The Honda Civic EX is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine in its current generation, delivering about 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Across its history, the EX badge has been applied to different engines depending on the generation, so the exact setup varies by year.
Current-generation engine (11th generation, 2022–present)
The latest Civic EX relies on Honda’s turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, paired with a CVT for most configurations. Here are the core specifications you’re likely to encounter in U.S.-market Civics.
- Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 (L15B7)
- Valvetrain: DOHC with i-VTEC and direct injection
- Displacement: approximately 1,498 cc (about 1.5 L)
- Power: around 180 horsepower (varies by year; commonly 180 hp in the U.S.)
- Torque: around 177 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT (continuously variable transmission) on EX
In short, the current Civic EX uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine designed to balance strong performance with efficiency, paired with a CVT for everyday driving sophistication.
Historical engines by generation
9th generation Civic EX (2012–2015)
During the 9th generation, the Civic EX used a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, the R18Z1 i-VTEC, delivering more modest output and different efficiency characteristics than later turbocharged variants.
- Engine: 1.8-liter inline-4
- Power: approximately 142 horsepower
- Torque: approximately 128 lb-ft
That generation diverged from turbocharging, focusing on reliability and efficiency with the 1.8L engine, before Honda shifted the EX line toward turbocharged power in the next generation.
10th generation Civic EX (2016–2021)
In the 10th generation, Honda introduced the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine across higher trims, including the EX. This marked a shift toward stronger performance and improved efficiency compared with the 1.8L it superseded.
- Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
- Power: around 174 horsepower
- Torque: around 162 lb-ft
This era set the stage for the current configuration that carries into the 11th generation, with the 1.5L turbo becoming a mainstay for EX and other higher trims.
11th generation Civic EX (2022–present)
As of the current generation, the EX continues to use a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4, with power and torque figures commonly cited around 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft in the U.S., paired with a CVT for most models.
- Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
- Power: approximately 180 horsepower
- Torque: approximately 177 lb-ft
Overall, Honda’s EX line has evolved from a naturally aspirated 1.8L engine in earlier years to a modern 1.5L turbocharged powerplant, reflecting a broader industry shift toward turbocharged efficiency in compact cars.
Summary
The Honda Civic EX’s engine has evolved with the model line. Today, it is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 delivering roughly 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, typically mated to a CVT. Earlier EX models used a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine (9th generation) and, in the 10th generation, the same 1.5-liter turbo found in later Civics, marking a shift toward turbocharged performance that continues in the current generation.