No. While CVTs are common on many Honda models, several notable vehicles in the lineup use conventional automatics or, in a few cases, manual transmissions. The result is a mix rather than a uniform approach across every new model.
Across the current Honda lineup, engineers balance efficiency with performance and capability. CVT-type gearboxes, including hybrid-style e-CVTs, are favored for many crossovers and hybrid models, while traditional multi-speed automatics appear on several larger or sport-focused models. A small number of trims also retain manual gearboxes for driving enthusiasts.
Transmission types across Honda's current lineup
The following breakdown highlights where CVTs are prevalent, where conventional automatics dominate, and where manual transmissions remain available. Model-by-model specifics can vary by trim and year, so always check the exact configuration for the model you’re considering.
Models commonly fitted with CVT or e-CVT
In Honda’s recent lineups, several well-known models rely on CVT-style gearboxes to maximize efficiency and smooth acceleration, including many of the brand’s hybrids and sporty crossovers.
- Civic (base trims and most non-performance variants) — CVT
- CR-V (gasoline variants) — CVT
- CR-V Hybrid — e-CVT
- HR-V — CVT
- Insight — e-CVT
- Accord Hybrid — e-CVT
CVT or e-CVT configurations are common in these models to optimize fuel economy and smoothness across city and highway driving.
Models with conventional automatics (non-CVT)
Honda also sells several models with traditional multi-speed automatics, which are preferred for certain power, towing, or performance characteristics.
- Accord (non-hybrid) — conventional automatic
- Odyssey — conventional automatic
- Pilot — conventional automatic
- Ridgeline — conventional automatic
These conventional automatics are common on larger passenger models and the brand’s pickup, offering straightforward shifting and robust performance for everyday driving and cargo throughput.
Manual transmission options
A small subset of enthusiasts seeks manual transmissions, and Honda currently reserves them for its sport-focused trims in the lineup.
- Civic Si — 6-speed manual
- Civic Type R — 6-speed manual
Manual gearboxes remain a minority within Honda’s portfolio, limited to the higher-performance Civic variants rather than the broader lineup.
Summary
The landscape for Honda transmissions is not uniformly CVT across all new models. CVTs and e-CVTs are common in many crossovers and hybrids, helping with fuel efficiency and smooth operation. Conventional automatics are still used on several full-size and performance-oriented models, and manual transmissions survive primarily in the Civic’s sportier trims. If you’re shopping, the best approach is to verify the exact drivetrain for the specific trim and model year you’re considering, as offerings can change with new updates.