2016 Honda CR-V Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Transmission gear ratios

The 2016 Honda CR-V was exclusively equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This sophisticated transmission uses a steel belt and a pair of variable-width pulleys to provide an infinite number of gear ratios within its operating range, optimizing both fuel efficiency and power delivery.

Note: CVTs do not have traditional fixed gears, so these ratios represent the lowest and highest achievable ratios in the "drive" range. The reverse ratio also varies within the specified range.

Available axle ratios

The 2016 Honda CR-V came with a single final drive ratio across all trims and drivetrains (FWD and AWD).

How to identify your axle ratio

For the 2016 Honda CR-V, identifying the axle ratio is straightforward because only one final drive ratio was offered. Unlike many trucks and SUVs, Honda CR-Vs do not typically have an RPO sticker on the door jamb that lists a specific axle code, nor do they have a separate axle tag on the differential housing in the same way traditional truck axles do. The final drive ratio is an integral part of the transaxle assembly for both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models.

If you need to confirm this information for any reason, the best resources would be your owner's manual, a Honda service department using your VIN, or by referencing detailed service specifications.

Towing vs MPG impact

For vehicles with multiple axle ratio options, a numerically lower ratio (e.g., 3.31) generally results in better fuel economy because the engine operates at lower RPMs at a given road speed. Conversely, a numerically higher ratio (e.g., 4.10) provides more torque multiplication, which is beneficial for towing and acceleration, but typically at the expense of fuel efficiency due to higher engine RPMs at cruising speeds.

However, the 2016 Honda CR-V with its CVT and a single final drive ratio of 5.043 is designed to strike an optimal balance. The CVT itself is the primary mechanism for optimizing both fuel economy and performance. By continuously adjusting its ratios, the CVT keeps the engine in its most efficient operating range for light cruising and can seamlessly provide more torque multiplication for acceleration or when encountering inclines. While the final drive ratio is relatively high, the CVT's ability to "down-gear" (increase its internal ratio) for acceleration and "up-gear" (decrease its internal ratio) for highway cruising largely negates the typical trade-offs associated with fixed final drive ratios.

Given the CR-V's primary purpose as a compact SUV, its design prioritizes passenger comfort, cargo space, and fuel efficiency over heavy-duty towing. The towing capacity for the 2016 Honda CR-V is limited, and the provided gear ratios are well-suited for its intended use.

Common issues

While the 2016 Honda CR-V's powertrain is generally reliable, here are some common areas of concern related to its transmission and drivetrain:

• CVT drone or noise: Some owners may notice a less linear acceleration feel or a "drone" sound from the CVT, especially under steady acceleration. This is often a characteristic of CVTs rather than a defect, but excessive noise should be inspected.
• CVT fluid maintenance: Proper and timely CVT fluid changes are crucial for the longevity of the transmission. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to premature wear and potential transmission issues. Honda specifies a particular CVT fluid that must be used.
• AWD system issues (rear differential): For AWD models, occasional complaints might arise regarding the rear differential, such as fluid leaks or noise. Regular maintenance of the rear differential fluid, as per Honda's recommendations, is important to prevent these issues. This is generally separate from the transaxle's final drive.

Most issues can be mitigated with proper maintenance and adherence to the manufacturer's service schedule.

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