Most Honda models are front-wheel drive (FWD) by default. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on many SUVs, while the core passenger cars—Civic, Accord, and Insight—are typically FWD.
To understand the question more fully, this article breaks down Honda’s current lineup into passenger cars and SUVs/pickups, noting where FWD is standard and where AWD is an available option. The information reflects the U.S. market as of the latest model years and may vary by trim or region.
Current Honda lineup and drivetrain layouts
The following sections summarize the main models and indicate whether FWD or AWD is standard or available. A quick reference helps you compare what you’ll get in terms of traction for weather and driving needs.
Passenger cars
Among Honda’s cars, front-wheel drive is the standard arrangement; all-wheel drive is not typically offered on these models in the U.S.
- Civic — FWD (no widely offered AWD option in the U.S.)
- Accord — FWD (no AWD option)
- Insight — FWD (no AWD option)
- Civic Type R — FWD
In short, the main Honda passenger cars operate with FWD unless you move into the SUV/crossover segment for AWD capability.
SUVs and trucks
SUVs and trucks from Honda commonly offer AWD or have AWD as an available option, providing enhanced traction for varying road conditions.
- CR-V — FWD standard; AWD available
- HR-V — FWD standard; AWD available
- Pilot — FWD standard; AWD available
- Passport — AWD available (often paired with higher-trim configurations)
- Ridgeline — FWD baseline with AWD option
- Odyssey — FWD (no AWD option)
For buyers prioritizing traction, the SUV lineup effectively broadens the availability of AWD across trims and models, whereas the base configurations of some passenger cars remain FWD-only.
Summary
In brief, most Honda models are FWD by default. If you need AWD, your best bets are the SUVs and trucks—CR-V, HR-V, Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline—where AWD is typically available. The core passenger cars—Civic, Accord, and Insight—are generally FWD, with the Civic Type R also falling into the FWD category. Note that Acura, Honda’s luxury division, has models like the NSX that use different drivetrain configurations and are not Honda-branded in the U.S. market.