Which Hondas have a CVT transmission?
Most Honda models today pair a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with their engines to prioritize smoothness and efficiency. In practice, this means the Civic, CR-V, HR-V, Insight, and Accord Hybrid all use CVTs or e-CVTs, while a few models rely on traditional automatics or manual gearboxes. Here’s how the lineup breaks down.
Gas-engine models that use CVT
These are the non-hybrid, gasoline-only models where CVT is the standard transmission option or the typical choice in most trims.
- Civic (most trims: LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, Touring) — CVT; note that the Civic Si and Civic Type R use a traditional manual transmission.
- CR-V (gasoline variant) — CVT; the CR-V also offers a Hybrid version that uses an e-CVT.
- HR-V — CVT on all trims.
CVTs in gas-engine Hondas are designed to improve fuel economy and provide smooth, uninterrupted acceleration in everyday driving. They’re paired with smaller turbocharged or naturally aspirated engines in these models.
Hybrid models and e-CVT offerings
Honda’s hybrid lineup uses electronic CVT systems that integrate the gasoline engine with electric motors to optimize efficiency and performance.
- Civic Hybrid — e-CVT
- Insight — e-CVT
- Accord Hybrid — e-CVT
- CR-V Hybrid — e-CVT
In hybrids, the e-CVT is designed to manage power from both the petrol engine and electric motors, delivering smooth transitions and improved fuel economy.
Models that do not use CVT
Some recent Honda models rely on traditional automatics or manual transmissions, especially those focused on performance or rugged capability.
- Civic Si — 6-speed manual
- Civic Type R — 6-speed manual
- Accord (non-hybrid) — 10-speed automatic
- CR-V (non-hybrid) — 9-speed automatic
- Odyssey — 10-speed automatic
- Pilot — 9-speed automatic
- Passport — 9-speed automatic
- Ridgeline — 9-speed automatic
Transmission choices can vary by market and model year, so it’s wise to confirm the exact drivetrain configuration for the trim you’re considering.
Summary
In short, Honda’s CVT-equipped lineup spans core models like the Civic (excluding high-performance variants), CR-V, HR-V, and the hybrid family—including Civic Hybrid, Insight, Accord Hybrid, and CR-V Hybrid. If you’re seeking a traditional automatic or a manual gearbox, Honda also offers several trims with conventional automatics or manual transmissions across different models.
What Hondas don't have CVT transmissions?
Certain Honda models do not have Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs), including the Civic Type R, the Civic Si (which is exclusively manual), the Passport, the Pilot, the Ridgeline, and the Odyssey. Some trims of the Fit also have a manual option that avoids a CVT.
- Performance models: The Civic Type R and Civic Si do not use CVTs. The Si is a manual-only performance sedan, while the Type R offers a traditional manual transmission.
- SUVs and Trucks: The Passport, Pilot, and Ridgeline are available with traditional automatic transmissions instead of CVTs.
- Minivans: The Odyssey does not use a CVT.
- Other models: Some trims of the Honda Fit can be equipped with a manual transmission, avoiding the CVT.
When did Honda switch to a 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.
What is the life expectancy of a Honda CVT transmission?
A Honda CVT transmission can last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance, particularly frequent fluid changes every 50,000 miles (or sooner, depending on driving conditions) and using the correct Honda-specific fluid. While newer Honda CVTs are more reliable than older generations, timely and correct maintenance is crucial to prevent premature failure, which can sometimes occur between 50,000 and 60,000 miles.
This video explains the factors affecting CVT lifespan and how to extend it: 1mTHE CARS GURUYouTube · Sep 8, 2025
Factors affecting Honda CVT longevity
This video explains the issues with Honda CVTs and costs associated with them: 28sTHE CARS GURUYouTube · Aug 14, 2025
- Fluid changes: Regularly changing the CVT fluid is the most critical factor for longevity.
- Follow the service schedule, but be prepared to change it more frequently (e.g., every 50,000 miles) if you drive in harsh conditions like stop-and-go traffic.
- Always use the specific Honda-branded fluid recommended for your vehicle to avoid damage.
- Driving habits:
- Frequent harsh acceleration or towing can shorten the transmission's lifespan.
- A higher proportion of highway or "interstate miles" is generally better for CVT longevity.
- Reliability: Newer generations of Honda CVTs are significantly more reliable than earlier models, which experienced more frequent issues.
- Cost of failure: A major CVT failure can be expensive, often requiring a complete replacement that can cost between $5,000$ 5 comma 000$5,000 and $10,000$ 10 comma 000$10,000.
How to maximize your CVT's lifespan
- Follow the maintenance schedule: Stick to the recommended service intervals in your owner's manual.
- Change the fluid regularly: Be proactive with fluid changes, even more frequently than the manual suggests, especially with hard driving.
- Use the correct fluid: Only use the Honda-specific CVT fluid recommended for your vehicle. Using the wrong fluid can cause significant damage.
- Drive mindfully: Avoid aggressive driving and heavy towing to reduce stress on the transmission.
What are the disadvantages of Honda CVT?
Disadvantages of CVT Over Automatic Transmissions
You may feel a delay when you step on the accelerator. That's because, compared to a regular automatic transmission, there's a slight pause as the CVT band adjusts. CVTs can be hard to get used to because they just don't feel the same way a traditional automatic does.
