Does Honda have hill assist?
Yes. Honda generally equips many of its modern automatic-transmission vehicles with Hill Start Assist (HSA) or Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), which helps prevent rollback on inclines by briefly holding brake pressure as you move from the brake pedal to the accelerator. Availability varies by model, year, trim, and market.
What Hill Start Assist is and how it works
Hill Start Assist is a braking aid that momentarily holds the brakes when you're stopped on a slope, giving you time to switch from the brake to the accelerator without the car rolling backward. In Honda models that feature it, the system typically activates when you come to a stop on an incline and then release the brake while applying throttle. It works with automatic transmissions and several hybrids; manuals may use a related function called Hill Holder in some markets, but not all Honda manuals are equipped with it.
Does Honda offer Hill Start Assist on its vehicles?
In recent years, Honda has included Hill Start Assist on many of its automatic-transmission models, either as a standalone feature or as part of the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance technologies. However, the exact availability can vary by model, trim level, year, and regional market. Always check the specific model-year documentation or with a dealer to confirm.
Common Honda models that have historically offered Hill Start Assist in recent years include the following. Availability may be standard or optional depending on trim and market.
- Civic (automatic variants across many trims)
- Accord
- CR-V
- HR-V
- Pilot
- Odyssey
- Ridgeline
To confirm for your vehicle, consult the owner's manual, check the window sticker or brochure, or ask a Honda dealer or service advisor—they can verify whether Hill Start Assist is installed on your specific model and trim.
How to verify in your Honda
Before checking, note that exact labeling can vary. The steps below help you confirm whether your car has Hill Start Assist.
- Review the owner’s manual section on braking or Honda Sensing features for mention of Hill Start Assist or Hill Start Assist Control.
- Check the vehicle's window sticker or brochure for “Hill Start Assist,” “HSA,” or “Hill Start Assist Control” as a feature.
- In the car's information display or settings menu, look for a Brakes/Driver Assist section that lists Hill Start Assist or related braking aids.
If you still can’t locate it, contact an authorized Honda dealer to confirm your vehicle’s specifications for the exact model year and trim.
How Hill Start Assist works in practice
On a slope, HSA detects when the vehicle is stopped and keeps the brakes engaged for a brief moment after you lift your foot from the brake pedal. This gives you time to apply the accelerator without the vehicle rolling backward. The system typically disengages automatically as soon as you apply throttle or begin moving forward, and it may have a limited effectiveness on very steep grades or low-friction surfaces.
Limitations and considerations
Hill Start Assist is a helpful aid, but it does not replace careful driving. It may not operate on all inclines, certain surface conditions, or in vehicles without automatic transmissions. Drivers should remain attentive and ready to control the vehicle manually if needed.
Summary
Honda generally offers Hill Start Assist on many of its recent automatic-transmission models, often as part of or alongside the Honda Sensing package. Availability varies by model and trim, so it’s best to verify on the exact vehicle you own or are considering—via the manual, window sticker, or a dealer. When present, HSA can help prevent rollback on hills by holding brake pressure briefly as you move from braking to throttle.
