Just last week we reported on Honda’s upcoming Accord-based Crossover and now thanks to VWVortex member GoVdubSPEEDGo, we have these amateur spy photos of the vehicle taken in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

There is no denying the car’s relation to the Accord, with the exterior taillights and that strong line running across the sheet metal on the side of the car.

The CrossTour, as it has unofficially been named, would slot in above the CR-V and below the Pilot, as a V6-powered 5-seater. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions are expected.

Designed to compete with the Toyota Camry-based Venza, the CrossTour certainly looks more car-like and appears lower to the ground – which would make sense with Honda’s more sporting character. The CrossTour is expected to be just 2.5-inches taller than the Accord, but a significant 7-inches longer than the Venza – space which will be used for a more functional trunk area.

The Honda CrossTour could be in dealerships as early as this October.

GALLERY: 2010 Honda CrossTour

[Source: VWVortex]

We’ve been waiting for Honda to come up with an Accord-based crossover since the moment Toyota pulled the wraps off its Camry-based Venza concept at the North American International Auto Show last year.

It’s no surprise that Honda would build a vehicle to go head-to-head with the Venza (pictured above) and apparently the company isn’t willing to let Toyota build up a dominating market presence, as the CrossTour (as it is reported to be called) will hit dealerships as early as October 26th. Some rumors, however, have the launch date set for early 2010. 

As expected the CrossTour will be based on the Accord platform, and will be just 2.5-inches taller that the popular sedan. It will also be 7-inches longer than the Venza, opening up the possibility that it could have a third row. Considering the Venza doesn’t however, the CrossTour will most likely stick to just to rows of seats.

The added space will allow the rear of the CrossTour to function more like a truck bed. And Honda will offer a hard plastic bed liner as an option.

Unlike the Venza the CrossTour will not be offered with a four-cylinder powerplant – just the V6. There will aso be no manual option.

Most likely the reason for the lack of a four-cylinder is due to Honda pushing up the car’s launch date. As the curb weight is certain to be a few hundred pounds over that of the Accord, the Accord’s inline-four would most likely not be up to the task. After all, the four-cylinder in the Venza is a larger and more powerful motor than in the Camry. That being said, there’s a possibility that a four-cylinder will be made available in the future. 

Both a front wheel drive an all-wheel drive model will be offered as well as options like a power liftgate.

[Source: Temple of Vtec]