Is my Honda front or rear wheel drive?
Most Honda passenger cars are front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on several SUVs and crossovers, while rear-wheel drive is rare in Honda's lineup today.
To determine your exact vehicle’s drivetrain, check the owner's manual or window sticker for drive type, inspect for a rear differential or driveshaft, look for AWD badges, or use the vehicle’s VIN to verify with Honda’s official sources or a trusted database.
How to determine your Honda's drivetrain
Use these practical steps to confirm whether your specific Honda is FWD, AWD, or RWD.
- Check the window sticker (the sticker on the door jamb or the windshield tag) or the owner's manual for the drive type listed as FWD, AWD, or 4WD.
- Look underneath the vehicle for drivetrain components: a driveshaft running to the rear axle and a rear differential typically indicates AWD or RWD rather than pure FWD.
- Scan for a badge on the rear, side, or near the hatch that says AWD (or Real-Time AWD, Intelligent AWD) or FWD.
- Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to look up the exact drivetrain on Honda’s official site, a dealership, or a reputable vehicle database.
- When in doubt, contact a Honda dealer or service department with your VIN to confirm the drivetrain configuration for your exact year and trim.
In practice, most modern Honda sedans and hatchbacks (Civic, Accord, Insight, Fit) are FWD, while many SUVs (CR-V, HR-V, Pilot, Ridgeline) offer AWD as an option or standard on higher trims. Rarely, niche models are RWD, notably the S2000 in its production run.
Common Honda drive layouts by model family
Here’s a concise guide to where you’re most likely to encounter each drivetrain across Honda’s lineup. Always verify for your exact year and trim, as configurations can vary by market and production year.
- Passenger cars and compact models (Civic, Accord, Insight, Fit): predominantly front-wheel drive (FWD).
- Compact SUVs and crossovers (CR-V, HR-V): FWD is standard, with Real-Time AWD or similar AWD options available on many trims.
- Mid-size to large SUVs and trucks (Pilot, Ridgeline, Passport): typically offer AWD options alongside FWD; some trims are AWD by default depending on market.
- Sports and performance-focused models (S2000 – historically rear-wheel drive; Civic Type R – typically front-wheel drive): RWD for the classic S2000, FWD for current performance-oriented Hondas.
- Luxury performance (Acura NSX): all-wheel drive in its current generation, reflecting Acura’s performance platform rather than a pure Honda badge.
Bottom line: for most everyday Honda buyers, the drivetrain will be FWD, with AWD available on many SUVs and trucks. If you own a classic or niche model, such as the S2000 or an Acura high-performance model, the layout may differ.
Summary
To recap, the majority of Honda’s current mainstream models are front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on several SUVs and crossovers. Rear-wheel drive is rare today and mostly associated with historic or niche models. Verify your specific vehicle’s drivetrain using the window sticker, owner’s manual, VIN, or a dealership, especially if you’re shopping used or checking a specific year and trim.
