The majority of Honda Civics sold with an automatic transmission use a CVT, but not all Civics are automatic. In the current lineup, only the manual-transmission variants—Civic Si and Civic Type R—ditch the CVT in favor of a traditional 6‑speed manual.
Overview: CVT in the modern Civic lineup
CVT stands for continuously variable transmission. It uses a belt-and-pulley system to provide a seamless range of gear ratios, which often improves fuel economy and smooths acceleration compared with traditional stepped automatics. Honda has deployed its Earth Dreams CVT across most Civic automatic models in recent years, pairing it with both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. However, sport-focused variants intentionally use a manual transmission for a more engaging driving experience.
The following list identifies which trims in the current Civic lineup use a CVT versus a manual transmission.
- CVT-equipped Civics (automatic) in today’s lineup: Civic LX, Civic Sport, Civic EX, Civic EX-L, and Civic Touring. These trims use Honda’s CVT with either a 2.0L naturally aspirated or a 1.5L turbo engine, depending on the model year and market.
- Manual-transmission Civics: Civic Si and Civic Type R. These performance variants use a traditional 6-speed manual gearbox and do not offer a CVT.
In short, if you’re shopping for a new Civic with an automatic transmission, expect a CVT on the current trims. If you want a manual, your options are the Civic Si or Civic Type R.
Why the distinction matters
The choice between a CVT and a manual affects driving feel, fuel economy, maintenance expectations, and performance character. CVTs tend to deliver smoother launches and better efficiency, while manuals offer direct engine-to-wheel engagement and the ability to control gear selection more precisely, which is why Honda reserves the manual option for its sportier Civic models.
What to expect by model year and generation
Across the latest generation (the 11th generation, introduced for 2022), the automatic Civics use a CVT, with Si and Type R reserved for manual transmissions. Older generations varied by market and trim, but the trend in recent years has been to standardize CVTs on automatic Civics while keeping manual transmissions for the high-performance variants.
For buyers focusing on transmission type, the key takeaway is: CVT for automatic Civics (LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, Touring); 6-speed manual for Si and Type R.
Summary
Today’s Honda Civic lineup predominantly uses a CVT for its automatic transmissions, delivering smooth operation and better fuel economy. If you prefer a traditional manual gearbox, you’ll find it only on the Civic Si and Civic Type R. As always, check the specific model year and trim in your region to confirm the exact transmission option.