Honda Tests New Avancier-Style Wagon That Could Rival Subaru Outback
Honda's Wagon History
Honda isn't normally associated with building station wagons, but it has made pretty good ones over the years. The U.S. had two generations of Accord Wagon, and there were the quirky Civic "Wagovans" from the '80s. North America was also fortunate enough to get the Acura TSX Sport Wagon, itself a federalized version of the European and Japanese-spec Accord Tourer.
Outside North America, Honda offered many more longroofs. For instance, the European market still had a Civic Tourer until 2017, and Japan never stopped making Accord wagons until 2015. Speaking of, the home market had a whole slew of wagons, and fans of the brand will cite models such as the Orthia, Fit Shuttle/Shuttle, and Avancier as examples.
However, the Shuttle was discontinued in Japan in 2022, leaving Honda without a true station wagon. That said, it does have a unique model in China, and it's more of a different take on the Subaru Outback. Well, that should count for something.
Its Crossover-Wagon Could Go Global
Japanese auto website Creative311 managed to obtain spy shots of a new, wagon-like vehicle driving around the country. It's still heavily camouflaged, though, suggesting that it might be a while before it's fully revealed. Given that it was spotted in Japan, there might be a chance this tall wagon could be offered as a global model.
The publication described the vehicle as 'European-like' and about the same length as the Passport. There's a fair amount of ground clearance, although not at the level of a Pilot, so this is more of a raised wagon than an outright crossover. One photo also reveals that it's right-hand drive, so it's possible it could be sold in Japan. As for the name, the possibility of calling it Avancier has been raised.
これが噂のトライトンベースの新型パジェロ、、、？ pic.twitter.com/v7yJj2owqq
— わち (@loop595) March 24, 2026
What is the Avancier?
Honda first used the Avancier name in 1999 as a more upmarket version of the Japanese-market Accord Wagon and ceased production in 2003. The name was revived for the Chinese market as the company's midsize wagon/crossover mix. It's also known as the UR-V over there, featuring some cosmetic changes over the Avancier. With that in mind, the next generation of those models might finally be sold outside China.
Currently, the Avancier and UR-V use the same platform as the previous-generation Pilot, but it's been lowered and shortened to suit the market. It was introduced in 2016 and has received two facelifts since. Now that it's a decade old, it's due for an all-new model. In terms of positioning, it slots in between the CR-V and Passport.
Potential Outback Rival
Given its size, it could be a good match for the Subaru Outback. The Outback is currently facing a bit of a challenge, as sales dropped by a whopping 40%. This Honda wagon/crossover could well capitalize on that, but that's if the company decides to offer it for North America. There's also a strong possibility of it coming with a hybrid powertrain - something the Subaru doesn't have, further broadening its appeal and market reach.
It does make sense for the European market, too, as wagons remain strong there. If anything, there is still demand for midsize station wagons in the Old Continent, as proven by models such as the VW Passat and Skoda Superb. Honda hasn't offered a wagon in Europe for over a decade, and this model could be a good way to re-enter that segment.
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 8:00 AM.