evolving into a more conventional SUV shape, and that shift is leaving a gap in the market. Honda, never one to miss an opportunity, might just be ready to fill that void with a bold reimagining of the Accord Crosstour. If you've been following the automotive world for a while, you'll remember the original Accord Crosstour. It was a strange blend of sedan and SUV that never quite found its footing. It was too tall to be a sleek coupe and too car-like to be a proper off-roader. But times have changed, and the concept of a lifted, ruggedized wagon is more popular than ever. With the Outback stepping away from its wagon roots, there's a real opening for a vehicle that combines the comfort and efficiency of a sedan with the versatility and presence of an SUV. ### Why the Outback's Shift Matters The Outback wasn't just a car; it was a lifestyle statement. It told the world you were ready for a trailhead or a ski lodge at a moment's notice, but you also appreciated a smooth ride on the highway. When a vehicle becomes that iconic, any change to its formula is risky. Subaru has decided to make the Outback more like a traditional crossover, which means more upright seating, a higher beltline, and a boxier rear end. For loyalists, that's a tough pill to swallow. They wanted the old-school wagon feel, not another cookie-cutter SUV. That's precisely where Honda could step in. By taking the Accord's proven platform and giving it a lift kit, some rugged body cladding, and a more spacious cargo area, they could create a car that speaks directly to those displaced Outback owners. It would be a car that says, "Hey, we get it. You want something practical, but you don't want to sacrifice driving dynamics." ### What a Lifted Accord SUV Could Look Like Imagine an Accord with about 7 to 8 inches of ground clearance, which is roughly what you'd find on a compact crossover. Add in some black plastic wheel arches, roof rails, and a slightly taller greenhouse, and you've got a recipe for a very compelling package. It wouldn't be a hardcore off-roader, but it wouldn't need to be. Most Outback buyers rarely leave the pavement, anyway. They just like the idea that they could if they wanted to. Under the hood, Honda could offer their turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which produces around 252 horsepower. That's plenty for merging onto highways or climbing mountain passes. Fuel economy would likely be in the high 20s on the highway, which is a big selling point compared to chunkier SUVs that guzzle gas. And let's not forget the interior. Honda knows how to build a cabin that feels upscale without breaking the bank. You'd get comfortable seats, a user-friendly infotainment system, and plenty of room for passengers and cargo. ### The Timing Could Be Perfect There's a certain poetry to this idea. The Crosstour was ahead of its time, and it failed because buyers weren't ready for that kind of vehicle. Now, with the Outback morphing into something more mainstream, the market is ripe for a return. Honda could even call it something new entirely, distancing it from the Crosstour's lukewarm legacy. Names like "Accord Adventure" or "Accord Trail" come to mind, but the badge matters less than the execution. If Honda plays this right, they could capture a loyal following. They'd be offering a car that's more engaging to drive than a typical SUV, more efficient, and just as practical. For families who need space but hate the floaty feel of a tall crossover, a lifted Accord would be a breath of fresh air. It's a move that makes so much sense on paper, and with the Outback stepping aside, the timing has never been better. ### What This Means for You Whether you're in the market for a new vehicle or just a fan of automotive innovation, this is a development worth watching. The Outback's transformation is opening doors, and Honda has the engineering chops and the brand trust to walk right through them. A lifted Accord SUV wouldn't just be a nostalgia play; it would be a smart, modern answer to a changing market. So keep an eye on Honda's lineup in the coming years. The next big thing might just be a familiar name with a fresh, taller attitude.