Who makes the Honda 10-speed transmission?
The 10-speed automatic transmission used by Honda is manufactured by ZF Friedrichshafen AG, developed in collaboration with Honda.
In the mid-2010s, Honda shifted toward a 10‑speed automatic (10AT) to improve efficiency and performance for its turbocharged engines. The gearbox was created through a joint effort with ZF, with ZF handling production and supply while Honda contributed engineering integration and engine/vehicle control software. This partnership reflects a broader industry pattern of automakers partnering with specialized transmission suppliers to push more gears and smoother shifts into mass-market cars.
The partnership behind the 10-speed
The Honda‑ZF collaboration combines Honda’s powertrain know‑how with ZF’s expertise in multi‑gear automatic transmissions. Honda designs the integration with its engines and electronic control systems, while ZF designs, manufactures, and markets the 10AT for use in Honda and Acura models. The gearboxes are produced by ZF at its global facilities and shipped to vehicle assembly lines to be paired with Honda’s transverse engine architectures.
Where it's used
The 10AT is predominantly paired with Honda and Acura models that use a 2.0‑liter turbocharged engine, delivering more gears for better acceleration and efficiency. In practice, this has included several Honda models with the 2.0T powerplant as well as multiple Acura models that share the same transmission architecture. Availability can vary by market and model year, and some regions may still use alternative transmissions on other trims or powertrains.
What it means for drivers
For drivers, the 10-speed automatic aims to provide smoother shifts, quicker response times, and improved fuel economy compared with prior multi‑speed designs. The additional gears help keep the engine in its optimal range during both highway cruising and urban acceleration, contributing to a more refined overall driving experience. Reliability and service intervals follow standard maintenance for modern automatics, with care taken by Honda and ZF to meet regional warranty and service expectations.
Summary
Honda’s 10-speed automatic is built by ZF Friedrichshafen AG in collaboration with Honda, representing a strategic partnership to equip Honda and Acura models with a higher‑gear, more efficient transmission. The arrangement underscores how automakers increasingly rely on specialized suppliers to deliver advanced gearboxes that enhance performance and fuel economy across a broad lineup.
