The exact engine in a 2021 Honda Civic depends on trim and body style. Most Civics use either a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four or a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four, with the higher-performance Si (and Type R) using different tuning or bigger displacement.
Engine options by trim (US market, sedan and hatchback)
Use this as a quick guide to which engine is paired with each trim in the United States for the 2021 Civic lineup.
- 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four (approximately 158 horsepower, 138 lb-ft of torque) — commonly found in LX and certain base configurations; typically paired with a CVT, with limited or no manual transmission options on these trims.
- 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four (approximately 174 horsepower, 162 lb-ft of torque) — used in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims; normally paired with a CVT (no manual in these trims).
- Civic Si — 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four tuned for higher output (approximately 205 horsepower, 192 lb-ft) — paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
- Civic Type R — 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing about 306 horsepower — paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Bottom line: the engine you have depends on your specific trim. If you’re unsure, verify with the window sticker or VIN to confirm the exact powertrain for your car.
How to confirm which engine is in your car
Use these checks to identify the exact engine in your vehicle if you’re not sure from the trim badge or window sticker.
- Check the window sticker on the driver’s side door jamb or inside the fuel door for the engine specification and horsepower.
- Inspect the engine bay: the engine cover or nearby labeling often indicates engine size (2.0L or 1.5L turbo) and may include the engine code.
- Check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — you can decode it online or through a dealer to determine the engine and option codes.
- Refer to the owner’s manual or service records; they typically list the engine and any modifications that could affect the original configuration.
If you want, provide your trim level and body style (Civic sedan or hatchback) and whether you know if it’s a Si or Type R, and I can tell you precisely which engine your 2021 Civic has for your specific car.
Summary
The 2021 Honda Civic offered two main engines in the US: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four for base LX and certain trims, and a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four for EX, EX-L, and Touring. The Si uses the 1.5L turbo tuned for higher performance, while the Civic Type R uses a larger 2.0-liter turbo. Confirm your exact engine by checking the window sticker, VIN, or under-hood labeling.
Notes for readers: Engine configurations can vary by region and body style. The information above reflects typical 2021 US market configurations. If you’re outside the US or have a rare regional specification, engine details may differ.