Honda HCF-2, short for Honda Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid Second Generation, is the fluid Honda specifies for vehicles equipped with its second-generation CVT. It is engineered to deliver the exact pressure protection, wear resistance, and friction characteristics that Honda’s CVT design requires. Honda HCF-2 is required for Honda and Acura second-generation CVTs found in the Accord (2013-2026), Civic (2014-2026), CR-V (2015-2026), HR-V (2016-2027), Fit (2015-2020), Insight (2019-2022), and 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec, and is not interchangeable with older or newer Honda CVT fluid formulations.
Honda HCF-2 CVT Transmission Fluid
If your vehicle has a traditional automatic transmission rather than a CVT, you will need a different fluid. See our guide on Honda ATF DW1 equivalents for compatible options.
Honda HCF-2 Alternatives
Idemitsu CVTF Type H2
Idemitsu HCF-2 CVT Transmission Fluid
Idemitsu CVTF Type H2 is the OEM-equivalent for Honda HCF-2. Quick Specs
- Color: Light brown
- Density @ 15°C: 0.85 g/cm³
- Kinematic viscosity @ 100°C: 7.07 cSt
- Kinematic viscosity @ 40°C: 29.2 cSt
- Cold viscosity @ -40°C: 8,800 mPa.s
Engineered specifically for Honda’s second-generation CVT, it meets the anti-shudder and friction requirements that generic multi-vehicle fluids often miss. It also resists thermal breakdown, which extends fluid life and protects the belt and pulley system from wear and deposit buildup. This is the go-to choice for Honda owners who want OEM confidence without the dealership markup. Long-term users report no issues with shuddering or slipping, which are the common symptoms of using the wrong fluid. Also compatible with:
- Honda HCF-2 applications across Accord, Civic, CR-V, HR-V, Fit, and Insight
- 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec CVT
Valvoline CVT Full Synthetic
Valvoline Full Synthetic CVT Fluid
Valvoline CVT Full Synthetic is an aftermarket-compatible fluid for Honda HCF-2 and a wide range of other CVT specifications. Quick Specs
- Color: Clear
- Density @ 25°C: 0.8436 g/cm³
- Kinematic viscosity @ 40°C: 33.9 cSt
- Flash point: above 104°C (219°F)
Valvoline uses shear-stable viscosity modifiers and long-life friction additives to maintain protection over time. Owners report smoother acceleration and eliminated shuddering after switching, including on high-mileage vehicles. Shop owners note that regular fluid changes with Valvoline can significantly extend CVT life. This suits owners who want a reliable, cost-effective alternative to dealership fluid and may own multiple vehicles across different makes. Also compatible with:
- Honda HCF-2
- Nissan NS-2 and NS-3
- Mitsubishi J1 and J4
- Most Asian, domestic, and European CVT applications
Castrol Transmax ATF/CVT Universal
Castrol Transmax ATF/CVT Fluid
Castrol Transmax ATF/CVT Universal is an aftermarket option for Honda HCF-2 and one of the few fluids designed to work in both conventional automatic transmissions and CVTs. Quick Specs
- Color: Red
- Density @ 15°C: 0.849 g/ml
- Kinematic viscosity @ 100°C: 7.1 cSt
- Kinematic viscosity @ 40°C: 34.2 cSt
- Viscosity index: 179
- Cold viscosity @ -40°C: 9,200 mPa.s
- Pour point: -51°C
- Flash point: 214°C
Castrol Transmax ATF/CVT Universal holds up well at high temperatures and resists oxidation. Users report smooth shifting and long-term reliability, with one owner logging six years of use without issues. However, some enthusiasts question whether a single fluid can truly optimize for both transmission types. It is listed as “suitable for use” for HCF-2, not OEM approved, which could be a factor if your vehicle is under warranty. Note: Do not use in 2001 to 2007 Honda Fit or Jazz models with a starting clutch. Also compatible with:
- Honda HCF-2
- Nissan NS-1, NS-2, NS-3
- Toyota TC and FE
- Mitsubishi J1 and J4
- Dexron VI, Ford Mercon LV, Mercon V
ENEOS ECO CVT Fluid
ENEOS ECO Synthetic CVT Fluid
