The quick answer is no: the 2014 Honda CR-V uses a traditional 5-speed automatic transmission, not a CVT.
What transmission did the 2014 CR-V use?
In the 2014 model year, the Honda CR-V paired a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a conventional 5-speed automatic transmission. Either front-wheel drive or Honda’s Real-Time All-Wheel Drive was available, but there was no CVT option in the US-market CR-V for this year.
Here are the key transmission-related facts for that year:
- Engine: 2.4-liter inline-4
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic (not CVT)
- Drivetrain options: Front-wheel drive or Real-Time AWD
- Fuel economy: EPA estimates were in the mid-20s mpg combined, with AWD typically slightly lower than FWD
In short, when evaluating a 2014 CR-V, expect a conventional automatic transmission rather than Honda’s CVT.
Did Honda later adopt a CVT for the CR-V?
Yes. Beginning with the 2017 model year, the CR-V shifted to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) paired with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine in most trims. This represented a departure from the earlier 5-speed automatic setup and affected acceleration characteristics and fuel economy figures compared with the 2014 model.
If you’re researching later CR-V generations (2017 onward), you should anticipate a CVT as the standard or widely available option, unless you encounter a special case or a different market specification. Always verify the specific vehicle’s transmission by checking the VIN or the owner’s manual.
Background: how Honda’s transmission strategy evolved
Across the CR-V’s history, Honda has experimented with several transmissions. The early to mid-2010s relied on traditional automatics, while the switch to a CVT aligned with broader efficiency goals as Honda introduced turbocharged powertrains in the CR-V. This evolution is why the 2014 model differs from the later 2017+ models in terms of transmission technology.
Summary: The 2014 CR-V uses a 5-speed automatic, not a CVT. Honda moved to a CVT with the CR-V starting in 2017 for most trims, reflecting a broader shift toward efficiency in newer generations.
Summary
For the 2014 Honda CR-V, expect a conventional 5-speed automatic transmission rather than a CVT. If you are looking at a newer model, be aware that Honda adopted a CVT from 2017 onward in most trims, continuing into current generations.