Does Honda Have CVT Transmission? [All Models]

Honda has been a household name in the automotive market for quite some time. They have a long history of producing high-quality vehicles, perfect for everyday commuting. This is partly thanks to their optional CVT system. We've researched Honda models with the CVT option and look at some of them in this post.

For its 2023 model lineup, Honda will offer a CVT transmission for its Civic (all types), Accord, Fit, HR-V, and CR-V models.

A reliable engine is essential when you're choosing a car, especially if you're a daily commuter. Fortunately, Honda is one of those automakers that takes pride in its CVT engine. Keep reading, as we will discuss more information on Honda and their CVT engine vehicles.

How Reliable Is Honda's CVT Transmission?

Close-up of Honda Civic's FK8 Type R engine VTEC Turbo with EARTH DREAMS Technology displayed during Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) exhibition.

Honda has been offering a CVT trim on their cars for years now, and for good reason. Their CVTs are known to be reliable compared to other automakers' take on the transmission system.

Honda Civic Type R on display at International Motor Show 2022 , Does Honda Have CVT Transmission? [All Models]

Honda vehicles manufactured with CVT should last for at least 200,000 miles, the standard for transmission in its class.

To further prolong your vehicle's transmission, Honda also has a five-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the date of vehicle purchase.

Are There Any Issues With Honda's CVT Transmission?

Mechanics work to repair cars in workshops.

Like other automakers' CVT variants, Honda's CVT has had its fair share of issues. It is essential to keep an eye out for these concerns if you own a Honda with a CVT engine, as this could be detrimental to the longevity of your vehicle.

Louder Than Usual Operating Noise 

CVTs make a signature noise during acceleration. However, if the engine noise becomes increasingly loud or annoying, having your mechanic take a look at your car may be a good idea.

This noise could be due to the fact that a belt is loose or the entire pulley system is being compromised.

Sudden Jerking During Acceleration

Vehicles with CVT transmissions are known to have a smoother ride compared to conventional transmissions.

Jerking or acceleration irregularities have been reported on Honda CVTs, often showing that bearings or mounts are starting to fail on the engine.

So, whenever you feel the ride quality of your Honda is starting to decrease, contact your mechanic and have it checked.

Transmission Leaks

While engine leaks are common to all engines, transmission leaks on a CVT can be costly. CVTs are more expensive to maintain compared to conventional transmission engines, and a small leak can quickly develop into a severe engine problem.

Whenever you notice fluid dripping on your vehicle's underside, get it checked immediately to mitigate engine damage.

Decreased Power During Acceleration

Decreased power is the most common issue for Honda CVTs and CVTs.

This is a telltale sign of one of these problems. It could be that your engine's belt is slowly starting to slip. It could also signify that pulleys are losing pressure and the ratios are not being correctly adjusted.

How Much Do Honda CVT Vehicles Cost?

Honda Motor Co. automobile and SUV dealership.

Vehicle prices have been steadily increasing over the past decade, and while Honda may produce some of the best quality vehicles, they can be a bit pricey.

Based on the above list of Honda vehicles with CVT variants, the prices of their 2023 models are as follows.

  • Honda Civic: The Civic CVT price starts at $24,650 for the 2023 Sport sedan version and $25,440 for the 2023 Sport hatchback version.
  • Honda Accord: The Accord CVT price starts at $28,000 for the 2023 base version, $31,070 for the 2023 Sport SE, and $31,670 for the 2023 Hybrid Sport.
  • Honda Fit: Prices for the 2023 model are unreleased, but prices for the Fit CVT start at $15,520 for the 2022 Sport, $16,190 for the 2022 LX, and $18,960 for the 2022 EX.
  • Honda HR-V: The CVT version of the HR-V starts at $24,850 for the 2023 LX, $28,890 for the Sport, and $30,690 for the 2023 EX.
  • Honda CR-V: The 2023 CVT CR-V starts at $29,990 for the LX and $33,950 for the top Hybrid Sport.

What Are The Benefits Of CVT Engines?

 AISIN Seiki Co both - Cross section of CVT for medium torque capacity application AWFCX18 at 67th International Motor Show (IAA)

The continuously variable transmission (commonly called CVT) has been many automakers' choice for automatic transmission engines.

Because the system does away with gears and instead utilizes pulleys and belts, it does have some benefits compared to traditional gearbox transmissions.

Improved Fuel Economy

Honda CVT engines have achieved excellent fuel economy ratings due to the CVT system. A CVT transmission can keep engine speeds at an optimal rate where fuel economy is most efficient. This can save you money at the gas station.

Smoother Ride

Because of the lack of gears, acceleration and overall ride quality are improved. Compared to a manual transmission, there is no clutch pedal to engage with every gear change. The shifting happens seamlessly, providing a smoother ride.

Right Amount Of Power Delivery

Having a CVT transmission makes you feel that your car is always in the right gear. Because CVTs are programmed to keep engine speeds at the optimal rate, overtaking other vehicles is often smoother and safer.

Simpler And Lighter Construction

Not having gears can significantly reduce the overall weight of a vehicle. This is the case with cars that have CVTs.

These cars tend to be more compact and have fewer moving parts than cars with gearset transmissions. The reduced weight also affects fuel economy for the better.

What Are The Disadvantages Of CVT Engines?

CVT gearbox close up, changing oil and maintenance in new modern variator automatic transmission on SUV in Car Service

No engine is perfect. While a CVT engine is recognized for its benefits, it has its fair share of disadvantages.

Higher Maintenance Costs

CVT transmissions tend to be more expensive to repair due to parts that are only compatible with CVT engines. CVTs also tend to fail faster than conventional transmissions, leading to more upkeep and higher maintenance costs.

Noisy When Running

There have been numerous complaints of the engine "hanging" at high rpm and causing the engine to rev wildly.

This trait is common to a CVT transmission and can be a downside to potential buyers that could misjudge the noise for engine problems. During acceleration, CVT engines also produce a signature noise due to the pulleys and belts.

Towing Is Practically Nonexistent

Trailers and pickup enthusiasts will have a hard time owning a vehicle with a CVT engine. Towing requires fixed gear ratios that could deliver varying degrees of power.

The pulley system of a CVT isn't capable of this, and vehicles with this kind of transmission generally have towing capabilities below 1000 lbs.

Not Very Sporty

Because CVTs are programmed to run with fuel economy as a priority, vehicles with CVT engines tend to be "boring" compared to cars that have engines with actual gears. Simply put, CVTs are made to get you from point A to point B.

In Conclusion

Continuously variable transmission (CVT) will be the norm for most vehicles in the coming years. The conventional manual transmission is still the jewel for some vehicle purists, but for those who want a reliable commuter car, a CVT engine will do.

With gas prices and insurance costs unlikely to become cheaper, CVT transmission provides a fuel-efficient experience to most drivers. Sometimes those two factors are enough to sway you into buying one.

Just keep in mind when buying a vehicle to weigh the pros with the cons. Do your research and choose a car brand you feel confident about. Drive safe!

If you found this post insightful, be sure to check out some of our other Honda-related posts on the site:

How To Replace Engine Splash Shield Honda Civic [Step By Step Guide]?

How To Reset Honda Sensing

What Is Brake Hold On A Honda?

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