Which Honda does not have CVT transmission?
The Honda Civic is the only major Honda model that does not offer a continuously variable transmission (CVT) option. While most Honda vehicles, including the Accord, CR-V, and Pilot, come standard with a CVT, the Civic lineup still provides the choice of a traditional automatic or manual transmission.
Understanding Honda's Transmission Offerings
Honda has been a leader in the adoption of CVT technology, which provides a smooth, efficient, and responsive driving experience compared to traditional stepped automatic transmissions. The majority of Honda's current lineup, from the compact Fit to the full-size Pilot SUV, features a CVT as the standard or available transmission option.
However, the Honda Civic stands out as the exception. This popular compact car continues to offer a traditional automatic transmission, as well as a manual gearbox, in addition to the CVT. This gives Civic buyers more flexibility in choosing the transmission that best suits their driving preferences.
Reasons for the Civic's Transmission Choices
- Performance Driving: The availability of a manual transmission in the Civic appeals to enthusiasts who prefer a more engaging, hands-on driving experience. The manual option also allows for better control and responsiveness, especially in sporty Civic models like the Si and Type R.
- Familiarity and Preference: Some drivers simply prefer the familiar feel and operation of a traditional automatic transmission over a CVT, which can have a different, less familiar driving character.
- Cost Considerations: Offering a range of transmission options, including less expensive manual and automatic choices, helps make the Civic accessible to a wider range of buyers with different budgets.
While the majority of Honda's lineup has embraced CVT technology, the Civic's continued availability of manual and traditional automatic transmissions caters to a specific segment of buyers who value the driving experience and flexibility that these options provide.
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.
Which Honda models do not have CVT?
Honda models that are not equipped with CVTs include the Passport, Pilot, Ridgeline, Odyssey, and certain performance models like the Civic Type R. Additionally, some models, like the Fit and certain Civic and CR-V trims, have available manual transmissions as an alternative to a CVT.
You can watch this video to learn about specific Honda models with and without CVTs: 59sTHE CARS GURUYouTube · Aug 22, 2025
- Passport: This SUV does not use a CVT.
- Pilot: This SUV is not equipped with a CVT.
- Ridgeline: This truck does not use a CVT.
- Odyssey: This minivan consistently uses a conventional automatic transmission, not a CVT.
- Civic Type R: This high-performance model is available with a manual transmission.
- Fit: Some trims can be equipped with a manual transmission.
- Civic: Some models, like the Si and Type R, are manual-only, and some trims may have a manual option, as seen in the past.
- CR-V: While newer models primarily use CVTs, older models or specific trims could be found with traditional automatic transmissions.
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.
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.
