Why did Honda stop making the Crosstour?

Honda halted Crosstour production after the 2012 model year due to weak sales and a lack of a clear, compelling market niche compared with its more popular SUVs.

Introduced in 2009 for the 2010 model year, the Crosstour was Honda’s attempt to blend sedan-like dynamics with SUV practicality on a variant of the Accord platform. Over time, it struggled to attract buyers, faced criticism for its styling and pricing, and overlapped with the CR-V and Accord—the models that defined Honda’s SUV strategy. Faced with slow demand, Honda ultimately discontinued the Crosstour in North America, with the model’s presence fading from markets in the early 2010s.

Background and development

Platform and goals

The Crosstour was built on a version of the Honda Accord platform, aiming to offer a wagon-style hatch and enhanced cargo flexibility while delivering carlike handling. Honda pitched it as a more versatile alternative to a traditional sedan without stepping fully into a traditional SUV silhouette.

Discontinuation and timeline

Key events that mark when and why the Crosstour was dropped.

Before this timeline, note that the Crosstour's fate was tied to Honda's broader shift toward its core SUV lineup and to responding to customer demand in the crossover segment.

1. 2009: Honda unveils the Crosstour as a 2010 model, built on the Accord platform and aimed at customers wanting more cargo utility than a sedan but with carlike ride quality.


2. 2010-2011: Crosstour goes on sale; sales remain modest, with criticism over its styling and pricing relative to the CR-V and Accord.


3. 2012: Honda discontinues the Crosstour in North America; production and sales end as the model is removed from the lineup.

This timeline highlights the path from introduction to discontinuation and shows how the Crosstour failed to secure a sustainable market niche, prompting Honda to reallocate resources to more successful platforms within its SUV family.

Market positioning and reception

Why buyers didn't embrace the Crosstour and how it affected Honda's strategy.

• Weaker sales relative to Honda's mainstream models, despite added practicality.


• Overlap with the CR-V in size and utility, which diluted perceived value for buyers.


• Unclear positioning—whether it was a hatchback, a wagon, or an SUV, which confused potential customers.


• Higher price compared with rival options offering similar cargo space and practicality.


• Styling and interior packaging were controversial, turning off buyers who preferred a more conventional look.

These factors collectively led Honda to retire the Crosstour and reallocate development resources toward models with broader appeal and clearer positioning within the SUV lineup.

Impact on Honda's lineup

What Honda learned and how it shaped later models like the CR-V, HR-V, and Passport.

In the wake of the Crosstour, Honda refined its crossover strategy, prioritizing models with wide appeal and straightforward market positioning. The CR-V expanded to cover family-friendly needs, while Honda introduced the subcompact HR-V and the mid-size Passport to diversify its SUV lineup without grafting a niche variant onto an established platform.

Summary

The Crosstour's demise was driven by weak sales, overlap with other models, and unclear market positioning. The decision reflected Honda's broader shift toward a streamlined, high-demand SUV lineup. While the Crosstour is now a historical footnote, its absence helped guide Honda toward a more efficient, mainstream crossover strategy that remains central to the brand today.

Why did Honda discontinue Crosstour?

The Crosstour was not the sales success Honda hoped for. The maker eventually replaced it with the Passport, a far more conventional sport utility.

What is the most reliable year of Honda Crosstour?

2015
The best cars are from 2013-2015 model years, as the 2013 Honda Crosstour heralded a raft of powertrain and technology updates. Which Honda Crosstour years are the worst? Avoid the first 2010 model year as it has an outdated infotainment system, no driver assistance features, and a cluttered dashboard.

What is the problem with the Honda Crosstour?

Common Honda Crosstour problems include transmission issues, excessive oil consumption in V6 models, and brake problems like rotor pulsation. Other potential issues are power steering failure, electrical system glitches, and excessive tire wear or vibrations, especially in AWD models. Regular maintenance, particularly timing belt replacement for V6 engines, is crucial to prevent costly damage.
 
This video discusses common Honda Crosstour problems including transmission issues and oil consumption: 59sNexologyYouTube · Sep 18, 2025
Engine and drivetrain 

• Oil consumption: V6 engines are prone to excessive oil consumption, which can be caused by worn piston rings and may lead to engine damage if not addressed. 
• Timing belt: V6 engines use a timing belt that requires replacement every 100,000 miles. Failure to do so in this interference engine can cause severe and expensive damage. 
• Transmission: Some models have experienced transmission problems, including slipping, which can be caused by worn clutch plates or low fluid. 
• Vibrations: AWD models, in particular, can suffer from vibrations caused by worn CV joints, driveshafts, or other driveline issues. 
• VTC Actuator: A class-action lawsuit has been filed concerning a defective variable timing control (VTC) actuator in certain 2012-2015 Honda Crosstours. 

This video explains how to diagnose and fix a common issue where the 2011 Honda Crosstour stalls after starting: 1mParts shooterYouTube · May 29, 2020
Brakes and steering 

• Brake pulsation: Premature wear or pulsation during braking is a common complaint, often linked to warped brake rotors.
• Power steering: Issues with the power steering pump or fluid can lead to stiff or jerky steering. 

Electrical and other issues

• Electrical glitches: Owners have reported problems with the navigation screen freezing or becoming unresponsive, likely due to software or head unit issues. 
• Starting problems: Some owners experience persistent or intermittent starting issues, sometimes linked to a faulty starter or ignition system. 
• Paint and trim: Fading, peeling, or cracking paint and loose exterior or interior trim have also been reported. 

Is Honda making a 2025 Crosstour?

And finally wireless across both Apple CarPlay. And Android Auto ambient lighting and a panoramic roof seal the deal it's upscale without screaming luxury.