What Honda cars do not have a CVT transmission?
In brief, a small handful of Honda models forego the CVT in favor of traditional automatics or a manual gearbox. Specifically, two modern Hondas use a manual transmission, several models rely on conventional automatics with fixed gears, and a high-performance model uses a dual-clutch auto. Availability varies by market and model year.
Beyond these, most of Honda’s mainstream lineup relies on CVTs or CVT-like systems (including hybrids with e-CVT transmissions). The lists below break down which models do not use a CVT and what type of transmission they do employ.
Models with a manual transmission
Two current Honda models offer a pure manual gearbox, appealing to drivers who prefer a hands-on driving experience.
- Civic Si — 6-speed manual
- Civic Type R — 6-speed manual
Conclusion: These are the only non-CVT Hondas in the mainstream lineup that give you a traditional stick shift.
Models with conventional automatic transmissions (non-CVT)
Several Honda models ship with traditional automatic gearboxes that have a fixed number of gears (9- or 10-speed), rather than a continuously variable ratio.
- Accord — 10-speed automatic
- Odyssey — 10-speed automatic
- Pilot — 9-speed automatic
- Passport — 9-speed automatic
Conclusion: These models provide traditional stepwise gear changes as opposed to a CVT’s seamless gearing.
Other Honda models without a CVT
In markets where available, electric propulsion and certain high-performance configurations use non-CVT layouts. Note that availability varies by region and model year.
- Honda e — electric vehicle with a single-speed transmission (no CVT)
Conclusion: Electric powertrains generally avoid CVTs due to the nature of electric drivetrains and their fixed gearing, placing the Honda e among the non-CVT options in applicable markets.
Summary
To recap, the Honda lineup without a CVT includes two manual models (Civic Si and Civic Type R), several conventional automatics (Accord, Odyssey, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline, and NSX), and the electric Honda e where available. Most other Hondas use CVTs or CVT-like systems, particularly the core sedans, crossovers, and hybrids. Always verify the current model year and regional availability, as transmissions can change with redesigns or market-specific configurations.
Are all Honda transmissions CVT?
No, not all Hondas have CVTs, but many models do, particularly those with smaller engines like the Civic, Accord, and CR-V. Some larger models like the Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline use traditional automatic transmissions, and certain performance models are only available with a manual transmission.
Honda models with CVTs
- Honda Civic
- Honda Accord
- Honda CR-V
- Honda HR-V
- Honda Insight
- Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid
Honda models with traditional transmissions
Honda Pilot, Honda Passport, Honda Ridgeline, and Honda Odyssey.
Models available with manual or automatic
- Some performance models, like the Civic Type R, are only available with a manual transmission.
Which lasts longer, CVT or automatic?
Both systems require care, but they wear in different ways. CVTs may need more frequent fluid changes and can be more costly to repair when they fail. Automatic transmissions tend to last longer and are often easier to service—though that depends on the make and model.
What Hondas do not have a CVT?
Honda: The Civic Type R, Honda Fit (with the manual option), Honda Passport, Pilot, Ridgeline and the Odyssey are not equipped with CVTs. Hyundai: The Sonata, Ioniq, Veloster, Palisade, Santa Fe and Tucson are not equipped with CVTs. Infiniti: The QX30, QX60, Q50, Q60 and QX80 are not equipped with CVTs.
Should I avoid Honda CVT transmission?
In short: No, they are fine. There have been unreliable and awful-sounding CVTs in the past, some of them still sound bad or fake-shift unconvincingly. But here's the thing: In 95% of your driving, you won't ever know whether you have a CVT or a traditional automatic. And Honda in particular makes very good ones.
