The 2016 Honda Civic EX in the United States does use a turbocharged engine.
With the 2016 redesign, Honda introduced a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine across the Civic lineup. In the US market, the EX trim is among the models that use this turbocharged powerplant, delivering more horsepower and torque than the base 2.0-liter engine. The EX typically paired the turbo engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the manual option is not offered on the EX. Other trims—such as EX-L and Touring—also use the same turbo 1.5L setup, while the Si uses a different tuning of the turbo for higher performance.
Engine and turbo details
Key technical details of the 1.5-liter turbo engine used in the 2016 Civic EX are described below.
- Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 with direct injection
- Power: 174 horsepower at 5,700 rpm
- Torque: 162 lb-ft from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm
- Transmission: Primarily paired with a CVT in the U.S.; a 6-speed manual is not offered on the EX (the manual is available on the Civic Si, not on EX)
- Fuel economy (CVT): EPA estimates around 31 mpg city / 42 mpg highway
- Availability: In the U.S., the turbo 1.5L is used in the EX, EX-L, and Touring trims; the LX uses the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine
In summary, the 2016 Civic EX does feature a turbocharged engine, which provides a noticeable boost in power and efficiency compared with the base model’s non-turbo 2.0-liter engine.
Transmission options and driving dynamics
The turbo engine in the 2016 Civic EX is typically paired with Honda’s CVT in the United States, prioritizing smooth acceleration and fuel efficiency over a traditional manual gear feel. A traditional 6-speed manual is not offered on the EX; if you want a manual with the turbo engine, you would look at other trims or the Civic Si, which uses a different turbo-tuned setup and a manual transmission.
Market variations
While the US-spec EX uses the 1.5L turbo, engine availability and tuning can vary by market. Some regions may offer different trim alignments or engine calibrations, and the Civic Si is a separate performance model with its own turbo configuration and transmission options. Always verify the exact specifications for the model year and country when shopping outside the US.
How to verify a specific car
When shopping or evaluating a used 2016 Civic EX, check the following to confirm turbocharged power and configuration:
- Check the engine badge and VIN details for the 1.5L turbo designation
- Look for documentation showing the EX trim with the turbo engine (not the base LX that uses the 2.0L)
- Inspect the transmission: CVT is typical for EX in the US; note that a manual is unlikely on EX
- Review EPA fuel economy ratings listed by Honda for the specific model and configuration
Verifying these details helps ensure you’re getting the turbocharged EX you’re seeking rather than a non-turbo variant.
Summary
The 2016 Honda Civic EX in the United States is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, delivering stronger performance than the non-turbo 2.0-liter base engine. It is typically paired with a CVT, and a manual transmission is not offered on the EX. This turbo engine also appears in higher trims like the EX-L and Touring, while the Civic Si uses a separate performance-tuned setup. If you’re evaluating a 2016 Civic EX, confirm the engine designation and transmission to ensure the turbo configuration you want. Overall, the EX provides a notable boost in power and efficiency thanks to the turbocharged engine.