In short, you can adjust the Civic’s displays by configuring the instrument cluster (driver information display), the center touchscreen infotainment screen, and related brightness and theme settings. Access these features with the steering wheel controls, the dash dimmer, and the Settings menu on the infotainment system.
Understanding where to adjust each display helps you tailor what you see while driving—from trip data and gauges to navigation graphics and color themes. The exact steps can vary by model year and trim, but the general approach remains consistent across recent Civics, including the latest digital driver displays and upgraded touchscreens.
Instrument cluster and driver information display
The instrument cluster and its driver information display show essential data such as speed, fuel economy, range, and trip information. You can switch views, adjust brightness, and, on some trims, influence the look of the gauges with drive-mode changes.
Use the following steps to adjust the instrument cluster and the information shown there:
- Navigate the driver information interface with the steering wheel’s DISP/MENU button to cycle through screens (Trip A/B, fuel economy, range, etc.).
- Use the arrow pad or OK/Enter button to select which data you want displayed on the main screen.
- Turn the instrument panel dimmer/brightness control (often located near the gauge cluster or the headlight switch) to set the brightness, including an Auto option if available.
- If your Civic has a Drive Mode switch (Eco, Normal, Sport), use it to subtly change the gauge color schemes and layout while driving.
These steps let you optimize readability and drive-data at a glance, whether you prefer a simple readout or detailed trip analytics.
Infotainment display and center touchscreen
The central touchscreen handles navigation, audio, smartphone integration, and other vehicle settings. You can adjust brightness, enable night mode, and change the screen theme or home screen layout depending on the trim and software version.
Follow these steps to tailor the infotainment display:
- From the Home screen, tap Settings, then Display to adjust touchscreen brightness; select Auto brightness if offered by your model.
- Within Settings, choose Theme or Display to switch between Light and Dark modes, and pick any available color accents or wallpaper options.
- Use the Home screen options (where supported) to rearrange or pin favorite apps, such as Navigation, Phone, or Audio, for quicker access.
- Enable Night Mode or Auto Night Mode in the Display settings so the screen automatically shifts to a more comfortable brightness and contrast at night.
Note: Menu paths and available options can vary by year and trim, and some displays may use different terminology or reorganized menus after software updates. If you don’t see a specific option, consult the on-screen prompts or the owner’s manual for your exact model.
Model-specific notes
11th generation Civic (2022–present)
Newer Civics place a stronger emphasis on digital instrumentation and a larger, more configurable driver information display. The digital instrument cluster often works in concert with a high-resolution touchscreen. Access to brightness, night mode, and theme options is typically found under Settings > Display on the infotainment system, with quick controls on the steering wheel for cycling through screens. Drive modes can influence the cluster visuals in some trims.
10th generation and earlier Civics (2016–2021)
Older Civics generally feature analog gauges with a smaller digital information panel and a separate infotainment screen. You’ll still use the DISP/MENU controls to cycle trip data and set the brightness with a dimmer control near the dash. Infotainment brightness and theme options exist, but the menu structure may be simpler or differ by model year and software version.
Summary
Changing your Civic’s display involves three main areas: the instrument cluster/driver information display, the center infotainment touchscreen, and the system-wide brightness and theme settings. Use the steering wheel controls to cycle through instrument screens, adjust the dash brightness with the dimmer, and tailor the infotainment display through Settings > Display (or equivalent on your year and trim). Night mode and drive modes can further customize the look and readability of the screens. If you encounter differences across model years, consult your owner’s manual or Honda support for the exact navigation path for your Civic’s software version.