Most Hondas are front-wheel drive, with all-wheel-drive availability on a wide range of models. A small number of iconic or specialized Hondas have employed rear-wheel drive.
What drives Honda today
In the modern lineup, front-wheel drive is the baseline for the majority of Honda’s passenger cars and crossovers. All-wheel drive is offered on many models as an option or, in some cases, as a standard feature on higher trims or in certain markets. A few historic or performance-oriented models have used rear-wheel drive.
Front-wheel-drive standard models
These models are predominantly built on front-wheel-drive platforms, prioritizing efficiency and packaging for everyday use.
- Civic, Insight — mainstream compact and hybrid cars, typically FWD
- Accord — mid-size sedan, typically FWD
- CR-V, HR-V — compact to small SUVs, primarily FWD with AWD options
Across these popular lines, front-wheel drive is the default configuration, with all-wheel drive offered on many trims or as an optional upgrade in various years and markets.
Current AWD-capable models
For drivers seeking all-weather capability or enhanced traction, several Honda models offer AWD, either as an option or as standard in certain configurations.
- CR-V — AWD available on multiple trims
- HR-V — AWD option on several configurations
- Pilot, Passport — AWD available on multiple trims
- Ridgeline — AWD available on select configurations
- NSX (current generation) — uses a hybrid all-wheel-drive system (SH-AWD)
In practice, if you value traction and stability in adverse conditions, Honda’s lineup provides multiple AWD choices, while the majority of everyday models remain front-wheel drive.
Historic rear-wheel-drive models
Honda’s history includes a small, iconic handful of rear-wheel-drive cars that stand out for performance and handling.
- S2000 (1999–2009) — a rear-wheel-drive two-seat roadster known for its high-revving engine
- Original NSX (1990–2005) — mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive supercar symbolizing Honda’s performance roots
These models are no longer in production. The current NSX, by contrast, relies on a high-performance all-wheel-drive hybrid system.
Summary
Today’s Hondas are predominantly front-wheel drive, chosen for efficiency and packaging. All-wheel drive is widely available across many models, particularly in SUVs and crossovers, while only a small portion of Honda’s history features rear-wheel-drive vehicles. For enthusiasts, the brand’s performance-focused lineup includes the rear-driven S2000 (discontinued) and the original NSX (also discontinued), with the current NSX adopting an all-wheel-drive hybrid setup.