When we reviewed Honda‘s new Accord Crosstour model, one of our few gripes was in the fuel economy department. Rated at 18/27 mpg (FWD), its not bad, but the lack of a six-speed transmission makes getting the most out of each gallon a bit hard. 

Honda appears to be ready to announce the addition of a six-speed auto-box for the 2011 model year car, which will go on sale before the end of the year. This is well-ahead of a mid-cycle update, which should take place in the 2013 model year. The new transmission will likely deliver a slight improvement in city fuel economy and as much as 2 mpg out on the highway, making the CrossTour more competitive with the Toyota Venza when it comes to fuel economy.

Honda still has yet to announce any plans on if the CrossTour will be offered with a 4-cylinder.

[Source: TOV]

We have just received word from Honda that its Toyota Venza competitor will go on sale this Fall. As for the name, it has been confirmed as the Honda Accord Crosstour.

Early unconfirmed reports stated the on-sale date as October 26th. The crossover vehicle will be a 2010 model. Honda is set to release further details and official photos later this Summer.

The Accord Crosstour is expected to be offered exclusively with the Accord’s 3.5-liter V6 engine and a choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Pricing is expected to be slightly more than the Accord sedan, starting at around the $30,000 mark ($35,000 CDN).

The only details that have leaked out about the crossover so far are that it is reportedly 2.5-inches taller than the Accord Sedan, while measuring 7-inches longer than its rival, the Toyota Venza.

See our gallery of spy photos below.

GALLERY: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour