A manual transmission is available in several Honda Civic variants, most notably the Civic Si and Civic Type R. In recent years, some markets have offered a 6-speed manual with the base 2.0-liter engine, but many Civics in the U.S. and other regions use the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine paired with a CVT.
The availability of a manual transmission depends on model year and region. This guide explains where a manual is still offered in today’s Civic lineup, how the options have evolved, and what buyers should know when shopping for a manual Civic.
Current manual options
Below is a snapshot of where a stick shift appears in the modern Civic lineup. Availability can vary by country, trim, and model year.
- Civic Si: 6-speed manual transmission. The Si is the dedicated performance variant and remains manual; no CVT option.
- Civic Type R: 6-speed manual transmission. This top-performance hatchback uses a manual gearbox and sits outside the regular Civic lineup as a performance-focused model.
- 11th-generation Civics with the 2.0-liter engine: In some markets and model years, a 6-speed manual is offered on select LX/Sport trims. In the United States, the turbocharged 1.5L engine in most trims is paired with a CVT, and manual availability is limited to the Si and Type R in practice.
For buyers in the United States and many markets, the most reliable way to get a modern Civic with a manual transmission today is to choose the Si or Type R. The standard Civic models that use the 1.5L turbo engine generally ship with a CVT.
Choosing between a manual and an automatic Civic
When evaluating a manual Civic against automatic versions, consider daily driving needs, fuel economy, resale value, and your preference for engaged driving. Manuals offer direct engagement and often lower upfront cost, but they can be less convenient in heavy traffic and may not hold value as well in some markets.
Historical context and how things have evolved
Across the Civic’s lineage, the availability of manuals has fluctuated. Earlier generations frequently offered manual transmissions on many trims, while the current generation focuses manual offerings on the Si and Type R. The non-Si Civics with the turbo engine are typically automatic in many markets, reflecting a broader industry shift toward automated transmissions for efficiency and performance tuning.
Summary
Yes, there is a manual Honda Civic. The most consistently available manual options today are the Civic Si and Civic Type R. In some markets and model years, select 2.0-liter Civics may offer a 6-speed manual on base trims, but in many regions the common 1.5L Turbo Civic is CVT-only. If a stick shift is essential, target the Si or Type R and confirm regional availability with a dealer.