Honda Cars with & without CVT (9 Models: New + Used)
Honda’s CVT transmission has been remarkably reliable, and the marque’s small to midsize cars are among the most energy-efficient, enjoyable-to-drive vehicles.
Honda cars with and without CVT are listed below, with the relevant model years and trim levels identified.
Honda Models with CVT Transmission
#1 Honda Civic
This ultra-popular compact car is available in sedan or hatchback body styles.
The Honda Civic has long been a compelling pick for its strong fuel economy, spacious interior and cargo space, and sporty handling, making it one of the most fun-to-drive cars in its price range.
Shoppers after a CVT-equipped Honda Civic should opt for a 2014 or newer model, as all variants with an automatic transmission enjoy the automaker’s CVT technology.
Unfortunately, Honda Civics made in 2013 or earlier did not have CVT.
With over 50 years of a strong presence on the road, a Civic with CVT of any age will not disappoint budget-minded shoppers.
#2 Honda Insight
While the Prius and Prius Prime are the most popular among Toyotas with CVT and hybrid powertrains, the Honda Insight is lower-profiled but an equally compelling option for a super-efficient small car (over 50 mpg combined).
Further, Insight’s roomy sedan body and comfortable interior are strong pluses compared to the compact hybrid hatchback from Toyota – 2014 and earlier Honda Insights are hatchbacks.
Except for the 2000 debutant, all Honda Insight model years had available CVT.
#3 Honda Clarity
This Honda is available with a hydrogen fuel cell or plug-in-hybrid powertrain, the latter a CVT model.
Every plug-in-hybrid Honda Clarity comes with a CVT transmission.
Although its production was relatively short-lived, the plug-in hybrid’s long electric driving range and overall high fuel efficiency make the Clarity a solid choice for a used hybrid car.
#4 Honda Fit
Although discontinued after 2020, Honda Fit is still a solid purchase for a used car with a hatchback body.
Strong Fit pluses include a roomy and versatile cabin, good ride comfort, and fuel efficiency.
A CVT transmission was standard in 2015 to 2020 Honda Fit hatchbacks, while 2013 and older models did not have CVT.
#5 Honda Accord
Honda Accord has been a stalwart in the midsize sedan segment for decades, offering small families a compelling package in fuel economy, crash safety, and abundant interior and cargo room.
The spaciousness makes the Accord one of the most popular vehicles for a family of four or five.
From 2013 to the latest model, Honda Accord sedans have had a CVT transmission; 2012 and older models did not.
Quite remarkably, Accord’s four-cylinder powertrains mated with CVT produce one of the highest horsepower among its peers without sacrificing efficiency.
#6 Honda Accord Hybrid
It wasn’t surprising when Honda produced a hybrid version of their wildly popular midsize sedan.
Since its 2014 debut, all Honda Accord Hybrids have maintained a CVT-equipped powertrain.
The hybrid model suffers no loss of cargo space over the regular Accord, and the gas-electric fuel economy is an impressive high-40s mpg overall.
#7 Honda HR-V
As SUVs remain one of the most popular body styles, almost every manufacturer now has a subcompact entrant to ensure maximum market reach.
The HR-V is Honda’s smallest SUV and a strong contender in its class, although the engine performance and fuel economy are somewhat average.
The CVT transmission has been standard in Honda HR-V crossovers since debuting in 2016.
Regardless, it’s fun to drive with top-notch handling enabling light-footed movement and a fun-to-own vehicle at affordable pricing.
Compelling alternatives to the HR-V include subcompact SUVs from these makes:
#8 Honda CR-V
Alongside the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V leads the small SUV segment in sales, overall performance, and value for money.
It has consistently produced the best engine power and fuel economy combination while maintaining an above-average sporty demeanor.
Shoppers after a fourth-gen Honda CR-V with CVT must opt for a 2015 or 2016 model, as 2014 and older ones did not come with that automatic transmission.
The fifth Honda CR-V generation (2017 to 2022) saw every model year mated with a CVT transmission.
The CVT offering remains in the 2023 and newer CR-V SUVs.
#9 Honda CR-V Hybrid
As energy efficiency continues to grow in importance, the leading manufacturers have ensured that their most popular models have a representation in the hybridized SUV market.
Honda CR-V Hybrids have carried a CVT-equipped powertrain since the model’s 2020 introduction.
Honda Models without CVT Transmission
Honda vehicles that do not have CVT are:
- Honda Civic Si – a sportier version of the Civic sedan.
- Honda Civic Type R – high-performance manual hatchback.
- Honda Passport – midsize SUV.
- Honda Pilot – midsize SUV.
- Honda Ridgeline – midsize truck.
- Honda Odyssey – minivan.
This Japanese giant is one of the few automakers with V6 engines, equipping its larger vehicles with nine or ten-speed, traditional automatic or shiftable automatic gearboxes.
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