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I recently purchased a 2014 Civic LX. It is my first CVT.

I'm trying to understand the benefits of what I'm assuming is engine braking. When coasting at a slow enough speed ( < 35 MPH) the RPMs will jump up to 1200 causing a noticeable breaking or dragging feeling. If I step on the gas, or if the car slows down enough, everything returns to normal. It happens when going uphill or downhill, in econ mode and not, and with the AC on or off. It is particularly noticeable when driving in the city with a lot of stops. The transition in and out of this state when coasting / braking / accelerating all around 10 - 30 MPH can feel *almost* like the car is jerking or going over some cobble stones.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is it normal? If so, what is the benefit?

Thanks!

 
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Have you ever driven a manual transmission vehicle or downshifted an automatic out of Drive? Your engine and transmission are doing the braking by using the different gearing instead of you applying the brakes to stop. The benefit is that it's more fun (when you're in control of it, at least) and you can save some wear on your brake system.

 
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It's normal.
Compare to another 2014 Civic if you need to.

It's Hondas "grade logic" which makes the trans downshift to help slow you during deceleration. In the case of a CVT, it changes 'ranges' to accomplish the task.
It's an odd feeling until you get used to it IMO.


From Hondas website, (I just happened to get the Accord page on the google search but the CVT is the same design- just bigger):

Grade Logic Control
The Grade Logic Control system differs from other computer-controlled shift programming because it can detect driving situations and then set appropriate shift points for the car. It helps your Accord avoid gear hunting on climbs and descents, and it downshifts for added engine braking when needed.



HTH

 
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also adding to this is when the engine brakes for you it is using the friction of the engine and the momentum of the car together so the engine, under certain conditions, actually uses less fuel during the braking than it would just idling.

If I remember correctly.