Yes—the 2025 Honda Civic Sport uses a CVT (continuously variable transmission) paired with the 1.5-liter turbo engine. The Sport trim does not offer a manual transmission; a manual option remains available on the Civic Si and the Civic Type R for drivers who want a traditional shift.
The following explains how the transmission setup affects the Civic Sport, how it fits within Honda’s lineup, and what buyers should expect in terms of performance and driving feel.
Transmission setup for the 2025 Civic Sport
Key facts about the Sport’s drivetrain configuration are summarized here.
- Transmission type: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 paired with the Sport trim
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
- Fuel economy and smoothness: CVT emphasizes efficient, steady acceleration and can aid overall fuel efficiency
The CVT in the Civic Sport is designed to deliver seamless power delivery with selectable drive modes that can simulate stepped shifting in some conditions, though it does not provide a traditional 6-speed manual feel. This setup prioritizes ease of use and efficiency for everyday driving.
Notes on alternative Civic trims
Within the Civic lineup, not all trims share the same transmission. The performance-oriented variants retain manual transmissions, while the sportier or mainline trims largely rely on CVTs.
- Civic Si: 6-speed manual transmission only
- Civic Type R: 6-speed manual transmission only
For buyers who prioritize driver engagement and a tactile shift, the Si and Type R remain the manual-only options, whereas the Sport focuses on a smooth, economical driving experience with its CVT.
Driving experience and real-world impact
In practice, the CVT in the 2025 Civic Sport offers effortless, refined acceleration and improved fuel economy, especially in city driving. Some drivers perceive a lack of the traditional “step” feel found in automatic transmissions, but Honda implements sport modes and steering dynamics to preserve a responsive character without the complexity of a manual gearbox.
Summary
The 2025 Honda Civic Sport is equipped with a CVT paired to the 1.5L turbo engine, with no manual option on the Sport trim. If you want a manual transmission from Honda, you’d look to the Civic Si or Civic Type R. The CVT in the Sport balances practicality and efficiency, while the Si and Type R cater to enthusiasts who prefer a traditional 6-speed manual experience.