Which Hondas are not CVT?

In today’s Honda lineup, only a minority of models steer clear of a traditional CVT. The non-CVT options include some performance-focused cars, a few larger vehicles, and one or two high-power variants. The rest of the range relies on CVTs or hybrid-era e-CVTs. Here’s a current, model-year based look at which Hondas don’t use a conventional continuously variable transmission.

Current non-CVT Honda models

The following models or trims in Honda’s current lineup do not use a traditional CVT. They rely on either a manual transmission or a conventional automatic.

• Civic Si — 6-speed manual


• Civic Type R — 6-speed manual


• NSX — 9-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT)


• Accord 2.0T — 10-speed automatic


• Pilot — 9-speed automatic


• Ridgeline — 9-speed automatic


• Passport — 9-speed automatic

These non-CVT configurations reflect Honda’s strategy to offer traditional automatics or manuals on its performance-oriented or larger-vehicle options, while the majority of the lineup uses CVTs or hybrid systems.

Honda models that use CVT or e-CVT

Most of Honda’s mainstream cars and crossovers employ a CVT or a hybrid e-CVT to maximize fuel efficiency and smoothness. The following are representative examples of that approach in the current market.

• Civic (LX, EX, EX-L, Touring) — CVT with 1.5L turbo


• CR-V — CVT (with turbo); CR-V Hybrid uses e-CVT


• HR-V — CVT


• Accord (1.5L turbo) — CVT


• Insight — hybrid e-CVT

As Honda’s lineup evolves, these CVT or e-CVT configurations illustrate the brand’s broader trend toward smoother, more fuel-efficient transmissions in its mass-market models, while reserving non-CVT options for sportier or larger segments.

Notes and context

Transmission offerings can shift with each new model year and trim level. If a specific configuration matters for you—such as preferring a manual transmission or avoiding a CVT—it's wise to verify the exact drivetrain with a dealer for the exact model and trim you’re considering.

Summary

Among current Hondas, the non-CVT options are concentrated in the Civic Si and Civic Type R (both manual), the NSX (DCT), and several larger or performance-oriented models (Accord 2.0T, Pilot, Ridgeline, Passport). The bulk of Honda’s lineup uses CVTs or hybrid-style e-CVTs to optimize efficiency, with the CVT-focused examples including the Civic, CR-V, HR-V, and Accord 1.5T, as well as the Insight in its hybrid form. Always check the exact transmission by model year and trim to be sure.

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 does not have CVT transmission?

Honda models that are not equipped with a CVT transmission include the Civic Type R and the Civic Si, which use a manual transmission. Other models, such as the Passport, Pilot, Ridgeline, and Odyssey, do not use CVTs and have different automatic or traditional automatic transmissions. 

• Manual Transmission Models:
  • Civic Type R
  • Civic Si
• Traditional Automatic Transmission Models:
  • Passport
  • Pilot
  • Ridgeline
  • Odyssey

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. 

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.