In the current generation, the Honda Civic Sport is paired with a CVT in most markets, and a manual transmission is not offered. If you want a manual, you would look to the Civic Si or higher-performance variants.
This article explains how transmission options are allocated for the Civic Sport today, how they vary by generation and region, and what alternatives exist if a manual is essential.
Current generation reality (11th generation, 2022–present)
For the 11th generation Civics, sold from roughly 2022 onward in the United States and many other markets, the Sport trim uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with a CVT. Honda has not offered a manual transmission on the Civic Sport in these markets. The only Civic variants with a traditional manual gearbox in this generation are the Civic Si (6-speed manual) and the Civic Type R (6-speed manual in most markets).
What this means for Sport by region
Before shopping, it helps to know how the Sport transmission is typically configured in the major markets.
- United States and Canada: Civic Sport is equipped with a CVT when paired with the 1.5L turbo engine; no manual option is available.
- Other major markets (subject to local specifications): The Sport trim generally uses a CVT as its standard transmission; manual variants on Sport are not commonly offered in the current generation. Always check local dealer specs for any regional deviations.
In short, for the current generation, the Sport badge does not come with a manual transmission in the majority of markets; manual options are limited to other Civics in the lineup.
Manual-focused alternatives within the Civic lineup
If a manual gearbox is a hard requirement, consider these Civic models that offer a manual transmission today.
- Civic Si: 6-speed manual with the 1.5L turbo engine remains the Enthusiast option in the current generation in most markets.
- Civic Type R: 6-speed manual with a more aggressive drivetrain setup, available in select markets.
Bottom line: a manual transmission is not offered with the Civic Sport in the current generation; for a stick shift, the Si or Type R are the relevant choices.
Historical context and regional differences
Past Sport variants with manuals
Across previous Civic generations, the badge “Sport” has been used differently in various markets, and on some older models there were configurations that included a manual gearbox. Those arrangements were not universal and are not part of the current lineup in most regions today. If you are looking at a used Civic Sport from an earlier generation, verify the exact year and market specifications to confirm the available transmissions.
Contextual takeaway: while earlier generations could feature a manual on some Sport trims in certain markets, the present 11th generation Sport is predominantly CVT-equipped in the markets where it is sold today.
Summary
The concise answer today is that Honda Civic Sport is typically CVT-only in the current generation for most major markets, including the United States. If a manual transmission is important, shoppers should aim for the Civic Si or Civic Type R, which retain the manual gearbox across markets. Always verify the exact specifications with a local dealer, as regional variations can occur in older or niche markets.
Why avoid CVT transmission?
They have no feeling of connection between the accelerator and the engine during acceleration. There are limits on the engines that can work with a CVT in terms of power and size. They don't last as long as a conventional transmission. CVTs are harder to work on.
Is the Honda Civic Sport a CVT transmission?
The Civic Sport Hatchback comes with an advanced continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Honda CVTs provide an outstanding driving experience along with superb fuel efficiency. The CVT allows the engine to always operate at the optimum rpm level, enabling maximum efficiency under all driving conditions.
What years of civics have a CVT?
Honda's journey with CVT technology began with the 1996 Civic HX and has evolved into an integral part of their lineup, including the beloved Honda Pilot. This evolution has seen the CVT adapt to offer higher engine speeds during spirited driving, ensuring that performance is never compromised for efficiency.
What Honda Civic has no CVT?
Honda: The Civic Type R, Honda Fit (with the manual option), Honda Passport, Pilot, Ridgeline and the Odyssey are not equipped with CVTs.