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Cr-v shifter revelation: paddle shifters revealed!

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • These paddle shifters provide drivers with the ability to manually shift gears without taking their hands off the steering wheel, enhancing the driving experience and offering greater control over the vehicle’s performance.
  • Instead of shifting gears, the paddle shifters in the Hybrid CR-V control the level of regenerative braking.
  • If paddle shifters are not available on your CR-V trim, you can still enjoy some of the benefits of manual shifting with the following alternatives.

Yes, the Honda CR-V offers paddle shifters as an available feature on select trims. These paddle shifters provide drivers with the ability to manually shift gears without taking their hands off the steering wheel, enhancing the driving experience and offering greater control over the vehicle’s performance.

Trims with Paddle Shifters

Honda CR-V trims that come equipped with paddle shifters include:

  • Touring
  • EX-L
  • Hybrid Touring

Benefits of Paddle Shifters

Paddle shifters offer several advantages over traditional gear shifters:

  • Enhanced Control: Paddle shifters allow drivers to shift gears quickly and precisely, giving them greater control over the vehicle’s acceleration and deceleration.
  • Improved Performance: By manually shifting gears, drivers can optimize the engine’s performance for specific driving conditions, such as overtaking or descending hills.
  • Increased Engagement: Paddle shifters provide a more engaging driving experience, allowing drivers to feel more connected to the vehicle and its performance.

How to Use Paddle Shifters

Using paddle shifters is straightforward:

  • Upshifting: Pull the right paddle shifter towards you to shift up to a higher gear.
  • Downshifting: Pull the left paddle shifter towards you to shift down to a lower gear.

Paddle Shifters in the Hybrid CR-V

The Hybrid CR-V also offers paddle shifters. However, these paddle shifters serve a slightly different purpose in the hybrid model. Instead of shifting gears, the paddle shifters in the Hybrid CR-V control the level of regenerative braking.

  • Left Paddle: Increases the level of regenerative braking, slowing down the vehicle and generating electricity to recharge the battery.
  • Right Paddle: Decreases the level of regenerative braking, allowing the vehicle to coast more freely.

Alternatives to Paddle Shifters

If paddle shifters are not available on your CR-V trim, you can still enjoy some of the benefits of manual shifting with the following alternatives:

  • Sport Mode: Sport mode adjusts the transmission’s shift points to hold gears longer, providing a more aggressive driving experience.
  • Manual Mode: If your CR-V has a manual transmission, you can shift gears manually using the gear lever.

Takeaways: Empowering Drivers with Control

Honda CR-V’s paddle shifters provide drivers with enhanced control, improved performance, and a more engaging driving experience. Whether you’re navigating city streets or winding roads, paddle shifters empower you to optimize your vehicle’s performance and enjoy a dynamic driving experience.

Q: Which CR-V trims have paddle shifters?
A: Touring, EX-L, and Hybrid Touring trims offer paddle shifters.

Q: Can I retrofit paddle shifters to my CR-V?
A: Retrofitting paddle shifters may be possible, but it is not recommended unless you have extensive automotive experience.

Q: How do I use paddle shifters in the Hybrid CR-V?
A: Paddle shifters in the Hybrid CR-V control regenerative braking. Pulling the left paddle increases braking, while pulling the right paddle decreases braking.

Q: Do all CR-V trims have manual shifting options?
A: Only CR-Vs with paddle shifters or a manual transmission offer manual shifting options.

Q: What are the benefits of using paddle shifters?
A: Paddle shifters provide enhanced control, improved performance, and a more engaging driving experience.

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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