Do Hondas have double wishbone suspension?
Most modern Hondas do not use double wishbone front suspension. The majority rely on MacPherson strut front suspension with varying rear setups, while double wishbone layouts are primarily found in historic or high-performance models rather than the current mainstream lineup.
Current suspension layouts in Honda's lineup
The following overview shows the typical front and rear suspension arrangements you’ll encounter on today’s mainstream Honda cars and crossovers. Specifics can vary by model and trim, but the general pattern is consistent across most vehicles sold in major markets.
- Front suspension: MacPherson strut on most modern Honda models (e.g., Civic, Accord, CR-V, HR-V, Pilot, Odyssey).
- Rear suspension: A mix of multi-link independent designs on many models, with some smaller or budget-focused variants using simpler setups such as torsion-beam rear suspension.
- Overall takeaway: Even within the same model line, the choice balances cost, packaging, ride comfort, and handling characteristics rather than reverting to a double wishbone layout.
In short, the standard, up-to-date Hondas you’ll encounter on showroom floors and dealer lots almost always feature MacPherson front suspension rather than a double wishbone arrangement.
Historical and notable exceptions
While not common in today’s mainstream offerings, Honda’s history includes notable examples where double wishbone suspension played a role in performance and handling characteristics. These cases illustrate the brand’s engineering versatility over the decades.
- Acura NSX (original generation): This iconic sports car used independent double wishbone suspension configurations that contributed to precise steering feel and cornering stability.
- Honda Prelude (1990s to 2001): Known for sporty handling, the Prelude employed double wishbone front suspension on many variants, with independent rear suspension as well.
These historical examples show that double wishbone setups exist within Honda’s engineering heritage, but they are not representative of the current mainstream lineup.
Bottom line
Do Hondas have double wishbone suspension? Generally not in today’s mass-market models. Double wishbone designs are associated primarily with specific historical or high-performance Honda/Acura models rather than the standard configuration for the brand’s current consumer vehicles.
Summary
In summary, Honda’s modern production cars predominantly rely on MacPherson strut front suspension paired with multi-link rear suspension. Double wishbone engineering appears in Honda’s historical performance models (notably the NSX and Prelude) but is not a universal feature of the current lineup. For shoppers prioritizing suspension design, focus on the specific model and trim to understand the exact configuration.
