Through this, the ICE engine is able to drive the wheels directly, without needing to interface with the electric motors. So, here’s how a Honda e-CVT transmission works…Īt higher speeds, there’s typically a direct reduction gear set. This usually applies to models that come with a hybrid powertrain, where an engine and an electric motor (or several motors) have to interact. In some of the newer Honda models (as well as from other automakers, such as Toyota), you might’ve seen mentions of an ‘e-CVT’. In recent years, this includes (but isn’t limited to) the: Otherwise, most of the rest of Honda’s line-up does come with CVT transmissions. Meanwhile, larger and more powerful vehicles like the Passport, Pilot, and Odyssey would also suffer performance and driveability losses if they were equipped with CVTs. CVTs can’t handle too much torque or heavy loads, which would otherwise kneecap the Ridgeline’s ability to tow and haul. This downside also applies to those other models, too. Plus, you could argue that its super-smooth shifts are a tad boring and unengaging to drive with. So, what gives? Well, for sporting and dynamic vehicles like the Civic Type R, a CVT’s typical inability to handle large amounts of torque and difficulty to cool don’t make them a good match for track days and hard driving. Plus, Honda’s big family MPV, the latest Odyssey, also doesn’t come with a CVT. The same goes for the Passport and Pilot SUVs. In addition, Honda’s hardy Ridgeline pickup truck also isn’t fitted with a CVT. For example, sporty models like the new Civic Type R don’t come with a CVT transmission. Other transmission options are available, of course, such as an old-school H-pattern manual gearbox or a conventional automatic. That’s because most Honda models on sale today come with a CVT transmission. If you’re wondering which Honda model has a CVT (and which ones don’t), then it’s pretty easy to list out. For Honda, a metal drive belt is what runs between the variable-width pulleys. Instead of using fixed gears, CVTs use a system of two pulleys, joined by a belt of a chain in the middle. Meanwhile, heavy-duty vehicles like large trucks can have up to 18 gears.Ī CVT is different, in that it doesn’t have any gears. Most vehicles today have anywhere from 1, or upwards of 10 gears working in their transmission. Otherwise, the torque that is sent to the wheels is uncontrollable. By varying their gearing ratios, those gears regulate the power being sent to the engine. The main difference here is that conventional automatic transmissions and manual transmissions have gears. So, that would be putting it in gear, reverse, neutral, and so on. As such, it doesn’t require any manual input from you, aside from needing to change the direction of travel. ![]() In its function, you can easily confuse a CVT for an automatic, as they operate the same way.įrom a driver’s point of view, a CVT changes gears automatically. In many of the more mainstream and economical cars today, CVTs are a popular choice relative to more “regular” automatics and manuals. How does a CVT transmission work and what makes it that special? Well, CVT stands for ‘ continuously variable transmission‘. ![]() But can a Honda CVT reliability be just as bad to maintain, or could it outshine the rest of the car industry?īefore we dive deeper into looking at Honda CVT reliability, it will be helpful to know more about it. At first sight, it does seem like CVTs make for a win-win scenario.īut their relative new-ness compared to the refinements made towards more traditional transmissions mean they can be somewhat less reliable and are often more costly to fix. They are engineered to allow gearboxes to shift along smoothly and quietly, while also being simpler and inexpensive. Hailed as a natural evolution of transmission design, CVTs were supposed to show the way forward. Although a larger carmaker by volume, Honda’s penchant for bulletproof reliability appears to stand firm. On the other hand, things seem much more tranquil over at Honda’s headquarters. So much so, that it looks like their future cars will move towards a more conventional automatic gearbox. There has been a myriad of recalls and lawsuits over the years made against Nissan. But with fellow Nipponese stalwart, Nissan, having faced countless problems with their transmissions, one does wonder, what about Honda CVT reliability? A good old Honda is perhaps the perfect four-wheeled choice for anyone, as it can always be depended upon. Just as Toyota’s Land Cruiser makes for a great choice for effortless outback off-roading, Hondas work the same way. ![]() Few things in life are certain… Death, taxes, and the seeming indestructibility of Japanese cars.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |