Why was the Honda Crosstour discontinued?

The Honda Crosstour was discontinued after the 2015 model year due to weak sales and a shifting market toward traditional SUVs and crossovers, making the niche model unprofitable to continue.

The Crosstour's place in Honda's lineup

The Crosstour launched in 2009 as a hatchback-styled crossover built on the Accord platform, intended to blend sedan-like dynamics with SUV versatility. It was marketed as a more stylish, higher-riding option, but it drew mixed opinions on its design and practicality, which limited its appeal in a crowded market.

Design and reception

Critics and buyers often debated whether the Crosstour was a car, a wagon, or an SUV, and its unconventional styling contributed to hesitation among potential buyers. This ambiguity contributed to slower growth compared with Honda’s core crossovers.

Reasons for discontinuation

There were several intertwined factors that led Honda to end the Crosstour’s run. The following points explain the factors that led to discontinuation:

• Sales consistently lagged behind expectations for a niche model, staying well below the volumes of Honda's best-selling crossovers.


• The Crosstour overlapped with the CR-V and the Accord wagon, causing internal competition and cannibalization within Honda's lineup.


• Styling and packaging drew mixed feedback, with many buyers perceiving it as neither a true SUV nor a practical sedan/wagon.


• Shifting consumer preferences toward more traditional, spacious, and capable crossovers reduced demand for a hatchback-style crossover.


• Development and production costs, combined with limited profitability, made it difficult to justify ongoing investment.

Concluding paragraph: Taken together, these factors meant Honda could not justify keeping the Crosstour in production as the company focused on higher-demand models.

Timeline of the Crosstour

A concise timeline shows the Crosstour's lifecycle from introduction to discontinuation.

1. 2009: Introduction of the Crosstour as a 2009 model year, built on the Accord platform.


2. Early to mid-2010s: Sales remained modest while market demand favored traditional SUVs and larger crossovers.


3. Mid-2010s: Honda reassessed its lineup and began trimming models with weak demand or overlapping roles.


4. 2015: The Crosstour was discontinued after the 2015 model year, marking the end of its production in North America.

Concluding paragraph: The discontinuation reflected a broader shift in Honda's strategy toward core, high-demand crossovers and SUVs.

Impact on Honda's lineup

With the Crosstour retired, Honda concentrated on strengthening its most popular crossovers, notably the CR-V, and aligning variants with mainstream demand. Resources and development focus shifted toward vehicles with clearer market appeal and profitability.

Summary

In short, the Honda Crosstour was discontinued due to weak sales, overlap with other models, and changing consumer preferences toward traditional SUVs and crossovers. The decision enabled Honda to streamline its lineup and invest in more popular vehicles that better matched buyer demand.

Summary at a glance: The Crosstour's end illustrates how automakers retire niche models when they fail to secure a distinct market position, choosing to double down on core, high-demand products instead.

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. 

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.

Why did Honda stop making the Accord Crosstour?

Sales began in November 2009 for the 2010 model year, and the vehicle was discontinued after the 2015 model year due to slow sales.

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.