Why did they discontinue the Honda Crosstour?

The Crosstour was retired after the 2015 model year due to disappointing sales and Honda’s shift toward higher-volume crossovers like the CR-V and HR-V. In short, the model failed to find a broad enough audience while Honda redirected resources to more profitable vehicles.

Background: what the Crosstour was meant to be

The Crosstour debuted in 2009 for the 2010 model year as an Accord-based crossover wagon, designed to blend car-like driving with SUV practicality. It featured a higher ride height, a hatchback-style rear cargo area, and offered engines ranging from the standard V6 to more modest options in later trims. Its unique styling aimed to appeal to buyers who wanted more cargo space without stepping up to a traditional SUV, but it struggled to carve out a distinct and broad-market niche.

Design and positioning

With its distinctive roofline and wagon-like profile, the Crosstour looked less like a typical SUV and more like a niche model. That positioning created ambiguity among buyers who valued cargo space, versatility, or traditional SUV utility—yet weren’t drawn to its styling. Over time, the Crosstour’s practicality and value proposition did not surpass Honda’s broader lineup, particularly the CR-V, which offered similar utility with stronger sales appeal.

Why the model was discontinued

By the mid-2010s, Crosstour sales had declined steadily and consumer interest remained modest. Honda decided not to refresh the model or invest heavily in a redesign given the tight product margins and limited demand. The following factors summarize the core reasons for retirement:

• Sales were consistently weak compared with Honda’s other crossovers and the market demand for niche wagons remained limited.


• Positioning confusion: the Crosstour sat between practical SUVs and non-traditional wagons, offering little clear advantage over better-selling alternatives.


• Product overlap: share of platforms and parts with the Accord and CR-V reduced incremental value, making a heavy investment less justifiable.


• Strategic shift: Honda redirected resources toward higher-volume models (notably the CR-V and the newer HR-V) to maximize profitability and market presence.

In essence, the Crosstour was retired as part of a broader move to simplify Honda’s lineup and focus on best-sellers that resonated more strongly with consumers and dealers.

What came after for Honda

Following the Crosstour’s retirement, Honda leaned into its core crossovers and new entries to fill the void in the lineup. The company emphasized practical, high-demand models and gradually introduced a range of crossovers that better matched consumer preferences, including the HR-V and ongoing evolution of the CR-V. This shift reflected a broader industry trend toward mainstream, versatile SUVs over niche designs.

• HR-V: Introduced to fill a growing subcompact crossover segment with efficient packaging and modern features.


• CR-V: Continued to evolve with more space, efficiency, and technology, remaining Honda’s top-selling model in many markets.


• Overall portfolio realignment: Focus on high-volume models and scalable platforms rather than niche variants.

These changes illustrate how Honda reallocated resources to vehicles with broader appeal and higher profitability, moving away from lower-volume experiments like the Crosstour.

Summary

The Honda Crosstour was discontinued primarily due to weak, inconsistent sales and a strategic shift toward high-volume crossovers. Its niche positioning failed to attract a broad audience, and Honda chose to invest in the CR-V, HR-V, and other popular models instead. The decision reflects a broader industry preference for versatile, mainstream crossovers over specialty wagons.

Is Honda coming out with a 2026 Crosstour?

Like something entirely. New as soon as you lay eyes on the new Cross Tour. It's clear Honda has taken a modern upscale.

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 common problem with 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.