Yes. In the current Honda Civic lineup sold in North America, the Sport trim is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) when paired with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, and there is no manual option for the Sport. The more performance-oriented Civic Si remains available only with a manual.
What "Civic Sport" means in today’s lineup
The term "Sport" refers to a mid-range trim that sits between the base and higher-end models, offering a sportier look and features without venturing into high-performance territory. In the latest generation, Sport focuses on efficient, everyday driving with a turbocharged engine paired to a CVT automatic transmission.
Current generation specifics (North America)
Understanding how the transmission is paired across trims helps explain what buyers should expect. For the current Civic, the Sport is designed around ease of use and efficiency, rather than a manual driving experience.
The following points summarize the main transmission options in the current Civic lineup:
- Sport trim uses a CVT with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (no manual option on this trim).
- The Civic Si is the performance variant and uses a 6-speed manual transmission.
- The Civic Type R also uses a 6-speed manual transmission.
For buyers who want a manual transmission, the Si (and the Type R in the broader Civic lineup) are the models to consider. The Sport, by contrast, prioritizes smooth operation and efficiency with its CVT.
Why Honda chose CVT for the Civic Sport
Honda designed the Sport’s 1.5-liter turbo engine to pair with a CVT to optimize fuel economy and provide effortless, seamless acceleration for daily driving, while keeping the more engaging manual option reserved for the Si and Type R models.
Market and variant considerations
Transmission availability can vary by region, body style, and model year. While the North American Civic Sport is CVT-equipped, other markets or future updates may have different configurations. Always verify the exact specs for your specific year and location.
How this affects buyers: the CVT in the Civic Sport offers smooth transitions and efficiency, but it means there is no manual gearbox on this trim. If a manual transmission is a must-have, consider the Si (or other performance variants) where a manual is offered.
Summary: The current Civic Sport is paired with a CVT in North America, with manual transmissions reserved for the Si and Type R variants. Confirm the exact specification for your year and market when shopping.