ENEOS ECO CVT Fluid is an aftermarket-compatible fluid for a broad range of other Asian vehicle CVT specifications. Quick Specs
- Color: Blue
- Fluid type: Fully synthetic
- Low-temperature performance: Tested viable at -50°C
- Noise reduction: Up to 5% compared to conventional CVT fluids
Built for both belt and chain-driven CVTs, it handles high-temperature conditions well and is designed to support fuel efficiency. It is not compatible with toroidal or dry-type CVTs. One thing to consider: ENEOS also makes model-specific fluids, such as Import CVT Model H for Honda. Also compatible with:
- Honda Genuine CVTF and HCF-2
- Toyota CVTF TC and FE (excluding Hybrid CVT)
- Nissan NS-1, NS-2, NS-3 (excluding Extroid CVT)
- Subaru Lineartronic I and II, Certified CVTF-II, i-CVT
- Mitsubishi CVTF J1, J4, J4+
- Mazda CVTF 3320 (JWS 3320)
Lucas Synthetic Multi-Vehicle CVT Fluid
Lucas Synthetic Multi-Vehicle CVT Transmission Fluid
Lucas Synthetic Multi-Vehicle CVT Fluid is an aftermarket alternative for Honda HCF-2 and several other CVT specifications. It is fully synthetic and built to resist shear thinning better than most multi-vehicle CVT fluids. Quick Specs
- Color: Amber
- Specific gravity @ 60°F: 0.849
- Kinematic viscosity @ 100°C: 7.0 cSt
- Cold viscosity @ -40°C: 9,558 cPs
Lucas Synthetic Multi-Vehicle CVT Fluid handles thermal stress well and resists sludge and varnish buildup. A Subaru Forester XT owner logged roughly 50,000 miles on Lucas CVT fluid with no issues on a transmission with over 167,000 miles total. Also compatible with:
- Honda HCF-2
- Nissan NS-1, NS-2, NS-3
- Toyota TC and FE
- Subaru Lineartronic II and High Torque CVT
- Mitsubishi J1 and J4
OEM Specifications for Honda HCF-2
The Honda part number for HCF-2 is 08200-HCF2. Honda does not publish a full chemical breakdown, but Idemitsu, one of Honda’s fluid manufacturers, provides physical data for its Type H2 equivalent, which is formulated to meet HCF-2 requirements. It has a density of 0.85 g/cm³ at 15°C and a kinematic viscosity of 7.07 cSt at 100°C. The fluid has a high viscosity index, meaning it holds its performance across a wide temperature range. The fluid appears light brown in color. This is worth knowing because some owners mistake color alone as a sign of degradation.
Honda Models That Require HCF-2
HCF-2 is for Honda vehicles equipped with second-generation CVTs. The following models and years typically require it:
- Accord: Sedans from 2013 to 2026; Coupes from 2013 to 2017
- Civic: Sedans from 2014 to 2026; Hatchbacks from 2017 to 2026; Coupes from 2014 to 2020. For a full fluid service on these models, also check the Honda Civic oil capacity and type.
- CR-V: All CVT-equipped models from 2015 to 2026. For a complete fluid service, also check the Honda CR-V oil type and capacity.
- HR-V: All models from 2016 to 2027
- Fit: Models from 2015 to 2020. Note that 2001 to 2007 Fit and Jazz models with a starting clutch are not compatible with certain multi-vehicle fluids, including some listed as HCF-2 suitable.
Always confirm the correct fluid for your specific model year in your owner’s manual before purchasing.
Closing Notes
If your vehicle is still under warranty, use genuine Honda HCF-2. It eliminates any question of warranty compliance and removes the risk of a service claim being denied due to fluid choice. If your vehicle is out of warranty and cost or performance are your priorities, aftermarket options are reasonable. Idemitsu Type H2 is the closest match to the factory fill. Amsoil Synthetic CVT Fluid has a following among car owners who report smoother operation and better heat handling, though those claims come from user experience rather than official testing. One important note: if you are switching from one fluid brand to another, do not mix them. Drain the transmission fully and refill with the new fluid. Mixing different CVT fluids can compromise the performance of whichever fluid you are switching to.
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