What Honda models have CVT?
Most current Honda models use a CVT or an electronic CVT (e-CVT) transmission, including the Civic, CR-V, HR-V, Insight, and Accord Hybrid. A few models rely on traditional automatics or manual gearboxes.
Below is a detailed look at which Honda models currently utilize CVT or e-CVT, and which do not. Market availability can vary by region and model year, so always check the latest specs for your area.
CVT-equipped Honda models (gasoline and hybrids)
These models either use a conventional CVT or Honda’s e-CVT in hybrid form. The exact configuration can depend on trim and year.
- Honda Civic — CVT on most gasoline trims; the high-performance Civic Si and Civic Type R use a manual transmission.
- Honda CR-V — gas model uses a CVT; CR-V Hybrid uses an e-CVT.
- Honda HR-V — uses a CVT on the gasoline model.
- Honda Insight — hybrid uses an e-CVT.
- Honda Accord Hybrid — uses an e-CVT.
- Honda Clarity (PHEV) — used a CVT-style drivetrain during its production; the Clarity lineup has since been discontinued, but its PHEV variant historically employed CVT/e-CVT technology.
In practice, Honda’s non-hybrid gasoline lineup tends to use CVT for efficiency and smoothness, while hybrids rely on e-CVT configurations to optimize fuel economy.
Models without CVT (or with non-CVT automatics)
Some Honda models rely on traditional automatic transmissions or manual gearboxes instead of CVT. These are notable exceptions in today’s lineup.
- Civic Si — manual 6-speed transmission.
- Civic Type R — manual 6-speed transmission.
- Pilot — 9-speed automatic transmission.
- Odyssey — 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Ridgeline — 9-speed automatic transmission.
- Passport — 9-speed automatic transmission.
- Accord (non-hybrid) — 10-speed automatic transmission.
Availability of transmissions can vary by year and market, so verify the exact drivetrain specs for the model and trim you’re considering.
What to know about CVT and hybrids
Honda’s CVT designs focus on smoothness and efficiency, while hybrids use e-CVT technology to optimize fuel economy and performance. If you prioritize traditional shifting or strong performance feel, you’ll want to consider the non-CVT options listed above.
Summary
In today’s Honda lineup, CVT or e-CVT transmissions are common in the Civic (most trims), CR-V, HR-V, Insight, and Accord Hybrid. Several models—such as the Civic Si/Type R, Pilot, Odyssey, Ridgeline, and Passport—do not use CVT, relying instead on manual gearboxes or traditional automatics. Always confirm the transmission type for your chosen model year and region.
