Does a 2011 Honda CR-V have a CVT transmission?
The short answer: no. The 2011 Honda CR-V uses a traditional 5-speed automatic transmission, not a CVT. This answer reflects the US-market lineup for that model year, where Honda did not offer a CVT on the CR-V in its fifth-generation refresh era.
To understand why this matters, it helps to place the transmission in the broader context of the CR-V’s development. The 2011 CR-V sits in the late portion of the fifth generation (2007–2011). Honda’s move to CVT-equipped CR‑V models came later, starting with the redesign that began in 2017. While some markets or trims may have unique configurations, the 2011 US-spec CR‑V did not include a CVT option. Below is a concise breakdown of how transmission types evolved across CR-V generations and how to verify the exact configuration on your vehicle.
Transmission history for the CR-V by generation
These points summarize the main transmission options offered in the CR-V, with emphasis on how they relate to the question about the 2011 model year.
- 2007–2011: 5-speed automatic transmission (5AT) with front-wheel drive (FWD) or Real-Time All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
- 2012–2016: 5-speed automatic transmission (5AT) with FWD or Real-Time AWD. No CVT offered in these US-spec models.
- 2017–present: CVT (continuously variable transmission) across most trims, with hybrid variants using Honda’s e-CVT technology. The shift to CVT marks a major generation change for the CR-V in the US market.
In short, a 2011 CR-V in the United States is equipped with a traditional 5-speed automatic transmission, not a CVT. If you’re looking at a different market or a special edition, verify with official documentation or a dealer, as specifications can vary by region.
How to verify the transmission on your vehicle
To confirm the exact transmission type for your specific car, use these checks. The following steps help distinguish a CVT from a conventional automatic in a practical way.
VIN and documentation checks
Check the owner's manual and original window sticker or build sheet; these sources typically name the transmission type directly or indicate the drivetrain configuration that corresponds to a fixed-gear automatic versus a CVT.
- Look up the vehicle’s VIN on Honda’s official site or a reputable VIN decoder to retrieve the spec sheet, which often lists the transmission type.
- Consult the original window sticker (Monroney label) or the dealer’s build sheet for the model year and trim. These documents usually specify “Transmission: Automatic (5-speed)” or “CVT.”
- When in doubt, contact a Honda dealer with your VIN for a VIN-specific build confirmation.
Conclusion: For a 2011 CR-V, the most common and officially documented configuration in the US is a 5-speed automatic. If you have a non-US market or a rare variant, verify through official documentation or a dealership to be certain.
Summary
Bottom line: A 2011 Honda CR-V does not use a CVT in the US market; it employs a traditional 5-speed automatic transmission. Honda shifted the CR-V to CVT with the 2017 redesign, and hybrid versions use Honda’s e-CVT. Always verify with your vehicle’s VIN, window sticker, or a dealer if you’re unsure about a specific car or a non-US market version.
