What transmission does the Honda CR-V use?
4 Answers
Honda CR-V uses a 6-speed manual transmission, CVT continuously variable transmission, and e-CVT continuously variable transmission. The Honda CR-V is a classic SUV produced by Dongfeng Honda Automobile Company, equipped with 2.0L and 2.4L turbocharged engines. Taking the 2021 Honda CR-V as an example: the exterior dimensions are 4998mm in length, 1901mm in width, and 1559mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3070mm. It has a maximum horsepower of 193, a maximum power of 142 kW, a maximum power speed of 5600 rpm, a maximum torque of 243 Nm, and a maximum torque speed range of 2000 to 5000 rpm.
I've been driving this fifth-generation CR-V for two years now, and the transmission I use most is the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Honda really has a knack for CVTs—it drives exceptionally smoothly, without any jerking in city traffic jams. I used to drive a friend's car with an AT (Automatic Transmission), and you could clearly feel the gearshift hesitation when starting from a red light. The CR-V handles this much better. The hybrid version is even more impressive, using an E-CVT transmission where the motor and engine work together seamlessly. To be honest, older CR-V models used to offer manual and AT transmissions as options, but the newer models have largely standardized on CVTs. When I was choosing the CR-V, the salesperson mentioned that this transmission is maintenance-free for life, but I still think regular check-ups are more reassuring.
Last month I accompanied my buddy to pick up the new CR-V and specifically researched its transmission configurations. The mainstream 1.5T gasoline models all feature CVT transmissions, which utilize steel belt drives - delivering notably smoother performance than gear-driven AT transmissions. The hybrid version's E-CVT is even more interesting; it's not actually a traditional transmission but rather uses planetary gearsets to distribute power with direct electric motor drive, resulting in exceptionally smooth acceleration. I remember during the test drive on the ring road, just lightly pressing the accelerator would steadily increase speed without any jerking sensation. Honda's powertrain matching is indeed sophisticated, though the transmission protection program during cold winter starts keeps the RPM slightly higher, requiring about two minutes of driving to normalize.
With a decade of car repair experience, I've handled numerous CR-Vs and am very familiar with their transmission configurations. The second generation used a 5AT automatic transmission, while the third generation switched to CVT. The current 1.5T models still employ a steel belt CVT, which has a simple structure and is easy to repair. Just the other day, I worked on a hybrid version—that E-CVT is actually a power distribution device relying on two sets of motors working in coordination, with far fewer parts than a traditional transmission and a much lower failure rate. As for common issues, older CVT models with over 100,000 kilometers should have their transmission fluid replaced to prevent belt slippage. The newer models have improved oil circuit designs, extending maintenance intervals, but owners in northern regions should use low-temperature transmission fluid.
