The transmission for the 2016 Honda Accord Sport depends on the chosen drivetrain: most Sport models with the 2.4-liter engine offered either a 6-speed manual or a CVT, while the V6 option was not available on the Sport and used a different setup on higher trims.
In detail, Honda’s ninth-generation Accord marketed the Sport trim with a focus on sportier styling and driving dynamics, but the available transmissions varied by engine and trim level. This article breaks down how those choices worked for the 2016 model year and what buyers could expect when shopping for a Sport-branded Accord.
Transmission options for the 2016 Accord Sport
Below is a concise overview of the transmission pairings that appeared with the 2016 Accord Sport, organized by engine configuration.
- 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine (Sport with 2.4L): 6-speed manual transmission (6MT) or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
- 3.5-liter V6 engine (not typically offered on the Sport trim): 6-speed automatic transmission only, available on higher trims such as EX-L V6 or Touring.
In practice, most Sport models with the 2.4L engine could be ordered with either the 6MT or the CVT, giving buyers a choice between a traditional manual feel and a smooth, fuel-economy-focused automatic. The V6 option was reserved for other trims and did not apply to the standard Sport configuration.
Was there a V6 option in the Sport?
No. The 2016 Accord Sport did not offer the 3.5-liter V6 engine; that powertrain was paired with automatic transmissions on higher trims such as EX-L V6 and Touring. The Sport designation remained associated with the 2.4-liter engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT.
Why these options matter for buyers
The choice between a 6-speed manual and a CVT influences driving feel, shifting flexibility, and fuel economy. The manual appeals to enthusiasts who want more direct control over gear changes, while the CVT delivers smoother acceleration and typically better city mpg. For the V6-equipped trims, buyers faced a different transmission experience, as the V6 line-up did not include a Sport variant and used an automatic arrangement on higher trims.
Summary
The 2016 Honda Accord Sport offered two primary transmission paths for the 2.4L engine: a 6-speed manual or a CVT, allowing buyers to pick between engaged shifting or smoother, efficiency-focused operation. The V6 option existed on other trims, not on the Sport, and that powertrain used a 6-speed automatic. In short, Sport overall combined the 2.4L engine with either manual or CVT transmission choices, while V6 power lived elsewhere in the lineup.