In brief: No. The 2013 CR-V uses a conventional five-speed automatic transmission rather than a CVT.
The 2013 CR-V is part of Honda’s fifth generation, sold in the U.S. from 2012 to 2016. During this period, Honda paired the CR-V’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a traditional automatic transmission. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was introduced later, and by the 2017 model year the CR-V predominantly uses a CVT with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine in most markets.
Transmission history of the CR-V
Below is a concise timeline of the transmission setup across recent CR-V generations:
- 2012–2016 CR-V: 5-speed automatic transmission (5AT) with the 2.4L engine in North America.
- 2017–present CR-V: CVT (continuously variable transmission) paired with the 1.5L turbo engine in most markets.
Note: Market variations exist, but the 2013 model year in the U.S. did not come with a CVT.
Implications for buyers and owners
For people evaluating used 2013 CR-Vs, expect a traditional 5-speed automatic. If you’re shopping for newer CR-Vs, a CVT became standard with the 2017 redesign in most regions, offering different driving feel and maintenance considerations.
How to verify the transmission in a specific vehicle
When shopping, confirm the transmission type via the VIN/build sheet, owner’s manual, or a pre-purchase inspection. In person, you can usually tell by feel: a traditional automatic delivers distinct gear shifts, while a CVT provides smooth acceleration without obvious gear changes.
Key takeaway for certainty
In short, the 2013 Honda CR-V does not have a CVT. If you want a CR-V with a CVT, you’ll want to look at 2017 or newer models (in most regions) that use a CVT with the 1.5L turbo engine, or related hybrid variants with different transmission setups.
Summary
The 2013 Honda CR-V uses a five-speed automatic transmission, not a CVT. The shift to a CVT occurred with the 2017 refresh for the CR-V in most markets. If your goal is a CR-V with a CVT, target 2017 or newer models.