Is CR-Z rear wheel drive?
No. The Honda CR-Z is a front-wheel-drive hybrid, not rear-wheel drive, and there are no AWD or rear-wheel-drive variants in Honda's CR-Z lineup.
Drivetrain layout and how it works
The CR-Z combines a 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) electric motor, delivering power to the front wheels. It offered both a six-speed manual and a CVT transmission, with front-wheel drive maintained across markets. This setup was designed to balance nimble handling with improved fuel economy, rather than delivering front-to-rear power distribution typical of rear-drive sports cars.
Key drivetrain facts
At a glance, here are the essential drivetrain facts for the CR-Z:
- Front-wheel drive only; no rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive versions were produced.
- Hybrid powertrain uses a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with an Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) electric motor.
- Combined output is around 122 horsepower, with the electric motor providing torque assist.
- Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a CVT depending on trim and market.
These attributes define the CR-Z's approach: efficiency with a light, sporty feel, rather than rear-drive emphasis.
Myths vs. facts about the CR-Z drivetrain
Before listing the myths and facts, note that there are common questions about the car's drive layout. Here are the most frequent misunderstandings corrected:
- Myth: The CR-Z offers rear-wheel drive. Fact: It does not; it is front-wheel drive.
- Myth: There is an AWD option for the CR-Z. Fact: No AWD option was offered.
- Myth: The CR-Z's power could be sent to the rear wheels in some markets. Fact: All CR-Zs stayed front-wheel drive across generations and markets.
In short, Honda designed the CR-Z primarily as a compact, efficient hybrid with front-wheel-drive dynamics rather than a rear-drive sports car.
Historical and market context
The CR-Z was introduced in 2010 as Honda's attempt to blend sporty styling with hybrid efficiency. It remained a front-wheel-drive model throughout its production life and was discontinued after the 2016 model year. The car emphasized light weight, improved fuel economy, and a manual transmission option aimed at driving enthusiasts who valued engagement over raw power.
Summary
Bottom line: CR-Z is front-wheel drive. Its Hybrid IMA system powers the front wheels, with no rear-wheel-drive or AWD variants produced. The model served as a niche offering in Honda's lineup from 2010 to 2016, balancing sporty design with hybrid efficiency rather than traditional rear-drive performance.
