The latest Honda Civic is not offered with a diesel engine in most markets; buyers today choose between petrol and hybrid versions.
Honda has moved away from diesel options in the Civic for the current generation, prioritizing efficient petrol units and hybrid powertrains. This article explains the current engine choices and the historical context for diesel variants, with notes on regional availability and what to expect when shopping new or used Civics.
Current engine options
The following are the primary powertrain choices you’re likely to encounter in the current Civic lineup. A diesel option is not part of the modern generation in most regions.
- Petrol turbo — A 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine is common across many trims, delivering around 180 hp in most markets, with transmissions ranging from CVT to a manual on select variants.
- Hybrid (e:HEV) — The Civic Hybrid combines a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with electric motors for a combined output of about 184 hp, routed through an electronic CVT for smooth driving and enhanced efficiency.
Across regions, exact horsepower and transmission availability can vary by trim and market, but the current Civic generation does not include a diesel option.
Diesel history in the Civic
In previous generations, the Civic offered a diesel option in several European markets, notably the 1.6 i-DTEC. These diesel Civics were phased out as market demand and emissions standards evolved, leaving the latest generation with petrol and hybrid powertrains only.
For buyers considering used Civics, diesel variants may exist in older model years, but they are not part of the current lineup. Always verify the engine type and model year when shopping used cars.
Regional notes
Engine availability varies by country. In North America, the Civic has historically been petrol-focused with turbo options and a growing hybrid variant; diesel has not been offered in recent generations. In Europe, the shift away from diesel accelerated with the current generation, which emphasizes petrol and hybrid powertrains.
Overall, choosing between petrol and hybrid hinges on priorities like performance, efficiency, and driving style. The absence of a diesel option in the newest Civic simplifies the decision for most buyers who are seeking modern emissions-compliant powertrains.
Summary: The current Honda Civic lineup focuses on petrol and hybrid engines, with no diesel variant offered in the latest generation in most markets. Older Civics did have diesel options, but they are no longer produced in new cars.