Which Hondas do not have CVT transmission?
Only two current Hondas sold in the United States are manual-only: the Civic Si and the Civic Type R. Both use a six-speed manual transmission, while most of Honda’s lineup relies on CVTs or traditional automatics.
In this article, we examine which Honda models steer away from CVT technology, why Honda has leaned on CVTs for much of its lineup, and how transmission choices affect performance, efficiency, and driving feel. We also outline where CVTs dominate and where multi-speed automatics still prevail in Honda’s current offerings.
Civic lineup: manual-only models
The performance-focused Civics stand out as the manual-transmission exceptions in Honda’s current family. These two variants are designed for drivers who prefer a traditional stick shift over a continuously variable setup.
- Honda Civic Si — six-speed manual
- Honda Civic Type R — six-speed manual
Both variants deliver a driver-centric experience that enthusiasts often seek when CVTs are avoided for reasons of engagement and transmission feel.
Other Honda models with non-CVT automatics
Beyond the Civic, many Honda models use conventional multi-speed automatics rather than CVTs. The following examples illustrate the range of non-CVT transmissions currently offered across the lineup.
- Honda Accord (2.0L turbo) — 10-speed automatic
- Honda Pilot — 10-speed automatic
- Honda Ridgeline — 9-speed automatic
- Honda Odyssey — 10-speed automatic
- Honda Passport — 9-speed automatic
Note: Some engines within certain models, such as the Accord’s 1.5L turbo, have used CVTs in the past or on other markets. The list above reflects current U.S. offerings where the engine/trim pairs with traditional automatics rather than CVTs. Always check the exact configuration for a given model year and trim, since transmission choices can vary by market and update.
Summary
In the current Honda lineup, the manual-only niche is occupied by the Civic Si and Civic Type R, both equipped with six-speed manuals. The rest of Honda’s passenger and SUV lineup generally relies on CVTs or multi-speed automatics, with several larger models (such as the Pilot, Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Passport) using 9- or 10-speed automatics rather than CVTs. If your priority is a non-CVT experience, the two Civic performance models are the clearest route, but there are plentiful non-CVT automatic options across the broader lineup for other needs.
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.
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.
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
