What transmission is in my Honda Odyssey?
The transmission in most recent Honda Odysseys is a six-speed automatic. Older generations used four- or five-speed automatics depending on the model year.
To determine the exact transmission in your specific Odyssey, you need to identify its model year or generation. This guide outlines the typical transmissions by era and provides practical steps to verify your own vehicle.
Current and recent Odysseys (2011–present)
Since the 2011 refresh, Honda has equipped the Odyssey with a six-speed automatic transmission (6AT) across most trims and model years. This configuration has remained the standard through the latest available models, with only minor feature tweaks rather than a different transmission type.
In practice, if your Odyssey is from 2011 or newer, it most likely uses a 6-speed automatic. Always verify with your vehicle’s documentation or VIN if you want to be certain, especially for special editions or market-specific versions.
Overview of the current/transmission status by year:
Before the following list, note that these are the generally adopted configurations in the U.S. market for the stated periods.
- 2011–present: 6-speed automatic (6AT) standard across trims
Conclusion: For 2011 and newer Odysseys, expect a 6-speed automatic unless a rare market-specific variation applies. Validate with official documents or dealer records if in doubt.
Earlier Odysseys (1995–2010)
Earlier generations of the Honda Odyssey used progressively fewer gears as technology evolved. The early models relied on four-speed automatics, with a switch to a five-speed automatic in the mid-2000s before the 6AT became standard in 2011.
For owners of older Odysseys, transmission type is strongly tied to the generation and model year. Here is a concise timeline of transmissions by generation:
Before the following list, here is a compact look at the main transmission options used in these years.
- 1995–1998: 4-speed automatic (4AT)
- 1999–2004: 4-speed automatic (4AT)
- 2005–2010: 5-speed automatic (5AT)
Conclusion: If your Odyssey predates 2011, it is unlikely to have a 6-speed automatic. Depending on the year, you’re likely looking at a 4AT or 5AT. Check the owner's manual or VIN for the exact specification.
How to confirm the transmission in your specific Odyssey
If you’re uncertain which transmission your exact vehicle has, use these practical verification steps to be sure:
- Look up the vehicle identification number (VIN) and cross-check it with Honda’s official VIN lookup or your dealership’s records to reveal the exact transmission specification for your model year and market.
- Consult the owner's manual or the original window sticker (Monroney label) for the specified drivetrain details, including the transmission type.
- Inspect the gear selector and driving feel: a 6-speed automatic typically uses a familiar P–R–N–D layout with an optional S (Sport) or manual shift mode on many modern Odysseys.
- Ask a Honda dealer or a trusted mechanic to read the vehicle’s service records or perform a quick transmission code scan if you have access to the vehicle.
Note: Documentation is the most reliable source. Engine and transmission codes may vary by market, trim, and production run, so always refer to official records for your exact vehicle.
Summary
The Honda Odyssey’s transmission history spans four-speed automatics in the earliest years, shifting to five-speed automatics in the mid-2000s, and then to a six-speed automatic from 2011 onward in the U.S. market. To know your specific car’s transmission, check the VIN, review the owner’s manual or window sticker, or ask a Honda service representative. In short: if your Odyssey is 2011 or newer, you’re very likely looking at a 6AT; older models are 4AT or 5AT depending on year.
Do Honda Odysseys have CVT transmission?
No, the current Honda Odyssey (2024 and 2025 models) does not have a CVT transmission; it is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Some older, international models with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine did use a CVT, but the US market Odyssey uses a V6 engine with a traditional automatic transmission.
- Current Models: The 2024 and 2025 Honda Odyssey models use a 10-speed automatic transmission, not a CVT.
- Older/International Models: Some older, international versions of the Odyssey powered by a 2.4-liter engine did feature a CVT. However, this is not the engine found in the current US-market Odyssey.
How do I tell which Honda transmission I have?
The Engine Number is stamped into the engine block. The Transmission Number is on a label on top of the transmission.
What transmission does my Honda Odyssey have?
10-Speed Automatic Transmission
10-Speed Automatic Transmission.
What year did Honda switch to CVT transmission?
Honda started using Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) in the 1996 Civic HX with its Honda Multi Matic (HMM) pulley-based system. This marked the company's first use of the technology in a mass-produced car, with the CVT's application gradually spreading to other models over the following years.
- First use: Honda introduced its first CVT in the 1996 Civic HX.
- Technology: This was a pulley-based system called the Honda Multi Matic (HMM) and it used a multi-plate clutch instead of a torque converter.
- Expansion: Following the Civic HX, Honda began integrating CVTs into other vehicles, such as the CR-V and Accord, over time.
