Is my Honda front or rear-wheel drive?
Generally, Hondas sold today are front-wheel drive (FWD), with many models offering all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is rare in modern Hondas, limited to niche or high-performance models such as the Acura NSX (Honda’s luxury division) and older S2000 roadster models.
To confirm your specific drivetrain, check the window sticker, owner's manual, or the official specs for your model/year. Look for an AWD badge on the exterior, or ask a dealer using your VIN. If you want, you can share your exact model and year and I can tell you the drivetrain with confidence.
How to tell if your Honda is FWD or AWD
Use these steps to confirm your drive configuration.
- Check the vehicle’s window sticker (Monroney label) or the owner's manual for the listed drivetrain, which should indicate FWD or AWD.
- Look for an AWD badge on the exterior, typically on the rear hatch, tailgate, or near the fenders.
- Consult the official specifications for your model/year on Honda’s website or in the owner’s manual to see whether AWD is available and which trims include it.
- Inspect the undercarriage if safe to do so: a driveshaft running to the rear axle is a sign of AWD; no driveshaft to the rear generally indicates FWD (though some AWDs use independent electric motors that may not require a visible driveshaft).
- Use the VIN to verify drivetrain via a trusted decoder or by asking a Honda dealer; many systems can translate the code into FWD/AWD or RWD information.
By checking these sources, you can confidently determine whether your Honda is FWD or AWD.
Model-specific notes
Current Honda patterns
The majority of Honda passenger cars (Civic, Accord, Insight) are front-wheel drive. Many SUVs and crossovers (CR-V, HR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline) offer AWD as an option, though FWD is often the standard configuration on base trims.
Exceptions and legacy models
For performance and heritage vehicles, there are notable exceptions: the Honda/Acura NSX is an all-wheel-drive hybrid supercar, while classic sports cars like the S2000 were rear-wheel drive. Acura models are not Honda-branded but share engineering lineage with Honda; when discussing current Honda-brand products, RWD remains extremely rare.
Summary
In short, if you drive a typical modern Honda sedan or hatchback, you’re probably looking at front-wheel drive, with AWD available on many SUVs and crossovers. The rear-wheel-drive configuration is uncommon in today’s Honda lineup, limited to niche or legacy performance models.
