Manual transmission is available only on the Civic Si and the Civic Type R; the rest of the lineup uses a CVT.
Current transmission options for the Civic lineup
Before listing the main variants, here is a quick breakdown of what most buyers will encounter in the United States and similar markets today.
- Civic LX, Sport, EX, Touring — CVT (continuously variable transmission) is standard; a manual transmission is not offered.
For the everyday commuter, the standard Civics rely on a smooth CVT, while enthusiasts who want a hands-on driving experience will look to the performance-focused models described below.
Manual transmissions in the high-performance Civics
If a stick shift is a priority, Honda reserves it for two high-performance variants that emphasize driver engagement.
- Civic Si — 6-speed manual
- Civic Type R — 6-speed manual
Bottom line: for most Civics you’ll see on lots and dealers, the transmission is CVT; a true manual is available in these sport-oriented variants only.
Global perspective
Transmission availability can vary by country and generation. In some regions, older or different trims may have offered a manual option in the past, but in the current lineup the standard Civics are CVT, with stick-shift only on the Si and Type R. Always check local dealer specifications to confirm what’s offered in your market.
How to identify a Civic with a manual transmission
- Clutch pedal presence: a manual will have a clutch pedal in the footwell; an automatic/CVT will not.
- Gear shifter: a traditional H-pattern stick with a visible shift gate indicates a manual; CVT-equipped cars typically have a simple, non-gated lever or a gated-looking shifter with a "P/R/N/D" display for the electronic selector.
- Door jam and window sticker: the window sticker will list “Transmission: Manual” for Si or Type R variants, or “Transmission: CVT” for mainstream Civics.
- Model designation: if the badge includes Si or Type R, it is almost certainly equipped with a manual in the current generation.
If you don’t see a manual option on the sticker or the shifter, you’re likely examining a standard Civic with CVT.
Summary
For most buyers, the Honda Civic you see on dealer lots today uses a CVT or automatic transmission. A stick shift is not offered on the standard LX, Sport, EX, or Touring trims. If you want a manual, your choices are limited to the Civic Si and the Civic Type R, both of which use a 6-speed manual gearbox. As always, check local specifications, since availability can vary by market and model year.