For the 2013 model year, CVT transmissions were not used on the gas-powered Civics. The only 2013 Civic with a CVT-like setup is the Civic Hybrid, which uses an electronic CVT (e-CVT) as part of its hybrid system. The high-performance Civic Si remains manual-only. Here is a detailed look at how transmissions were allocated across the 2013 Civic lineup.
Transmission options across the 2013 Civic lineup
The 2013 Civic lineup offered traditional automatics and manuals for gasoline models, with the hybrid adopting Honda’s e-CVT. The Si model is known for its manual transmission, while the hybrid uses an e-CVT rather than a conventional CVT.
- Gasoline Civics (LX, EX, EX-L) were offered with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. Honda did not offer a traditional CVT on these gas-powered models in 2013.
- The performance-oriented Civic Si was equipped exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.
In short, if you are evaluating a 2013 Civic by transmission type, expect manual or traditional automatic on most gas models, and a manual-only Si; the CVT appears only in the Civic Hybrid, described below.
Civic Hybrid: the lone CVT in the 2013 lineup
The 2013 Civic Hybrid combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and uses Honda's electronic continuously variable-transmission system rather than a conventional belt-driven CVT. This eCVT is designed to optimize efficiency by smoothly varying gear ratios without fixed steps.
- The hybrid uses an eCVT (electronic CVT) paired with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, rather than a traditional belt-driven CVT found in many other cars.
- There is no fixed-gear automatic in the hybrid; instead, the eCVT continuously adjusts to optimize fuel economy and smoothness.
Conclusion for the hybrid: If you specifically need CVT-style operation in a 2013 Civic, the Hybrid is the model that uses an electronic CVT. Gas-powered Civics do not.
Why this distinction matters for buyers
Understanding the transmission type matters for maintenance, driving feel, and fuel efficiency expectations. The eCVT in the hybrid behaves differently from a traditional automatic, and the Si requires a manual stick shift for enthusiasts.
Summary
For the 2013 Honda Civic, CVT transmissions are not used on gasoline models. The standard gas Civics (LX, EX, EX-L) offer 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions, while the high-performance Civic Si uses a 6-speed manual. The Civic Hybrid is equipped with Honda's e-CVT, which provides a CVT-like operation tailored to hybrid efficiency. If you’re shopping for a 2013 Civic and want CVT operation, the Hybrid is your only option; otherwise, expect traditional fixed-gear automatics or manual transmissions.